Permission problems when transferring files from XP profile folder to Vista

Question

I had two desktops, one XP and another Vista. The XP machine started to freeze frequently and eventually refused to boot. Repairing it didn't work so I decided to transfer the files from the hard disk I needed and then reinstall XP afterwards. I connected the disk to the Vista machine to transfer the file (most are in the profile folders).

Every time I try to access the profile folders on the old disk, Vista is telling me I don't have permission to access it. The security tab lists some Unknown Users having full control for these folder. I am unable to change the permission for those folders.

I am doing this as an administrator on the Vista machine. All I want to do is copy the files from the XP profile folders on the old disk to the Vista PC. Can you help please?

Thanks

Answer 1

I had this same problem but with windows 7, from what I understand this fix will work for Vista as well. Open up an elevated command prompt (right click CMD>run as administrator) type in "net user administrator /active:yes". Log out and use this administrator account to take ownership and assign your user account full control permissions.

Answer 2

Have you tried to change the owner of the folder instead of just adding your account to the security list? If you right click the dir, go to properties, look at the security tab and then hit the advanced button there should be an owner tab. Any accounts listed there are likely local accounts from your XP box. Try adding your Vista account to that list and make sure you check the box that says apply to subcontainers and folders then see if you are able to access the folder after it gets done setting the new permissions.

Answer 3

If the XP computer still boots, install the disk on it again and try the following:

1. Create a folder in the root the disk (for example C:\profiles). Check that All users has at least read permissions on that folder.
2. Copy (don't move) the profiles to that folder. By default, when you copy files they will use the permissions of the destination folder, but when you move them they retain the original permissions.
3. Reinstall the disk in the Vista machine and cross your fingers.