Windows 7 Accessing data on Sata External HDD

[urall8s]

Once I finished loading WIN 7 RC this past weekend - I attempted to copy some files from an old XP Pro Drive via USB Ext HDD to my new DELL Studio XPS machine. The XP machine died a couple of weeks ago. I am able to see and access the files from the old C; drive but when I attempt to connect the other Sata Drive, which was the D: (Non OS) drive with my files on it, nothing showed up. The external drive was recognized (J as a Dynamic drive but no data or files were visible. While I could Format it and convert to a basic drive - I'd lose all the data on it. Is there anything I can do to make this data visible? Secondly, on the old (C drive, is there a way to universally change the Share permissions on all folders and subfolders so that I can accesss those files? I have administer rights on both the old and new machine but when I attempt to change sharing - it only changed the rights for the top folder, not the sub folders, or the files within that folder. periodically, WIN 7 asks if I would like to change or take ownership - but that doesn't change the subfolders even though I have selected (checked) the subfolder box.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're facing a couple of issues after migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7. Let's address each of your concerns:

Issue 1: Accessing Data on the SATA Drive​

The SATA drive from your old XP machine appearing as a Dynamic Drive on your new Windows 7 system but not showing any data could be due to the different handling of Dynamic Disks between Windows XP and Windows 7. Here are some steps you can take to try and access the data on the SATA drive without losing any information:

1. Use Data Recovery Software: You can use data recovery software designed to work with Dynamic Disks to scan and recover the data from the SATA drive. There are many reputable programs available that specialize in data recovery from different types of disks.
2. Change Dynamic Disk Back to Basic: If you can convert the Dynamic Disk back to a Basic Disk without losing data, this might make the data accessible in Windows 7. However, this process may depend on the specific configuration and content of the Dynamic Disk.
3. Use a Different System: If possible, try connecting the SATA drive to a Windows XP system or a computer running a Linux Live CD. This might allow you to access the data without issues.

   Issue 2: Changing Share Permissions on Subfolders​

   To change share permissions on all folders and subfolders universally, you can try the following steps:
4. Using Command Prompt:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Use the command icacls "Drive:\Path" /grant Administrators:(OI)(CI)F /T to grant full access to the Administrators group for all files and subfolders.
   • Replace Drive:\Path with the actual path to the folder you want to modify.
5. Take Ownership:
   • Right-click on the folder you want to change permissions for.
   • Go to "Properties" -> "Security" -> "Advanced" -> "Owner" tab.
   • Click "Edit" and change the owner to your account.
   • Check the box "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" and click OK.
   • Then, set the permissions as needed.

     Additional Tips:​

     • When changing permissions, ensure you have administrative rights on the current machine.
     • Be cautious when altering permissions to avoid unintended access or changes.
     • Backup Important Data: Before attempting any changes, consider backing up critical data to prevent accidental loss.
     Give these steps a try, and let me know if you need further assistance or encounter any issues during the process.