Thanks superpilot, i thought you had the answer...
except i dont have a 'security' tab nor anything with owner listed.
I have XP home - should I have this tab?
When you say administrator... do you mean anyone with admin priviledge? Or the main admisitrator I get in safe mode?
Thanks for your help. I really need it. I didnt mention, this my docs folder is on my E drive... well away from the C drive where i reinstalled. And no - i dont remember encrypting anything.