denied access to files post backup, system returned to factory settings and backup restore

[sarahbethbarton]

I have searched high and low to find a solution! I was having many computer issues and decided to just start from scratch. I have a pavilion dv7 running windows vista home premium. I did a back up of all my files from safe mode onto a passport device which completed successfully and followed the steps to reload windows then that being done I went to restore my backed up files. When I tried to use the restore back up files through windows it said there was no back up on my device. I had to go into the device and maually move the files back to my pc. All the files are there and I can read all the file names but an "denied access to this file" when I try to open them. I went through the procedure to claim the files but I still can't open them. I like many people had my whole life in those files and want them back! any thoughts?

[DavidPK]

Hi,

It may be worth trying the following.   This utility will add 'Take Ownership' to the right click context menu.  The download is on the following link.

Take Ownership

This is a zipped file.  If you don't have an extraction utility installed, download and install 7-Zip which can be used to open this so that you can run the installer.  Then just right click the zipped folder, select 7-Zip and select Extract Files.  When done, open the newly extracted folder and you will find the utility to add 'Take Ownership' to the right click menu.  Just double click it to install and then close the Window.  You should now be able to right click on the folders you need to access and select Take Ownership - see if this now allows you access.

Regards,

DP-K

[sarahbethbarton]

Thank you this helped sort of... If I use it on a single item not a folder it works great. After testing it successfully on a single photo I tried to do it to the folder containing the rest of the photos from that batch and it did not work on them and wont let me do them individually anymore either. If you have any other ideas I am all ears!

[DavidPK]

Hi,

A couple of things I would suggest trying are:

1.  Restart the notebook and try using 'Take Ownership' on the folder immediately after Windows has reloaded.

2.  Shut down the notebook.  Tap away at f8 as you start the PC to enter Windows Recovery Console.  Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and hit enter.  When windows has loaded in this mode, see if you can now 'Take Ownership' of the folder.

Regards,

DP-K