I've been having problems with my computer as of late, and the only solution I've been able to find is to reinstall the OS (which would hopefully leave all of my critical files behind). I needed to do this again (for the second time), when it did something different. It complete wiped out my previous installation of XP and reinstalled. Before it had kept my config files and everything. Okay, the problem is that I have some VERY important files on my computer that I would like to get off. If I could burn my files onto a cd or 5, that would be great. The thing is that I cannot get into my old files even though I know that they are still there. If I go to C:\Documents and Settings\Chris (from my first install ever), it tells me that access is denied. The path that I apparently work under now is C:\Documents and Settings\Chris.ELYCES . I can get into my old files that aren't under the preceeding path, but is there any way that I can that path specifically? I really need those files and some of them have never been backed up. Thanks for the help.

how to take file ownership in xp go to support.microsoft.com and find that article its 308xxx long day too tired to search for you

Yay! It worked! That'll save me weeks! Thanks for the prompt and helpful advice. It worked like a charm. I need to come to this place more often. :) Thanks again and get your rest! :) Chris