Erm. Hi... I need help on an a matter.

The problem began after I had recovered my computer after a hack... As I got back onto it, a user profile had been delete. I had other files stored into the profile, which I frequently used and viewed, but the problem was that it was protected, denying access to other users. As I tried to gain access, in every way I could think of, it kept denying me. But this isn't the thing troubling me. I checked my HD and found that the space the files TOOK was still there, even though the folder they were in had displayed 0 bytes. I am sure its actually the files because the 30 gigs excess is pretty noticable. So now am I force to delete the file (and how?) or is there any other way to retrieve it back?

My OS is Windows XP... And if you would like the system specs., please say so.

Thank you.I should add that I looked around alot of places for the answer I seek... None really helped.Let me see if I understand you: You had a user account, but it was deleted. You can no longer log in with that username. The user's profile folder is still in the "Documents and Settings" folder. You can't get into that folder because you see the "Access Denied" message. The folder says it has zero bytes, but your HD is just as full as it was before the hack, which would lead you to believe that no files have really been deleted. You want to access the files and, once the files have been copied and are accessible, you probably want to delete the old profile to free up the space.

Before I go any further, how computer savvy are you?
1)Total Noob
2)Comfortable with Computers
3)Power User
4)1337 |-|><0R
5)Mitnick (In which case, you probably wouldn't be asking this question   )

If you're at level 2 or above, you might try the following:

The easiest way to gain access to a machine and subvert permissions (for administrative purposes only, mind you) is by using a boot disk with a "Live" operating system. Many distributions of Linux are known for having live bootable CDs. However, it is possible to make a bootable Windows CD! It's called a Preinstallation Environment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Preinstallation_Environment) and is a mighty handy thing for system admins to have in their toolkit (predictably, its also a security THREAT in the hands of noobs and crackers). Without going into all of the techno-drama, there is a way to legally create a fully functioning Windows Preinstallation Environment CD. Go here: http://www.ubcd4win.com/ It will require you to have your very own Windows CD, which I know you have because you woudn't post a message here without being a lawful Windows user. It's not an overly complicated procedure, but it might take a few hours to get set up. From there, you can boot from the CD and you should be able to access your files and then copy them. I'm not totally sure if permissions are copied as well (seems unlikely, but its possible) so you could copy files to a FAT32 disk, like a USB key, and that would scrape any permissions off.

If you don't have access to your Legally Purchased Windows CD (maybe XP was bundled with your machine and didn't come with a Windows CD) and if your comfortable with Linux, you can make a Linux Live CD even easier. Just download the .iso file, burn it to a CD and VOILA! Here is a list of good links that refer to Linux Live CDs:
http://www.osnews.com/story.php?news_id=9569
http://www.linux-live.org/
http://www.frozentech.com/content/livecd.php

Of course if you're moving applications, they might not work after they've been moved, but most files shouldn't care if they've been moved. However, if you used NTFS encryption on any of the files, that could complicate things...

...but that would be a discussion for another post. It should also be NOTED that the preceding information could also be used for less than admirable purposes, so I hope for your sake that you're not trying to hack into your sister's account and read her diary.


--Oober Noober

EDIT: You can also try the Ultimate Boot CD here: http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/ It's not a Windows Environment, but it's just as powerful.Thank you! That was a long read but I'm glad I got some help. I'm currently trying to work things out now, but thanks for pointing me into the right direction. I'll be sure to let you know what happens.Alright, I was able to boot up Slax, a Linux live-cd. I can access the folders and such, but I have a problem with deleteing or modifying the files... Is it a bug in Slax? Is there anything I can do about it?


Thank you in advance.Linux can read NTFS file system, which I am sure you have, but cannot write them on that system. Current tehnology is improving that, but of course Microsoft will never help a "competitor".  

So it is a Microsoft bug not a SLAX or linux bug. Good for you for trying Linux though! Those files can of course be copied to any FAT 32 file system, burned to a CDROM, copied across a network, to a pen drive, etc.Oh well, I could settle with this. But thanks for all your help!


I'll be sure to support you all in the near future.  Send ca$h !