Took Ownership of the C: (Windows 7) drive

BillStandley32 · 05 Dec 2012

I have a folder which has no owner and allows no access. Attempting to do any security related operation causes a denial of access, of that folder (a problem in itself). So, I thought changing ownership of the c: drive would help. With the hope that some recursive operation would allow me to delete the unwanted folder, which was created off the c: drive. I changed the ownership of the c: drive from SYSTEM to my only ID, which that ID has Administrator authority. The ownership change of the c: drive did not allow me to delete the unwanted folder. Without knowing the peril I was in, I thought I might be able to delete the unwanted folder from Safe Mode. Now my account is disabled and I can't log in, no matter what I attempt to boot.

Searching the Internet for answers has made me realize the I mistake I've made. But, the search has not answered all my questions.

I can't use System Recovery Options because I don't have any Administrator ID other than the one disabled. And those options are password protected.

Barring a re-install of Windows 7 ... What options if any, do I have? Can I connect the hard drive to a different system and restore the ownership or recover my data? Are there any applications that would help? Is there any bootable solution of a thumb-drive or disc that would allow me to change ownership or access data?

Ztruker · 05 Dec 2012

System Restore may help, see here: System Restore Scroll down to Option Two.

You can also do this by booting the Win 7 Install Disc or a System Recovery Disc: What are the system recovery options in Windows 7?

If you do not have a Windows 7 installation DVD, you can download a legal copy with SP1 integrated from here: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/"]Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River[/url].
Make sure you get the same version you have, Home Premium, Pro or Ultimate and 32 or 64 bit. Note that Basic or Starter is not available.

I recommend using http://www.imgburn.com/"]ImgBurn[/url] at 4X speed (or the slowest available) to create the DVD from the downloaded .iso file.

You can do this on any computer capable of burning a DVD.

For techies or folks who work on computers: http://www.mydigitallife.info/create-windows-7-universal-iso-with-all-editions-selection-on-install-with-ei-cfg-removal-utility/"]Create Windows 7 Universal ISO With All Editions Selection On Install with ei.cfg Removal Utility[/url].
This will fit on a 6GB flash drive or can be burned to a DVD.

BillStandley32 · 06 Dec 2012

Well, problem solved. First, thanks Ztruker for your response and suggestions. While, I was on the path of creating a Windows 7 installation DVD from mydigitallife.info as you suggested, I ran in to a friend of a friend who knew a guru-type guy. You know how that goes when your is desperation mode, your asking everyone for help. Anyhow, this guru had a bootable solution that re-enabled my Windows 7 ID. After ensuring the correct ownership was restored to the c: drive, to this point my Windows 7 system is running as before. ((smacking my hand against my head)) I know better than to muck with system directories, including the c: drive.