Can’t copy files from Laptop HDD through USB adapter

I am trying to copy files from a client’s laptop HDD because the laptop went belly up. The HDD is visible on my XP Pro system, but whenever I try to copy anything from the C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\ directory, I am told that I don’t have the permission.

I have tried many different ways to set the permissions, however they don’t seem to stick.

The User that has access is listed as “Unknown User” and I can’t transfer rights onto any other Administrator account.

Any ideas?