Background: My computer was fucking up, XP was screwed, wasn't booting up. I didn't mind that much, I'd actually been planning to put a new HD in and install windows 7 RC, so I did that. Worked like a treat.

Problem: I can't access any of the user files, no matter how much I play around with settings. Sure, I can see where they are and how big they are, and I can look at stuff almost anywhere else, but anything in the documents and settings in my user name's folder I can't actually use, I always get that access is denied, no matter how much I try to play with the settings.

Anyone able to shed some light no this?

First try this
right click on it and select Properties -> Security tab -> Advanced button -> Owner tab.
Select a new owner from the list and put a check in Replace owner on sub containers and objects -> Ok -> Ok

If that doesn't work, try booting a linux live CD and copying the files?