Solved Cannot edit, delete, rename files in any way (Thread version II)

[JohnnyMcFly]

I have read through the threads here and have come across many posts that were similar to my problem, but the biggest difference in all of them is that they had information returned to them from Windows. I am getting no information retured, instead my system is just hanging.

I am using Windows 7 Ultimate x32, and no matter what drive or folder I try to rename, create, etc. in windows explorer, the system just hangs. Gives no information whatsoever as to the cause. I have taken ownership, I have checked all permissions, and this happens on different physical drives. Meaning I have three different HDDs and all of them respond the same.

(New information)
I am able to create ZIP files with 7zip, and even rename them in explorer! This may also be true for other programs as well, I have not tried as of yet with any other program than 7Zip. However, I can also create a file with Notepad, and save it, but as soon as I try to rename it within Windows explorer the system hangs.

So it would seem to be a permissions problem that is extended through Windows Explorer? I am not sure what to do next, or what to check, the only reason I found out about 7Zip is because I wanted to backup my stuff in case this is a physical error on the drive. So, one thing is positive out of this, I finally got around to backing my stuff up! But the problem still persists...

I was able to rename delete etc as early as yesterday, so the question is also what has changed and how do I find what has changed..

Thank you in advance for any help and insight you can give me..

 

[Maguscreed]

Have you tried disabling/removing your security software?

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

You mean Like AVG, I don't have anynthing else running?

 

[Maguscreed]

yeah, just a quick thought... it seems unlikely it is the cause, but it is not beyond possibility.

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

I don't know? Has there been some sort of security update issued by MS that could have went and changed all my permissions? (Within the last day)...At least I know my drive is not dieing, but thats little consolation if it is somewhat useless anyways...

 

[Maguscreed]

Well if pulling avg changed nothing you may want to ensure windows isn't damaged.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

Yep already did that, and returned without any errors. I also ran the MS autofix thing called MSFixIt and that said it fixed some things but the problem still persists. I changed all the ownerships, to my account and gave myself full control on them. Still no luck.

 

[Maguscreed]

It's not a permission issue, if it was you'd be getting a error message.
In fact playing with permissions all over the place could possibly make the issue worse...
Just out of curiosity have you rebooted your system since this problem started?

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

Yes I have multiple times, cold booted twice as well.
Whats perplexing is this happens on all the drives. I can create in 7zip, and in fact rename, but I cannot do anything with existing files...

 

[Maguscreed]

Well here's a question, are you able to rename in safe mode?

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

I'll try that right now, and I wanted to say thatnk you for your help in this matter, it is appreciated...

 

[Maguscreed]

no problem wish I could be more direct with troubleshooting your problem here, but I've never experienced it across all folders and drives like that.

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

Nope same thing in safe mode. I can only rename/edit and save files that I have just recently created using 7zip. It would probably work with other apps too, I think its got to do with when they were created, and not so much by what..

I got my MCSE back in 97, and my CNA in 96, So I'm not a total stranger, but I have not came across anything like this before. System was completly scanned for viruses using the latest AVG, then was also scanned using MalwareBytes Anti Malware. I am completely and utterly stumped! It makes no sense?

 

[Maguscreed]

Okay well I did finally dig up something on this in the vista section of the forums.
The fix will hopefully apply to win 7 as well. (most these system level configuration things do)
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/130137-cannot-rename-move-file-folder-vista-fix.html

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

I'll try it right now

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

No dice! It did not work, but it did report that not all keys could be written to because the system had them open...
This is crazy isn't it! Hell I came from the days when you had to use ASM to format an old MFM HDD and this is the first time I have completely lost faith in an OS. haha Yeah I'm getting a little frustrated...

I have no idea what to try next, but I think I know where this is going to end. It will be a reinstall of Windows 7 and even then that may not do it. As a roll back position, what is known about rolling back from Windows 7 to XP Pro? I am starting to think I may not have a choice and I don't think I want to install Windows 7 again after this because there is just no information anywhere on this error.

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

And yes I tried it in safe mode too..haha

 

[Maguscreed]

I have no explanation for this, I have never seen it before, or even run across a post from a user with the same problem.
If it doesn't work in safe mode it's definitely a problem with windows itself.
A repair install would likely fix the problem but being as how we are unaware of the cause it could happen again.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to be of more help ...but to be perfectly honestly your problem makes no logical sense. Even if there was corruption or improper registry entries being locked out of your own machine like that is just... well weird.

 

[JohnnyMcFly]

I know, I am completely stumped by this as well. I have a software release to get out, so the quickest thing for me to try is a repair. If that does not work then I'll be spending the next 6 hours making sure I have everything backed up and then rollback to to XP Pro I guess. Damn I was just starting to like Windows 7 too! I see where they are going with it, but honestly, its not very often that I get stumped like this where everything you try makes no difference at all. So, I will end up keeping windows 7 but it will be on a virtual box under XP Pro. This is a development system and I just cannot run the risk of my OS suddenly loosing its mind and blocking me from my source code. Right?

Like always, I'm sure that Win7 will be less buggy in the future, but right now its too dangerous for me to use as development OS. I really do appreciate your help and suggestions, and I thank you for your time, but I don't think we're getting this resolved. I'll report back after I do the repair, Is there anything I need to know about that?

 

[Maguscreed]

It's been the most stable OS for me ever. XP was a mess of blue screens and vista just seemed.... slow had all three on this same system at one time or another.
a repair install will return all windows files and settings to default. If it doesn't restore your access to those files/folders I don't know what will.