Unable to Set Permissions or Take Ownership

[Robert]

I am unable to change or set permissions or take ownership of any files
below Documents and Settings.

This is an XP Pro machine and I have tried many logins including
Administrator.

Any ideas on what to do?

Thanks

 

[Malke]

I am unable to change or set permissions or take ownership of any files
below Documents and Settings.

This is an XP Pro machine and I have tried many logins including
Administrator.

What happens when you try? Is this a standalone machine or part of a
domain? Recent history of the machine including virus/malware status?

Review the instructions for taking ownership just in case you've missed
something:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421


Malke

 

[Robert]

What happens when you try? Is this a standalone machine or part of a
domain? Recent history of the machine including virus/malware status?

I get access denied. Is a stand alone machine. Machine is running Norton
Internet Security. Have run virus checking etc.

Review the instructions for taking ownership just in case you've missed
something:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Have gone thru link. Access Denied is all I get. This problem is only with
the Documents and Settings folder. All other folder work as expected.

 

[Malke]

I get access denied. Is a stand alone machine. Machine is running Norton
Internet Security. Have run virus checking etc.


Have gone thru link. Access Denied is all I get. This problem is only with
the Documents and Settings folder. All other folder work as expected.

What is your end goal? Normally you would not take ownership of the
entire Documents and Settings hierarchy. Normally you would go to - for
example - C:\Documents and Settings\Some User Name\My Documents and take
ownership of just My Documents.

If you tell me what you are actually trying to accomplish I will
probably be able to help you better.


Malke

 

[Robert]

No one has access to their Documents and settings folder. Administrator
cannot save or change anuthing in My Documents etc.

 

[Malke]

No one has access to their Documents and settings folder. Administrator
cannot save or change anuthing in My Documents etc.

How did this happen? What is the virus/malware-status of the machine?
Recent history?


Malke

 

[Robert]

Not sure how this happened. Is a client machine (Sort of). I have checked
machine for Virus using Norton and Spybot and have not found anything.

Client admits screwing around but not sure what was done. Is an easily
confused easily freaked out type person so impossible to get a decent answer
as to what was done.

 

[Malke]

Not sure how this happened. Is a client machine (Sort of). I have checked
machine for Virus using Norton and Spybot and have not found anything.

Client admits screwing around but not sure what was done. Is an easily
confused easily freaked out type person so impossible to get a decent answer
as to what was done.

You have my sympathies. Messing around with the permissions isn't the
way to go.

1. Back up their data to external media - DVD, external hard drive,
server, etc.

2. Do a Repair Install.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm - Repair Install
How-To

With luck, that will fix everything. If it doesn't, go to Step 3.

3. Clean install Windows.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand


Malke

 

[John John]

I'm not sure reinstalling will help anything. The installer is trying
to write a new key directly under the HKU root. That is not permitted,
only the system account writes subkeys there, the .Default key is always
present and the other keys user profile for the logged on users. The
installer is probably for a Windows 9x application.

John

 

[John John]

Sorry, wrong thread, disregard my post.

John

I'm not sure reinstalling will help anything. The installer is trying
to write a new key directly under the HKU root. That is not permitted,
only the system account writes subkeys there, the .Default key is always
present and the other keys user profile for the logged on users. The
installer is probably for a Windows 9x application.

John