Can't access user profile from old hd backup

[randy7027]

I got rid of a laptop not to long ago, and copied the OS folder to a hard drive hoping it would back up everything that resided in the folder. but when i try to access it on my exhdd, I can't find the user file anywhere. just program data folders. I needed stuff from the regular profile inside the user profile that I guess I can't get without actually going into it. Help?

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

You probably backed up the wrong folder. Your user files are not located in the Windows folder (if that's what you mean by "OS folder").

You should have backed up C:\Users\<your user account name>\

If you are sure you backed up the correct folder, you probably can't see your user files because you need to enable "Show hidden files and folders" in Control Panel > Folder Options.

 

[randy7027]

well why would it matter if it's within the OS folder anyways? why would it NOT get copied? that was the reason I copied it all in the first place..and I already did that. If it's not where it's supposed to be then where's my stuff at?