Changing "directory permission" on salvaged laptop c:drive, now desk-top ext. HD, after recent winXP SP2 security enhancements.

Hi jflarner,

>>I've been unable to replace directory permission<<
Try it at a higher level (the full drive is best for this) and make sure to set "replace Owner on subcontainers and objects" is checked.
Afterwards, change the permissions, and in the "advanced" settings, again, make sure "reset permissions on all child objects" is checked.

Just to be sure, I'll add these links:

308421 - HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308418

Good luck,

LucF

Just to add, this has nothing to do with SP2, this security is build into the NTFS filesystem. You have to be the Owner of files before you can change the permissions unless set otherwise. In this case the Administrator isn't the Owner, but the Administrator will always be able to take ownership.

LucF

Sorry for my failure to respond, I've been involved with pre-litigation issues . . . critical docs re litigation are on 2.5 HD . . . admin ownership take-over may work for XP pro, but for XP Home ed, XP-administrator must start in safe mode, and  therefore loses usb or iLink external HD hook-up.  Do you know of any work-around solution, other than XP-pro upgrade?

P. S. Tosheba 2.5" HD is an oddball with no jumpers to convert to slave.  Accordingly 2.5" to 3.5" adapter, then HD install in desk tower as second HD-drive may cause problems.

Here's a tip I found some time ago, it might suit you nicely in this case.

How Do I see the Security Tab in XP Home?
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_home_sectab.htm

LucF

2.5" HD attached via iLink and IDed by Sony tower as “Local Disk I.”  Security tab solution worked for XP-Home Ed., however the changes to current owner of item, now “SONY/Administators”. Failed to go past the users on the directory tree (i.e. Disk I, Documents and Settings, and “John” have new ownership, but “My Documents” folder  continue to post “Access denied”).  I suspect that the 2.5" HD may be in the early stages of failure.  Are there any sector recovery programs like the ones that use to come with DOS 3.2 and DOS 5?

jflarner,

Please try replacing the ownership from a higher folder.
Right-click "Documents and settings" => "Properties" => "Security" => "Advanced" => "Owner" => select the new owner => check the box on "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" => "Ok" => "Ok"

Now, Right-click "documents and settings" again => "Properties" => "Secrity" => Set the new permissions here => "Advanced" => check the box on "Reset permissions on all child objects and enable propagation of inheritable permissions" => "Ok" => "Ok"

This as sometimes you don't have permissions on the main object, but replacing on child objects will do the trick for you.

LucF

p.s. Dos 3.2/5.x won't help you as they can't access NTFS formatted drives. NTFSDOS might be able to help you if even the above fails.

LucF

I’m not a Lucky Fellow.  When I use Nortan Disk Doctor on the external 2.5" Tosheba HD, Disk Doctor hangs two thirds the way through its mission.  When I try a second time, the program hangs one third the way through.  When I put the hard drive into a zip lock bag and refrigerate it, then place it between two zip lock bladders of ice water, Nortan Disk Doctor completes its analysis and says everything is OK.

Clearly I have a worn hard drive that increasingly wobbles as it warms up after being energized.   When it cools, the ware factor wobble seems to be non-existent.   After cooling HD I’ve attempted quick and “down the directory tree” individual folder ownership take-overs, but ownership take-over always fails at my “user sub-folders.”  Perhaps there is physical damage on disk at that folder data table.   Maybe the LinkSys wireless install before Laptop failure is creating security issues.

Ghosting the user information to other media also fails.  It would bee nice to have a NTFS sector search program that could high speed sample all sectors for document material then capture the documents, regardless of allocation corruption.  I bet Homeland Security ITs have these programs.

Bottom line: just another pathetic “failed to back-up story.”  I’ve preached and practiced back-up, but the one minute I let my guard down look what happens!  

Thanks LucF.  I’m new to this forum, if I give you the points now, does it close the message thread.  Please advise.