Windows 7 - Windows 7 can't locate files on an external HD

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum so I'll try not to show my ignorance about most things IT.

For 5 years I had good service from an orange top Toshiba laptop but have now upgraded to brand spanking new black top Toshiba laptop ... Oh, you need the technical stuff as well!

Old: Toshiba Satellite M50 series (Windows XP Home/MS Office 2003 Pro).
New: Toshiba Satellite M745 (Windows 7/MS Office 2010 Pro)
Migration of data: Seagate external hard drive.

I have religiously backed up all data files on a routine basis and checked for function and accuracy before disposing of the trusty orange M50.

I now have the sleek black M745 up and running and with the exception that I can't get my head around the differences between MS Office 2003 and 2010, all seems to be well apart from one particularly nasty 'showstopper'.

The new laptop can't open any of the files, MS or otherwise, stored on the external HD. Although I can see the files on the HD and am told that there is data in the files, I get the message that the file path cannot be found.

The vast majority of these files are MS Office documents, power-point files and Access databases (created in MS Office 2003). However, movie files also receive the same message.

I apologize for such a long-winded email, I don't have the technical know-how to shorten it. I really hope and I'm sure there is a simple fix for this, but I damned if I can see it. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Sincerely

Mark D

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

I would imagine the reason you can see the files, but not access them, is because Windows is looking for the file path to your old computer.

All I can suggest is try copying the files manually to your new Toshiba rather than trying to restore the backup created on your old Toshiba.

Certainly something to think about. I did try to copy one or two file across with out success. I'll look at it again.

Many thanks

Mark D

You're welcome, Mark.

Please post back if you need more help.

If I can't help you further, others will be along to do so.

I think starting with Office 2007 MS pulled a fast one and changed office formats. the newer ones are, for example, .docx instead of the old .doc and won't open in new Office suites.
There are free downloadable readers for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Here's a list of some. You'll have to search for one you need. Search results - Microsoft Download Center

You may also install Office 2003 on the shiny new computer too.

Looks like your problem may actually be related to a ownership/permission issue.

What anti-virus program are you using? And also what firewall? Anything other than Windows Firewall? Anything different than what you have been using on your previous lappie?

Also check whether you can open those files as an Administrator. If that can do it, probably your User account may not be set up properly. Just my thoughts. Are you the same user as in your previous lappie?