"Take Ownership" shortcut, problems with "docs & settings".

Hello To the forum.
After looking at this thread

Access Denied for Documents & Settings folder
And having already got the shortcut on my context menu ...
I am unable to take control of c:\documents and settings ... just get access denied.


Reason for wanting to is a failed Avira AV install 2x and then following their support page that states ..
4. Delete the following Avira folders if they exist:
◦ C:\Program Files\Avira
◦ C:\ProgramData\Avira
◦ C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira

First two worked as expected.
I have access to all other folders marked with padlock within c:drive

Only want to destroy this bit of rubbish and get a real AV program ... but all that is another story.
Paul

Did you use Avira's uninstall tool first? Avira uninstall Tool - Removal Tool (Free Download)

As always scan all downloads at virus total. This download shows up once, it's more than likely a false positive which is highly likely due to some ~40 anti-virus engines being used.

This is just one reason I refuse to use bloated anti-virus software. You're far better off running your browser in Sandboxie (now free) and full 1:1 disk clones to external hard drives, and scan ALL downloads at Virus Total. I do scan my computer every once in a while with all sorts of tools. I'll name three. SuperAntiSpyware, TDssKiller, and ADwcleaner. I use other tools as well, but they are not for a novice. Malwarebytes has a browser guard which looks promising, but I've never used it before and I'm sure it's loaded with telemetry.

I have a felling you may need to restore permissions. If we need to I can try to help with that.

Thank you "F22 Simpilot"
My key issue at this location is appalling download capabilities.
Anything takes forever and so doing any sort of online checking is effectively impossible.
I will try your suggestion for the Avira tool ... had not spotted that .... but note that their site mentions a registry cleaner (which I will not be using!)
As the post I quoted makes it clear that messing with "docs&settings" is a bad idea I will see what the Avira tool does first.
Need to get on with driving this car to work instead of having it up on the ramp ....
Paul

Thank you "samuria"
I have dual boot with Leap 15.2 ...
So will follow your advice .....
Marking this as "solved"
Thanks for help
Paul

The cites thread contains so much bad practices recommended that I'm not surprised you ended up with more problems than you stared with. Start reading from there for the true advice: Access Denied for Documents & Settings folder

In short, Documents and Settings no longer exists in Windows 7 (has been removed since Vista), it's now only a junction that points to c:\users for compatibility to poorly implemented programs, that has by default denied listing access, hence the access denied you get.

In every Windows since Vista, the path "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira" will be (by default) at "C:\Users\Public\AppData\Roaming\Avira". The forum you were reading most likely comes from a pre-XP time where those paths were correct.

Also, just adding a "take ownership shortcut" is 99% of times also a bad practice. Messing with permissions just to work around problems without understanding what's really happening is asking for trouble.

Thank you "Alejandro85"
And I have noted that this directory should not be messed with.
Just for info ... I do not have "AppData" or any other variants within C:\Users\Public ...... but as you say those are old defaults.

Have not experienced problems so far with this failed Avira install mess ... just wanted to follow removal advice.
So this is the end. Thank you all for help.
Paul

AppData is the normal folder in Windows 7, but it's hidden and Explorer hiddes files by default. Just enable displaying of hidden files (a good thing anyway) and it'll appear.

Chassing down those last folders is of course not necesary, but I also like to fully delete uninstalled programs. The only dangerous component of antiviruses is the kernel driver, and the normal uninstaller should've taken care of it, so don't worry too much if you've left something behind.

Really must put this topic to bed ... please .....
But for information ...
Already had all files visible and checked users ....admin, allusers,default,defaultuser,"ME", "public".
APPDATA is visible in ...
"Administrator", "Default"

APPLICATIONDATA is visible in ..
"All Users", shortcut in "Default", shortcut in "ME"
I have access denied for "Default User"


All the above is merely for information ..No issues.
Over and out ... Paul