recovering files from passworded profile

[Shard92]

I have a machine that is crashed, the customer wants their data off but the profile is passworded...The computer will not boot so I put the hard drive in another system but how do I take possession of those files so I can access them? Seems to me I've done it, or seen it done before I just dont' remember where/how....

[merlinsghost]

First thing I'd do is check to make sure the Windows account you're logged in with has permission to take control of files and folders. I believe it is a specific permission you have to grant in cases like this.

[3fingersalute]

right-click the folder or drive you want to take ownership of, choose "Properties" then go to the Security tab and select advanced. As long as you have local admin on your machine, you should be golden.

[slgrieb]

Even if you don't have normal access to an administrative account, you may be able to boot into safe mode and access the Administrator account without a password. Surprising how often this hole isn't plugged.

[Shard92]

no the computer would not boot period. I pulled the harddrive and put in another machine. even when it told me i had ownership and full control I still couldn't access it so I forced it to take ownership and then use the little checkbox to replace all permissions on child objects....

[slgrieb]

Oh, oops! Braindead day here I guess!

[Shard92]

Oh, oops! Braindead day here I guess!

No problem..... it wasn't quite as straitforward as it should have been either...

[The_Silent_One_1]

In the properties of the Folder for the Profile:

- Select Security Tab
- Select Advanced
- Owner Tab
- Select Your User
- Select Replace Owner on Subcontainers or Objects

This should work, but have had to fiddle with it on occasion. (ie. repeat "Replace Owner" process as I work down the tree.