Former Users Locked

[Mark Kolber]

At least I couldn't think of a better subject title for this.

When I installed SP2 I had a crash. No big deal, everything was backed
up and all program CDs available. But I ended up having to do a clean
install.

The result were new admin and user accounts. Where the previous user
account was simply Username, the new one is Machinename.Username.
Again no big deal.

Her's the thing: old user accounts are still there, but locked. Access
denied whether I log in as myself (with admin authority, or as the
Administrator. Doesn't matter if I am in full OS or Safe Mode or Safe
Mode with command prompt.

I'm not too worried about any lost files there, but it would be nice
to reclaim the disk space.

Any suggestions?

Mark Kolber
Denver, Colorado
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email? Remove ".no.spam"

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Comments inline..

At least I couldn't think of a better subject title for this.

When I installed SP2 I had a crash. No big deal, everything was backed
up and all program CDs available. But I ended up having to do a clean
install.

Clean install, eh? Okay..

The result were new admin and user accounts. Where the previous user
account was simply Username, the new one is Machinename.Username.
Again no big deal.

If the old profiles are there, then that is not a very "clean install", eh?
heh Sounds like you didn't do a clean installation. =)

Here's the thing: old user accounts are still there, but locked. Access
denied whether I log in as myself (with admin authority, or as the
Administrator. Doesn't matter if I am in full OS or Safe Mode or Safe
Mode with command prompt.

That's simple, you need to take ownership!

As long as EFS is not involved:

How to Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

How to disable simplified sharing & set permissions
on a shared folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

I'm not too worried about any lost files there, but it would be nice
to reclaim the disk space.

Well, after you take ownership and copy what you want, you can delete the
old profiles.

Any suggestions?

See above!

 

[Mark Kolber]

Comments inline..

Thank you Shenan. Your advice sent me on the right track.

Mark Kolber
Denver, Colorado
=======================
email? Remove ".no.spam"