i reinstalled windows xp and in the process removed the log on names from before, i cant get to the folder with the files from my documents in it. i know the files arent deleted because my hard drive still has the same amount of space taken up. when i click on the name in the documents and settings folder, it says access is denied. help anyone?

Hi there Lives To Skate , welcome to PCHF.

It depends abit if you have XP home or pro , but have a look in this thread and you should have access to those files in no time.

http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-x...file+ownership

i tried what worked for him, but i'm using xp home edition so it didnt work for me

Ok, then follow this: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_home_sectab.htm to get the Security Tab to show in Windows XP Home. Then follow the rest of the procedure as per the link above.

thanks a lot, i got it. didnt realize i had to be an administator in safe mode to change security settings.

No problem, happy to help.