I dropped my laptop, and it split open. I purchased an external case for the hard drive, only to find out, that when I try to access the files, I am not authourized to do so. I know the password, how do I access the files, without paying someone a significant amount of money, "with no gaurantee's". When I try to access them using the security feature, to take possession of the files, they still come up an not authorized.1 person needs an answerI do too

Well, considering I do not know whether or not you are able to boot into Windows, I will assume that you are unable to boot into Windows although your computer is in working condition, with the harddrive attached externally. What I would recommend is using a LiveCD such as the Linux distro "Kubuntu 10.10". This is what I use as a primary operating system, although it doubles as a workaround to access files only available by logging into Windows and entering passwords. You can find the download link to this LiveCD Linux distro here: http://www.kubuntu.org/getkubuntu/download Once you have downloaded the .ISO file and burned it to a CD, you must then insert it into your disc drive and then restart your computer and then, when prompted you must boot from CD. Once you have booted from the live CD you may feel a little daunted, if so then you may visit the Linux section of my website to find some informative tutorials on Linux by visiting this link: https://chafflube.wordpress.com/category/linux/ Good Luck Martinez!

Hi martinez_gerald,In addition to Chafflube's suggestion, you may refer the following KB articles and check if it helps.1. What is the exact error message you get when you try to access files? You may refer the following KB article and check if it helps:Access is Denied" error message when you try to open a folderhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/810881 Also refer the KB article:How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XPhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421Hope this information is helpful. Praseetha KMicrosoft Answers Support EngineerVisit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.