unable to backup files due to permissions

So i got this mac and i had to force the setup again to gain admin and so i got the files from the previous user that i need to return back to them and seams that after i made my own admin account this way there was no permissions to view. So i cmd+i and set read and write and tried to make the image of the folder.

Now i have copyied the folders to the desktop and it seams that all 23gig was copied but i go to the files and it says can't find original. i feel i have screwed the files and is in need of a Genius.

anyone have any idea's