How to Add Permissions to Copy Old Hard Drive Information to a New Computer

By default, Windows operating systems with NTFS or newer file partitions have permissions. This would include computers running Windows 2000, Windows XP Home or Professional, Windows Vista of any type, or Windows 7 of any type. Adding permissions would be necessary when transferring data from one computer's hard drive to the next. If you do not add permissions first, you may not be able to access files and folders for transfer. This is because user profiles that have been password protected usually have limited permissions from other computer users.

If you have come to this article, you have probably connected your old hard drive to your new computer. If you have not yet attached your drive to your new computer, there are a few ways to do so. Depending on your make and model you may be able to connect via external enclosure, or better yet, your computer may have an existing connection available on the motherboard. Check online for resources if you are unsure.

By now you should have your hard drive successfully connected to your new computer. We must decide what we need to backup. whether you are transferring from Windows XP or the newer Windows 7, most of your important information is probably in your "My Documents" and "Desktop". In this case we can just change the file permissions on a particular user file. For Window XP, go to "C:\Documents and Settings\" and choose the user you want to transfer files from. On the other hand, you may choose to change file permissions on the whole drive. In this case go to "My Computer" and choose the drive from the old machine.

Now that we have chosen what we would like to copy, we can begin changing permissions. The first thing we need to do is change ownership of the files. Files are owned by a particular user, if we do not change ownership of the files, we may not be able to change file permissions. Change ownership by right clicking the folder or drive, and going to "Properties". From here, choose "Security" then click "Advanced". Go over to "Owner" and then click "Edit". This is the page to change ownership. You probably want to change ownership to "Everyone". This will make files and folders easier to transfer. Click "Other users or groups" and click "Advanced". Click "Find Now" and in the (RDN) menu choose "Everyone". Click "Ok" twice. Checkmark "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" then click "Ok". You will get a popup that states you will need to close and reopen all boxes, click "Ok". Then, click "Ok" two more times to close all remaining boxes. We have now changed ownership of that folder or drive.

We are now ready to setup permissions. Right click that same folder or drive and go to "Properties". Traverse to the "Security" tab, and click "Advanced". Click "Change Permissions" then "Add". Click "Advanced" then "Find Now". Locate, "Everyone" in (RDN) and click "OK" twice. The Permission Entry window will popup. Checkmark "Allow" to "Full control", then click "Ok". Checkmark "Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object" then click "Ok". The Windows Security window will popup, Click "Yes" to replace all descending files and folders with these permissions. Now click "Ok" twice to close all windows.

You are all set to copy information from that drive or folder to your new computer. You can now drag and drop anything within that folder or drive to your new computer, without having trouble with inadequate permissions.

In short, it is possible to copy information from your old hard drive to your new computer. To achieve this, we need to change ownership of files and folders. Then, we need to add permissions so that everyone will have full access to those files and folders. After these two acts have been performed, it should be quite easy to transfer any file or folder to your new PC.

Warmest Regards,
Erik Mjelde

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