Had 3 'my document' folders with Windows XP home edition password
protection set. Windows crashed, reinstalled onto new disk and
transferred all data. However the 3 folders can't be copied or opened.
They contain study WORD documents and little else. The individual docs
atre not password protected, jus tthe access to the folders.

Have you used any Third party Software to lock the folder. If u did
the you have to install that software to unlock the folder. have you
try to take the ownership feature?

No 3rd party software used - just Windows XP Home O/S with password
protection on my documents.
Ownership  feature - please detail. If it fixes problem then you have earned $5 :-)

Go to control panel
Click Folder Option
Select View and Scroll Down
At end u will find an option Use Simple File Sharing. UNCHECK this Option.
Now Press OK/Close.
Right Click on your "my doc" folder. Select Properties.
Now go to Security Tab. Click Advance. Now select Owner Tab.
In the Change Owner to Frame Select your User Name and put Tick on
Replace Owner On....
Click Apply-->OK -->OK
I think it will solve your problem.

If you have your computer in NTFS format you can do the following:
goto start> run> type "cmd"

Now, type "cacls"... As you see it gives you a bunch of options. Now
try the following:

type "cacls ***you may click and drag the file here or type in the
location manually for example-C:\Documents and Settings\*user name*\My
Documents
s\My Music*** /p ***user name***/f"

Hope this helps
-kkrazyykkidd

If you have your computer in NTFS format you can do the following:
goto start> run> type "cmd"

Now, type "cacls"... As you see it gives you a bunch of options. Now
try the following:

type "cacls ***you may click and drag the file here or type in the
location manually for example-C:\Documents and Settings\*user name*\My
Documents\My Music*** /p ***user name***:f"

Sorry I had to revise it...

johniethebigguy-ga - the $5 is yours. Thanks.As a newbie I assume you
need to post it as an answer and then I accept or something like that?

Thanks again,
Jenny.