Cannot find Public Desktop (Annoying!?)

[Tomination]

Hi, for the past few months i have been having an issue that is driving me crazy, it stops me from installing windows updates, third party software (also uninstallation) and causes problems inside some programs.

The problem is this: Error 1606: Cannot access Public/Desktop

I have supplied a link to a screen shot here -

I think its because i accidentally deleted the public folders, and for ages i have tried to recreate them to no avail

Please Help!

 

[fseal]

It's probably far too late for a system restore but you could try a repair install...

 

[Tomination]

Thanks for your reply!

Unfortunately the OS came with the laptop and thus i have no repair disk

Is there nowhere in Windows that will allow me to recreate the public folder with the correct attributes?

 

[James Colbert]

Thanks for your reply!

Unfortunately the OS came with the laptop and thus i have no repair disk

I would first try:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/69334-public-folders-restore.html?ltr=P

If no help:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

If this doesn't help, you can create a repair disk without an install DVD via this tutorial:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html?ltr=S

You could also try to do a manufacturer's recovery via one of the F keys (i.e., f8, etc...the process should be described in your manual). If this proves impossible, you can generally order recovery discs from the manufacturer.

James

 

[sygnus21]

Off topic for a second....

Personally I'd stay away from registry cleaners as they really don't do much in "optimizing" the OS. On the other hand, they can casue problems by removing things that may be needed down the line. In short, you may not see the effects of a registry cleaner gone bad until it's too late.

Anyways one debate for registry cleaners was here - http://www.sevenforums.com/software/19947-do-registry-cleaners-really-work.html

As for your problem - James Colbert and fseal's suggestions should work.

My two cents.

 

[Tomination]

@James

I have tried the sfc scan now thing, it said it found something corrupt and fixed it, But no public folders still.

I managed to find the windows 7 disk that i bought for my computer; but there was no option to repair install. only to try certain things like system recovery or clean install etc

I am currently trying the Public Folders - Restore link you provided (though i have tried this in the past)

 

[Tomination]

@Sygnus, i would have to agree to disagree, i have found in my experience they solve some of the common problems caused by people who like to fiddle with their computers like me, also as i do my own development i find it helps me to clear a program i create totally registry keys et all.

But i of course have no evidence it helps performance, just i guess as long as i know what i am getting rid of its not too bad
Though i use CCLeaner for the registry, its most important use to me is cleaning temp files and some of the other useful tools in their, such as the msconfig style tool; the fact that when a program refuses to uninstall i can do it manually etc

 

[sygnus21]

That's fine, just thought i'd voice my opinion. In the end you are the end user.

Do hope you get your situation fixed with the link James provided.

Peace

 

[Tomination]

The only solution for me was running the repair installation.

However i only have a bigger issue now as its asking me for a product key for my laptop; which was preinstalled with the OS when i bought it from Dell.

 

[James Colbert]

The only solution for me was running the repair installation.



However i only have a bigger issue now as its asking me for a product key for my laptop; which was preinstalled with the OS when i bought it from Dell.

If it's not on a sticker on the machine or on a certificate included with the machine:

http://www.sevenforums.com/software/633-windows-product-key-finder.html

James

 

[Tomination]

thanks, i tried that application, seems good; but unfortunately the product key listed for windows was deemed generic by the activation wizard

 

[James Colbert]

thanks, i tried that application, seems good; but unfortunately the product key listed for windows was deemed generic by the activation wizard

If you can't find it in the material that came with the machine or via the software, I would call Dell. I would think they should be able to give it to you.

James

 

[Tomination]

The solution was found

PRoduct key listed underneath battery

 

[fseal]

Just an FYI, the windows disk "repair install" will not affect peorsonal data or apps. (Though a backup is still highly recomended in case something goes wrong)

BUT

In nearly every case the factory "restore" setting/utility or disk will in fact just completely wipe the HD and return the entire system to the exact state as when you bought it. So definately be prepared for that if you go that route...

 

[sygnus21]

Just an FYI, the windows disk "repair install" will not affect peorsonal data or apps. (Though a backup is still highly recomended in case something goes wrong)

BUT

In nearly every case the factory "restore" setting/utility or disk will in fact just completely wipe the HD and return the entire system to the exact state as when you bought it. So definately be prepared for that if you go that route...

I completely agree with fseal here, especially this.... "Though a backup is still highly recomended in case something goes wrong"

 

[Trucidation]

The solution was found

PRoduct key listed underneath battery

Good for you that you found it

Most laptops usually have it like that. After several laptops I make it a habit now to write down anything on any label or sticker on a new machine. Actually it's nearly the same for desktops too, especially branded ones bought in bulk e.g. for the workplace.

I wonder why simply re-creating the folders at C:\Users\Public doesn't work though. I don't recall 100% but I seem to remember deleting My Documents then re-creating it as Documents. I could be remembering wrong whether it worked though.

 

[sygnus21]

I don't recall 100% but I seem to remember deleting My Documents then re-creating it as Documents.

I wouldn't recommend deleting a major folder like that. That creates more hassles than it's worth, usually resulting in a OS reinstall after awhile.

My two cents.

Anyways glad to hear the OP got it sorted.