User account corrupt? Docs read only, can't open Firefox & Live Mail

ScottVS said:

I have searched the forums and can find similar issues but none seem to be the same.

I can't remember the exact sequence of events but it went something like:

• I had been having problems with Sonos desktop controller and updated / reinstalled (this didn't resolve the problem by the way and am seeking resolution through the Sonos forum)
• At about the same time I started getting a security message from my HP Assistant telling me the guest account was enabled but as far as I can see it wasn't.
• I now only have read access to my documents and they crash when opened
• Firefox thought for a while another instance was open and asked me to close it but it wasn't open
• Firefox now won't open and is telling me "Could not initialize the browser's security component. The most likely cause is problems with files in your browser's profile directory. Please check that this directory has no read/write restrictions and your hard disk is not full or close to full. It is recommended that you exit the browser and fix the problem. If you continue to use this browser session, you might see incorrect browser behavior when accessing security features"
• Windows LiveMail will not open due to corrupt calendar entry
• I get a Catalyst Control Centre error also

It looks similar to registry problems others have had and I have set up a new admin account and copied over the internet security settings using regedit but it only appears to have helped marginally - I can now open files (albeit briefly) whereas before I couldn't open them at all.

Interestingly I am getting the HP security warning in the other admin account telling me the guest account is enabled - it is not!


It looks like I have overcome the firefox problem by setting up an additional profile in firefox but it doesn't have any of my favourites etc.

Rather than copying everything over to a new user account I wondered if there was a fix. It smacks of a problem in the profile but am not sure where to look.

Thanks in advance and sorry if there is a solution already posted - I have looked and looked.

Welcome to Sevenforums Scott.

Run the Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper over your system.

PUT SYSTEM SWEEPER ON A USB STICK
System Sweeper, https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper, allows you to start an infected PC and perform an offline scan to identify and remove viruses, rootkits and other advanced malware. System Sweeper is a free standalone, bootable malware and virus remover from Microsoft.

NOTE: A fine tutorial on the System Sweeper is:
How to use the Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper

Download System Sweeper (about 576 kB):
https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Insert 256 MB or larger USB stick into a usb port.

Run the downloaded program--mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe

Choose the option to install to USB.
Caution: The install program will format the usb stick.

The install program will download about 200 mB more.

After the install is finished, leave the stick in the usb slot.

Run the program you downloaded once again.

This 2nd run, and any subsequent runs, will download the very latest anti-virus definitions (about 60 mB).

To keep System Sweeper up-to-date, simply reinsert the usb stick and run the installation program, mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe, again.

The initial, full scan by System Sweeper can easily take several hours, but subsequent quick scans will be shorter.

Remember, your computer is being very thoroughly checked for all types of malware.

The results of System Sweeper will be in:
\Windows\Standalone System Sweeper\Support as one or more files with a LOG extension which can be viewed with Notepad.

Karlsnooks no success i'm afraid. No alerts or messages when complete and log report seems pretty innocuous. Any suggestions as to what do next?

It seems similar to a problem I had in vista when it was logging in under a temp / bak account.

Scott,

The results of System Sweeper will be in:
\Windows\Standalone System Sweeper\Support as one or more files with a LOG extension which can be viewed with Notepad.

Please attach the logs to your next post.


Files and Screenshots - Upload and Post in Seven Forums
How to Upload and Post a Screenshot and File in Seven Forums

Scott,

Well. Good news is that the log shows nothing really usual.
Bad news is that I wish that it had so that we could go direct to the problem source.

I need two things:
1. the output of Disk Management. Please read and follow the enclosed procedure.

2. you to complete your system specs so that I and others have a better idea of your system. Those system specs go with you. Every msg you post has in small print in bottom left "system specs" so that we can easily check over the specs.

And of course, another writeup showing how to gather info, how to fill out, etc.

HOW TO POST A SNAPSHOT OF DISK MANAGEMENT DISPLAY
Run disk management:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
WIN is the key with the wavy flag.

Maximize the output of Disk Management:
ALT-Spacebar key combo (this pops up a menu) followed by X key (selects Maximize) |
Drag the field separators (such as between Status and Capacity) to show entire field. This is very important, otherwise, needed info is not visible.

Make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER | New
Drag the cursor around the area you want to snip.
File | Save as | select save location and name | Save

Post the snapshot:
Upload a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums
===========================================
===========================================

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

Did you try System Restore?