How Can I Get Back My Old Info - Win XP

[WayneLigon]

OK, my problem was (fingers crossed) the SATA cable. Unfortunately I had already started trying to reload XP. Now XP has created a new user under Documents and Settings. I know enough to get the Favorites folder over, but what about all the other programs I have on here. Now I can't run much of anything and I have no idea what to do. Can I just copy stuff from that old user to the new user? I don't want to screw things up any more than they are.

 

[Hand of Evil]

These may not be the answers you are looking for.

You have options, in the control panel you can go to user accounts and change the type of account (you need to be on an account that allows this: Computer Admin) changing the level will give access to those aplications.

Another way is change folder properties (again as Admin) you can right click a folder and then sharing. XP makes this easy in the My Document folder with a 'shared document' folder already setup, you can copy stuff into that folder and it is shared with other users.

 

[RuminDange]

If the other profile wasn't messed up you should be able to sign back on using your old account and have access to the everything as before.
Or you can right-click on My Computer and go to the Advanced Tab and select User Profiles, and if the old profile shows up you should be able to copy it to a new profile or if you log on with the Administrator account you can copy it to the new profile. This should also restore you applications. At least on a good day

Otherwise if the old profile was messed up or you can't sign on it or copy it as above, I would really recommend backing your data files up, wiping the hard drive and starting completely from a clean slate. This would result in the least problems in the long run, as any unstablity will likely return with the over the top repair/reinstall.

Either way, good luck.

RD