User Library Folder Missing

[delangea]

Hi Dave:
I've followed your instructions in his thread but have not been able to see my backed up User Library folder.
Scenario: 1 Mac running Mavericks, collapsed (seems like a serious memory problem, won't restore to bootable backup on external drive).
2nd Mac, running 10.7. Trying to extract files to. Most important folders (ao Documents) on the backup show up in Finder with a 'do not enter' sign on the folder name (thus cannot access), when searching for user library on the drive I get either a message that the folder cannot be found, or that the folder cannot be opened, because I am not authorized. I gave the user accounts on both machines the same user account name and the same password. That did not solve the problem. How do I get access to my backup drive and, in particular to the user library (20 years' mail!)? Help