How do I bypass protected files and folders while connected to a second Hard Drive?

Question

I recently purchased a USB device that lets me look at files on another hard drive.  I can fine the files and folders, but they are protected from when the Hard Drive was in the other PC, which fried a couple months ago.  I can look at files on the Desktop section, but then I go into the My Documents part of the Hard Drive, they're all protected.  I tried right clicking the Files and picked "Share This Folder on the Network" and Un-Checked "Read Only," and I still can't view the files.  I have also Slaved the Hard Drive on a different PC, and it fails to boot up Windows and I get a Blue Screen of Death.  Any and all help would be appreciated, thank you.

Alex

Anarchist · Accepted Answer

Use a Linux LiveCD, like Ubuntu LTS (Lucid Lynx)

http://www.ubuntu.com/

(When booting the Ubuntu LiveCD, select try without installing and you should start up with a usable desktop with internet access. Definitely don't install to the drive in question, or you probably won't be able to recover your files.)

Crucial info:
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-3799825.php

Worst case, they are encrypted so save them all to another drive or partiton with the Ubuntu CD. Make a fresh windows install (use same user name and password if files were encrypted), copy the files back with the Ubuntu CD. I did something like this a few years after XP came out, and restored my files which were encrypted and I couldn't access. There might be other steps also, but that was years ago, and is all I remember now. Trial and error was all it took.

If you don't remember what the user name or password was, you can use another Livecd to do that (as long as it wasn't too long [15 alphanumeric characters, I think], etc.).

http://ophcrack.sourceforge.net/

Note: There are different versions for XP, Vista, etc. You want the LiveCD and not the program installer. Just boot it and sit back and watch. It is scary fast breaking most passwords!

Good luck!

Like I said, I have been there, and it sure ain't fun!

? · Answer

What type of documents are you in need of to look after? As stated Truecrypt is the high-quality - it supplies all types of choices. The kind or implementation of encryption is frequently no longer the failure factor, the password is - do not decide on whatever a buddy or anybody that is aware of you might bet!

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How do I bypass protected files and folders while connected to a second Hard Drive?

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