Can't retrieve documents folder from corrupt XP installation.

[THE V_I_R_U_S]

On my parent's computer, the XP installation got screwed up beyond repair. So I took out the hard drive so that I could back up the data, and it wont let me get the user folders out of the "Documents and Settings" folder. I cant open, move, copy, or delete them. How do I get access to these folders?

[jagnorm]

are you able to see the files?
can you boot to dos?
is the HD hooked up as a slave to another os if so what os?
Mabe it recognizes you as the V_I_R_U_S.(couldn't resist trowing that in)

[Iturea]

Have you tried recovery console from the Windows XP cd?
Go to Bios (use cd-rom as first boot device)
Boot from the Windows XP cd
After everything loads up
Choose r for repair.
at the prompt
use: chkdsk c: /r