Vista - Can't restore files from external hard drive

Have just reinstalled Vista and now want to restore my files which were
backed up (files only not whole PC) to an external HD). I am getting a
message 'The disk containing the backup is not accessible. Please make sure
it is turned on and connected to the computer'.

It is turned on and it is accessible. I can navigate to the backed up files.
How can I restore the files?

You may have to take ownership of the drive in order to access the backup data. although the user on the new install may be the same name as the original as far as Vista is concerned the original owner of the files is different. right click on the external drive in explorer and check the security permissions if the owner is shown as Sxxx-xxx etc it is showing the SID of the old - Now unknown user - take ownership of the drive and give yourself at least read access.

Did you use a backup program to create the backup on the external drive, or
did you just make copies on the drive.

If you used a backup program you need the same (or compatible) program on
Vista to bring the files back to wherever you want them to reside.

--

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience


"Trevor" <trevor@xxxxxx> wrote in message
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I used Vista system and thats the one I am trying to use (is there any other
way?) to restore them. I can access the files OK.


"Richard Urban" <richardurbanREMOVETHIS@xxxxxx> wrote in message
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