Corrupted Folder? 2

[StumblingThrough]

For some reason I cannot access or delete the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents

When I try accessing it, I get the message "Access is Denied". When I try deleting it, I get the message that it's a "... Windows System Folder..." and cannot be deleted. My AV (NOD32) states the path is invalid.

When I view properties for this folder, it says there are no files or folder contained within. I've ran Windows Scan Disk, and it found no problems with the disk. Ran Norton WinDoctor, and it found no problem.

There is only one user account on my PC (XP Home), and it's has administrative rights.

Can anyone tell me why I can't get access to this folder? Is there something I can do inside the registry?

 

[bcastner]

In Explorer, Tools, Folder Options, View, check to Display the contents of system folders.

 

[StumblingThrough]

BCastner,

Already have this option checked. Any other ideas?

 

[bcastner]

My guess then:

. It is an empty folder
. It is a system folder.

As a local Administrator user you would have to start a command session and use attrib:

attrib -s c:\documents and setting\all users\documents

Then you have a chance I believe to remove the folder.

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcastner,

Ran that command at a "C" DOS prompt. Received the following message: "Parameter format not correct -"

 

[linney]

Try Safe Mode to access the Security tab (if your NTFS) and see what the permissions are and who owns the folder.

298345 - "Access Denied" Error Message When You Try to Delete a File

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298345&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP (Q308421)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/4/21.asp

 

[bcastner]

ATTRIB
Use the attrib command with one or more of the following parameters to change attributes of a file or folder:
-R
+R
-S
+S
-H
+H
-C
+C


Notes:
+ : Sets an attribute
- : Resets an attribute
R : Read-only file attribute
S : System file attribute
H : Hidden file attribute
C : Compressed file attribute

You must set or clear at least one attribute.
To view attributes, use the dir command.

 

[StumblingThrough]

Linney,

Can you refresh my memory regarding how to restart in Safe mode? Thanks.

 

[StumblingThrough]

If the problem is simply an access issue, then why am I getting the following from my AV?

\Directory path C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\ is invalid.

 

[bcastner]

1. To get to Safe Mode hit the F8 key early and often when the system starts. Select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu that eventually appears.

2. I have no idea why your AV flagged a folder. My only guess is that normally there is no \Documents folder in the All Users Profile.

I would use Cacls.exe to view the Creator/Owner and other permissions on the folder:

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6268-1050976.html

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcastner,

Thanks. By the way, AV didn't flag it. I just decided to scan the folder with my AV tool. Actually I discovered the problem when my AT (TDS-3) alerted me to the problem.

 

[StumblingThrough]

bcastner,

By the way, I think you might have hit upon something. That folder is not supposed to normally be there. It's not there on any of my other XP machines.

 

[StumblingThrough]

Linney,

You did it! The link to the MS article allowed me to take control of the folder. And there actually are other files and folders contained within. As I mentioned above, when I originally displayed the properties of the folder, it showed to be empty. I don't understand how it got messed up, but it's working now.

Now that I've spent 25% of my weekend fixing this problem, I'm going to have a drink. I'll also drink one to you.

Thanks again.