Windows 7: Cannot save files. Please help

Hi,

I've tried reinstalling Windows several times, however this hasnt' fixed it...
As I'm running a Home Premium, there's no way for me to access the built in administrator account thingy...
Running the sfc/scannow function did not locate/ identify any problems.
When running as administrator, I'm still unable to save any type of files.
Also, I believe this issue only occured after installing Bitdefender 2011 as I was able to successfully download the installation files for both bitdefender and firefox.
Would be really grateful if anyone could help!

Edit: When i try saving a file, the "save as" dialogue box comes up, however when I hit the save button I get the message "The file name is not valid"

Looks like it is a permission issue. Reinstalling windows won't fix the problem even if you give the account the same name because a different identifier is associate with the new account. If the identifier was the same you would have permission to change files. One option is to add a take ownership shortcut to the context menu (Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Win 7 or Vista - How-To Geek) or you can right click the offending files/folders and click properties and look for the security tab. From there you can see who has permission to add/view/modify files and can change it. Moving to this computer (ie a "new" computer) could have cause the problem because the permissions were copied for the old user account. You can get around this by formating a drive with a fat32 file system (you will LOSE ALL DATA by formating) and copying the files to that, because fat32 does not support permissions.

Hope this helps,
~Trcx

Hi Trcx,
I actually did a clean install by reformatting the the drive... :/ like booting from disk, formatting C:/ then installing windows. Also, i've no idea which file/folders might be causing the offence. Do you mean I've got to right click each folder I come across?

So are you moving to a different machine? If so format the device that you are moving your files with the fat32 filesystem. When you formated the computer that you just clean installed windows on it formats with NTFS which supports permissions. NTFS allows you to specific which users have read/write access to which files and folders. Buy copying your files to a drive formated with fat32 you remove all the permission information from the files/folders then you can delete the original files and then copy the files back to the computer. By doing this you remove the permission information. If there was one specific folder that you couldn't save to you could the the context menu "Take Ownership link to giver yourself permission to read write that specific files.

Edit: I just now saw your edit could you be more specific about you problem. What program are you using? Could you provide a screen shot?

Am unable to save stuff using both internet explorer and firefox. Am also unable to save notepad files. Get the same "flie name is not valid" error msg regardless of program used

where do you try to save to? try saving to desktop that should work.
Chances are it's Firefox stopping you from saving. Check here before you format or reinstall another time

Unable to download or save files | Troubleshooting | Firefox Help

-DG

What are you entering for a files name? Are you able to save to some folders like the desktop. Can you save files to an external flash drive?

Where did you get Windows 7? How is it activated?

Try wiping the HD before reinstalling as you may have infected code: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Hi guys, thanks heaps for the advice so far.
It kinda struck me just as headed off to bed, this problem only starts after I install Bitdefender. ie. before installing, I'm able to download and save stuff off the net. However once Bd's up and running, it all (excuse my language) turns to shit in a handbasket.
Does anyone know of compatability issues between Windows 7 and Bd Internet Security 2011?

@SledgeDG: It's not a firefox problem, i don't think. I'm unsble to save using both firefox and explorer. Notepad doesn't save too...

@Trcx: It's the desktop I've been trying to save to. Tried the documents folder too... Haven't tried the USB yet... will give it a shot

@gregrocker: Got win 7 thru a free upgrade when I got my notebook. Think it's an automatic windows activation, although I did go to system, and click on the "activate now" link. As for the reinstalling attempts done so far, I've done it from the auto run in vista and also from booting up from the cd, then picking the format drive option.

Use free MS Security Essentials or Avast 5 with Windows Firewall for best performance.

MS required the Upgrade kits to include a clean-copy bootable Windows 7 Installation DVD which should also have its own Product Key. If so, then wipe the HD and clean reinstall to get the cleanest possible install.

Here are some tips for getting a purrfect clean reinstall - use the ones which apply to you: re-install windows 7

If Product Key is rejected during install, leave it blank and do the quick registry workaround given here to clean install an Upgrade version: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version