Changes in gpedit.msc -- can't elevate privileges (Win Update, UAC)

System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit

Rebooted after Windows finished updating today. Something broke! I could not open on screen keyboard osk.exe. I got the error: A referral was returned from the server. So, I searched and followed steps like these (Resolving A referral was returned from the server Error: Windows 8 |) to disable "User Account Control: Only elevate executables that are signed and validated"

Now, I cannot elevate privileges at all... all admin tools and everything else gives a "A referral was returned from the server" including cmd.exe and creating or changing user accounts or creating a new profile.

I do not have admin account enabled or any other users besides the one, with admin privileges that are no more? Do I need to re-install Windows or is there another way?

Enable the Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable - Windows 7 Forums i
if necessary from disk System Recovery Options to Built-in Administrator - Enable from WinRE - Windows 7 Forums.

Establish an Admin User Account - Create - Windows 7 Help Forums to see if the problem persists. If not test that all programs work under new Acct or reinstall them from it. Gradually move files over. When ready delete the old User account keeping its files on desktop for awhile longer to make sure you have everything.

I would run from the Admin account which is what Win7 sets up for the presumed owner when one installs it. Keep UAC on high level to guard against intrusion, use the other tools and methods suggested in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 which have been used by over a million consumers without a single complaint or report of problems by those who stick with them.