Security SNAFU

Problem: My newphew asked me to recover his machine this week. He had that dreaded recursive F8 screen on which none of the choices work (Safe Mode, Last Known Good, Normal Startup, etc), and the computer either hangs or reboots over and over again; (Mother of God.....)

Solution: As you probably know, running setup and chosing the repair option is the best way to get back in business. Or in some cases, like when you don't have a CD for the same OS, you can just install another OS in a different directory, in a dual boot arrangement. Either way you don't lose any data. However if you end up doing the dual boot option, you'll have some security issues to deal with. Specifically, the new profile you create when you install the new OS on the system doesn't automatically have access to the old directories and files, even though the new guy has administrative access. What I did to remedy this is have the new userid take ownership of the entire C: drive and then grant himself full control of everything.
Tip: If the machine is not in a domain you will not automatically have the Security tab showing on the directory and file properties dialogs. To show the Security tab:

1. My Computer
2. Tools
3. Folder Options
4. View tab
5. Scroll to the bottom of the 'Advanced Settings'
6. Uncheck the box entitled Use simple file sharing (Recommended)