New laptop won't open files HELP!

moneysavingwannabe

Hi,

I have a new laptop as my old one died.

I have files on a separate external hard drive.
For some reason I seem to have encrypted the files and now the new laptop won't open them.

It says access privileges denied ... the read only box and encryption box are marked. I tried unchecking them but it just checks them again.

Is there any hope?? I can't open my wedding list and other files like my CV etc

Chippy_Minton

moneysavingwannabe wrote: »

It says access privileges denied ... the read only box and encryption box are marked. I tried unchecking them but it just checks them again.

Follow the steps in How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP

moneysavingwannabe

Hi

Thanks for your reply. I don't have a security tab - any ideas what I need to do?

Laptop is connected to a network when at work will this be an issue?

Chippy_Minton

Read the Notes at the top. To see the Security tab on XP Home, start in Safe Mode (tap F8 key when starting computer) and log in with an admin account. For XP Pro, disable simple file sharing.

Laptop being on network at work is not an issue because you're only changing the file ownership on the external drive.

moneysavingwannabe

Hi,

Thanks for your help I will try this. :beer:

moneysavingwannabe

Hi,

I've finally got round to trying to open these files again and I still can't do it and I stupidly encrypted my christmas card list!!

I get the message excel cannot open this file it may be read only or encrypted. I really can't remember what I did.

I had my hard drive nicked with my cv and stuff on so I think I encrypted my personal stuff on my new external hard drive.

HELP!!!