Can't install > can't change contents of folder.

gregrocker said:

Yes I'd create another Admin-level account, copy your files over, make sure all programs work in it and if not reinstall them. See if the flash and other things not working correctly work in the new account. If so, you can delete the old Account. However, it may not completely delete as the original account will sometimes not do until reinstall. But it should't bother you and may run better.

I'd also run Malwarebytes after updating to make sure there is no infection.

You could also consider a clean reinstall after wiping the HD of possible infection or corruption. Here are some tips for getting a perfect reinstall based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7

Hm, I just did something weird.
Situation: I have 1 HDD with partitions C (as a "system drive") and D (as an "application drive").
Firefox was installed to D as it's an application of course.
I made a new account, I couldn't get Firefox started.
So I revisited the Firefox-Installer and instead installed it in the default "C > Program Files".
It worked on that account, it even installed the flash player and some other things.
Then I went back (I switched accounts leaving them logged on both)
to the first account and Firefox crashed for some reason.
Then I opened it again there and it turned out to use the same settings (tabs and all)
while it runs Firefox from the Program Files installation now.
And it works for some reason... so would the directory be the culprit?

This still leaves me unsure if this original Windows Account is OK though.
But I'll still consider just making a new one.
Can I still get all the settings back instantly though?
By that I mean, all the details too, like mouse-settings, Window-sizes/positions perhaps.
All the settings and saves of course.
As I already spent hours on configuring things... it's quite a pain to be honest.


Thanks for your replies.

Seems the pain was self-inflicted. Never a good idea to put your programs on another partition from OS. They write registry keys which integrate them into the OS so should remain a part of it.

At this point it might be best to consider a clean reinstall following these tips to get a perfect install, based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7

Or is it possible you have a Win backup image, factory Recovery partition or disks which could restore to before this was done?

gregrocker said:

Seems the pain was self-inflicted. Never a good idea to put your programs on another partition from OS. They write registry keys which integrate them into the OS so should remain a part of it.

Hm, then they should note that during the installation.
It wasn't a problem on my previous (XP-)computer though, I did the exact same thing.

At this point it might be best to consider a clean reinstall following these tips to get a perfect install, based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7

You mean to make sure there are no errors?
Also, would this mean it resets everything to default?

Or is it possible you have a Win backup image, factory Recovery partition or disks which could restore to before this was done?

Before what was done exactly?
Because I did very little in the short time this system has been running.

Yes a reinstall sets everything to default because it starts over. Wipe the HD first for cleanest slate.

Did you clean install, in-place Upgrade from Vista, or buy a factory pre-installed machine? What is the make/model if so? You could run Factory Recovery.

gregrocker said:

Yes a reinstall sets everything to default because it starts over. Wipe the HD first for cleanest slate.

Did you clean install, in-place Upgrade from Vista, or buy a factory pre-installed machine? What is the make/model if so? You could run Factory Recovery.

Ah, well I stated before it's a self-built system, so it would be a clean install.
Just bought and assembled all parts, installed Windows on a brand-new disk.
Installed security before connecting the internet and then connected and had Windows update.
That's pretty much where I'm at now, apart from having surfed online with Firefox. :)

If you are using Firefox, change the download folder to another folder, and then change it back to the folder you want. That fixed it for me.

I saw another fix on another site that worked for someone else. Make sure the Application Experience service is set to automatic. Mine was disabled, and that may have contributed to the problem.