Taking ownership in XP, 2003 or Vista?

With an Acronis image, or a previous hdd as a secondary, we were unable to access the files. The trick is to take ownership. I found the solution at: TechRepublic forum

It’s a two step process, both of which require you to be logged in as “administrator”. To do that you must start windows in safe mode, and to do that you restart the computer and start pressing the F8 key after the first power-on screens appear then select “safe mode” from the menu. If the regular XP screens appear then you waited too long to press F8…also if you press F8 too quickly you might get a “boot menu” screen, in which case just select the default hard drive to boot from and begin pressing F8 again.

Quotes from the forum explaining how:

First:

Yes, but….
You’ll need to open Windows Explorer and then go to Tools > Folder Options and then the View tab. Scroll down to the bottom and uncheck > Use simple file sharing (Recommended)Once done then proceed with the previous post’s instructions. Works like a charm!P.S. Don’t forget to put the check back when you’re done because in most cases this is a major snag when you try to network with other computers in a Workgroup.

Posted: 01/16/2007 @ 21:35

K.Grass 5
Job Role: IT Consultant
Location: S. Hadley, MA
Member since: 04/21/2004

Then:

Your new account on the new system…
Your new account on the new system needs to take ownership of the files on the new secondary drive:1. Sign in as administrator.
2. Right click on the secondary drive and choose Properties.
3. Security tab.
4. Advanced button.
5. Owner tab.
6. “Change owner to” box. Select the account to own the files.
7. Click OK.

Post back if this solves your problem or if you need more help.

Posted: 01/16/2007 @ 09:03 (edited 01/16/2007 @ 09:04)

TechExec2 8
Job Role: Executive IS/IT Management (CIO, CTO)
Location: No location specified, XX
Member since: 07/30/2006

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