http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421
HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
NOTE: You must be logged on to the computer using an account that has
administrative privileges. If you are running Windows XP Home Edition, in order
to have access to the Security tab, you must first start in Safe Mode and log on
with an account that has Administrative rights.
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
> Ok my XP install was playing up so i ended up formatting
> one HDD and installing there so i wouldn't lose work files
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> wrong. Is there anyway i can gain access?
> Thanks