How to get access to Folders and Files under C:\Users of old HDD?

Question

How to get access to Folders and Files under C:\Users of old HDD?

Jitjai 41

Recently I had some problems with Windows10 Machine.
Tried every methods possible, but no luck.

With new HDD replacement and clean Windows Instllation,
now the machine works just fine and can connect to the old HDD.
It seems to be OK, but I cannot have access to those personal archives under C:\Users.
Again no luck after countless attempts.

Is it encrypted or protected by some mechanisms?
Any work around so that I can retrieve all the personal files?
(Some error-message screen captures were done.
If required and helpful, they can be added.)

Many thanks in advance.

Reza-Ameri 17,336 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2022-03-28T15:28:05.077+00:00

What is the error message?
Did you setup a password on your old PC?
Did you used Microsoft Account?

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Reza-Ameri 17,336 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2022-03-28T15:28:05.077+00:00

What is the error message?
Did you setup a password on your old PC?
Did you used Microsoft Account?

Answer 1

Limitless Technology 39,916

Hi @Jitjai

If the Old Disk is not Encrypted you can simply attach it to your PC as secondary Drive and give Full permission to yourself and access the Data.

You can use icals to get full access to your self.

Example : icacls "C:\Users\UserFolderName" /grant Users:F

In case if the Disk is Encrypted using BitLocker or any other method the you need first Decrypted it using its PIN or Recovery key.

Hope this answers your question :)
Thank you.

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Jitjai 41 Reputation points

2022-04-12T07:24:59.37+00:00

Hi LimitlessTechnology-2700

My apology taking so long to response, Tried and got this error message.

icacls "C:\Users\DELL" /grant Users:E:\Users\Jitjai

Invalid parameter "Users:E:\Users\Jitjai"

Was the grant parameter right at the end?

Not sure, but most likely the disk never encrypted.

Thanks a lot.
MotoX80 36,291 Reputation points

2022-04-12T13:54:56.847+00:00
Try this from a "run as Administrator" command prompt. (Assuming that the E drive is the old disk.)

icacls e:\Users\Jitjai /grant everyone:(OI)(CI)(f) icacls e:\Users\Jitjai /reset /t

The first icacls will grant everyone full control. The "(OI)(CI)" says that all subfolders and files should inherit these permissions.

The second command will reset all subfolders to inherit the permissions from the d:\Users\Jitjai folder. You may get errors on subfolders. We can fix that if you need access to those files.

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How to get access to Folders and Files under C:\Users of old HDD?

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