Take / Assign Ownership of file / folder

@ztrucker - will try safe mode next.
@WindowsStar - same problem. FYI I'm using the Classic non-Aero theme while I try all of this. I also run Ivo's Classic Shell, if that helps. The problem smells as if something has a lock on the file. Is there a way to see file lock activity?

I hit the printscreen key after the last attempt. Here's the screen shot:


One thing to keep in mind - the only reason I'm trying to mess with aero.msstyles is to be able to change background colors in Aero Themed Explorer windows. I have no desire per-se to take ownership and mess with the OS. Just trying to make backgrounds have colors of my choice. If there is an easier way I would gladly use it ...

Thanks again,

$teve

Ok, I've solved the "access denied" problem.

As are most solved problems, it seems trivial in retrospect.

As I sat here fuming, I calmed down and reminded myself that although it has been many years since I passed the tests and worked much with windows, I am a W2K MCSE. I called up some of the mantra's that got me through the tests, way back in July 2001.

The problem of course, was permissions. Ownership per-se does not grant permissions. TrustedInstaller, the original owner of that and most 'system' files, has Full Control. Administrators don't. After granting Administrators Full Control, I could do what I wanted with the file. Did not solve the gross white explorer backgrounds problem, but that is a story for another thread ...





Thanks to everyone for putting up with my ranting in this thread ...

$teve

Sorry $teve, I assumed you had already checked NTFS permissions and this was some other issue. Once you said it did not work with the Shell Exited I started to think about NTFS permissions. I read here that, that is what it turned out to be. I need to remember to post the simplest things first before getting deep into it. :)

So glad you got it worked out.

WindowsStar said:

Thank you for providing the above information. However, I keep seeing people on this forum saying they want to be the BOSS I want full control without understanding what they are doing and want to take ownership of every file and remove all others.....then 30 minutes later they are asking why their machine is crashing why it is doing weird stuff why this is not working, why they cannot install or uninstall software. Holy Cow you just took ownership of everything and the system has no access!!! Duh! You can’t uninstall or re-install or anything.

If you (anyone) really want to take ownership of every file on the machine spend the time reading "Windows 7 Resource Kit" and "Windows 7 Inside Out" cover to cover twice and then do some research on the internet for several months. This way you can be absolutely sure you know what you are doing.

I would add a disclaimer to your tutorial.

:: WARNING! Making these changes without completely understand the full effects; can or will result in requiring a complete clean reinstall of your operating system (i.e. Windows 7).

Is there directories that the SYSTEM actually has to have ownership or can you claim ownership as the ADMINISTRATOR, but still grant FULL access to the SYSTEM for that particular directory? I have on my WIN 7 machine that SYSTEM has ownership to Documents & Settings. I would think the USER would have ownership. Nonetheless, what directories does the SYSTEM need to have EXCLUSIVE OWNERSIP or is it dependent on software applications?