Windows 7 - Messed up permissions

[silkstone]

So, while trying to delete some folders, i ended up messing up permissions for all of my folders.

I cannot use things like MSconfig.exe, it tells me settings cannot be saved. Word gives me errors and is unable to save to the normal.dot template, and when i restart my computer it hangs before the desktop unless i press one of the F-keys (not sure which one as i mash them).
-pressing the F-key here does not give me a menu, it just allows windows to load for some strange reason. While windows is loading, if i do not press the f-key the computer crashes and i cannot even ctr-alt-del to restart.


Is there any way to reset permissions to default?

I am on an administrator account and UAC is off. I know a re-install will fix it all, but it's annoying to have to do that

[newtekie1]

Right click on the C drive and go to Properties.
Click the Security Tab.
Click the "Edit" button.
Make sure the following 4 groups/accounts are listed.

Authenticated Users
SYSTEM
Administrators
Users

If one or more of these is not listed click the "Add" button.
Then click the "Advanced" button.
Then click the "Find Now" button.
Highlight the groups/accounts that were missing(you can hold crtl to select more than one).
Press the "OK" button.
Press the "OK" button again.
Confirm that SYSTEM and Administrators have Full Control checked for allow, Users should have Read & Execute, List Folder Content, and Read.
Push "OK" and it should ask you if you want to apply these permssions to all sub-folders and files, tell it yes.

[silkstone]

Originally Posted by newtekie1

Right click on the C drive and go to Properties.
Click the Security Tab.
Click the "Edit" button.
Make sure the following 4 groups/accounts are listed.

If one or more of these is not listed click the "Add" button.
Then click the "Advanced" button.
Then click the "Find Now" button.
Highlight the groups/accounts that were missing(you can hold crtl to select more than one).
Press the "OK" button.
Press the "OK" button again.
Confirm that SYSTEM and Administrators have Full Control checked for allow, Users should have Read & Execute, List Folder Content, and Read.
Push "OK" and it should ask you if you want to apply these permssions to all sub-folders and files, tell it yes.

They are all there along with my personal account and authenticated users. All have full control.

[95Viper]

Try this, it may help: Tweaking.com's all in one repair


EDIT:

A quote from the Website page... and, it is some good advice:

Spoiler

Using Tweaking.com - Windows Repair:

When you first run the program you will be introduced to 4 steps before the
repair options. These steps are highly recommend to do before attempting any
repairs.

Step 1. Clean Your System Of Infections.
Trying to fix a system that is currently infected is obviously a very bad idea
and can make things worse. An infection can hijack a machine and keep part of
the repairs from running correctly. Since only part of a repair will work the
other part that failed could end up causing problems. Rule of thumb before
working on a system is to make sure it is clean. Even if you think your system
is clean doing a scan before hand is a good idea.

Step 2. Check File System
Doing a check disk on the hard drive is a good idea. This will have Windows
check the file system on the drive fixing any problem it finds. Corrupt files
can break a lot of things, including the repairs. So making sure the file system
is good is a must.

Step 3. System File Check (SFC)
The built in Windows system file checker is a tool that checks that the Windows
files are intact, the correct versions and not corrupted. This is a good idea to
do before doing repairs as if a file is corrupt and we try a repair that needs
that file then the repair will fail.

Step 4. System Restore
Doing a system restore point is a great idea to do before doing any repairs. If
any unforeseen problems happen after any repair than a system restore can put
the system back to the way it was before the repairs. This is highly
recommended.

Start Repairs
In this final step you can choose between 3 modes.
Basic Mode: This will run only the most basic, safe repair options. Extra
advanced repairs are disabled.
Advanced Mode: Runs more advanced repairs while leaving a few disabled.
Custom Mode: Every repair is available. The program will remember your repair
choices the next time you choose custom mode.

[silkstone]

Well, i figured out what 1/2 the problem was after reinstalling windows. If you disable GUI Boot and there is a diskscan scheduled, the pc will appear to hang

Still, i had the problem with permissions that i couldn't edit the boot files using msconfig.exe. The tool didn;t fix it

[95Viper]

Have you tried running the recovery off the Windows 7 CD/DVD?

How to use the Windows 7 System Recovery Environment Command Prompt

Can I, also, assume you do not have a backup and/or a usable restore point, since you do not mention them.
Try them if you have them.

You can give easybcd a try, maybe that can edit the boot files for you.
easybcd download

[erixx]

Forget it and get Windows 8!

Messing with permissions is really for advanced users, you can't win the Kernel with a crowbar

[silkstone]

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Have you tried running the recovery off the Windows 7 CD/DVD?

How to use the Windows 7 System Recovery Environment Command Prompt

Can I, also, assume you do not have a backup and/or a usable restore point, since you do not mention them.
Try them if you have them.

You can give easybcd a try, maybe that can edit the boot files for you.
easybcd download

It's ok i've re-installed now. I do have a backup from a week ago, i used it but it had the same pribmlem. MS Config changes wouldn't stick. I has also tried recovery, and unfortunately, i had just disabled system restore

[erixx]

The Surgeon General/Department of Public Health alerts: All "tweakings" found on "the interwebs" should be handled with care, extreme care or not handled at all. Always remember that there are no 100% effective palliatives or remedies for the dangerous specimen found between the chair and the keyboard.

Joking apart, it looks like that a total reinstall, clean, not a repair install, is mandatory in order to regain full health and peace of mind...

[95Viper]

Originally Posted by silkstone

It's ok i've re-installed now. I do have a backup from a week ago, i used it but it had the same problem. MS Config changes wouldn't stick. I has also tried recovery, and unfortunately, i had just disabled system restore

Sorry, you had to do a re-install and could not straighten it out.
At least, you have a clean slate to play with.

[silkstone]

Originally Posted by erixx

The Surgeon General/Department of Public Health alerts: All "tweakings" found on "the interwebs" should be handled with care, extreme care or not handled at all. Always remember that there are no 100% effective palliatives or remedies for the dangerous specimen found between the chair and the keyboard.

Joking apart, it looks like that a total reinstall, clean, not a repair install, is mandatory in order to regain full health and peace of mind...

Yea, i wasn;t really following any guides, although i did look at some of the steps. I kend of took it into my own hands and ignored the errors and warning.

Originally Posted by 95Viper

Sorry, you had to do a re-install and could not straighten it out.
At least, you have a clean slate to play with.

It's np. I wasn't too hopeful on an answer, a google search of my problem showed that everyone who had it re-installed windows. Also, the install was onto a SSD that had only been loaded with windows 2 weeks, so the re-install no biggy.

Now i just have to figure out how to delete the windows directory from my storage HDD that i accidentally installed windows on. I think an ubuntu pen drive might be in order.

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by silkstone

It's ok i've re-installed now. I do have a backup from a week ago, i used it but it had the same pribmlem. MS Config changes wouldn't stick. I has also tried recovery, and unfortunately, i had just disabled system restore

Why did it happen a week ago? You might have a very persistent infection OR you are installing/downloading something your rig does not agree with, OR you are not doing a true clean install.

Happens once...ok could be anything. Twice? Something is up.

Just trying to help man.

[silkstone]

Originally Posted by TheMailMan78

Why did it happen a week ago? You might have a very persistent infection OR you are installing/downloading something your rig does not agree with, OR you are not doing a true clean install.

Happens once...ok could be anything. Twice? Something is up.

Just trying to help man.

I think the problem already occurred before the backup, i just didn't notice it. Clean install fixed everything

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by silkstone

I think the problem already occurred before the backup, i just didn't notice it. Clean install fixed everything

Good to hear!