Can't Access "Default User" folder in Users Folder

[Wandering Flame]

No matter what I do, and how much I edit the security settings on that folder (not that it lets me even do that) I can't access this folder for some reason?

What's the deal? Thanks.

This is on Windows 7. I have two admin accounts. I can't access it from either account.

 

[not so gray matter]

Can you take ownership of the folder?

Taking Ownership of Files and Folders
As an administrator you can take ownership of a file or folder as follows:
1. In Windows Explorer, rt-click on "properties" for the file or folder.
2. Security tab | Advanced
3. Owner tab| click Edit
4. In the Change Owner To list, select the new owner. To take ownership of all subfolders and files within the folder, select Replace Owner On Subcontainers And Objects option.
5. OK | OK

Assigning Ownership
As administrator or the current owner, you can assign ownership to another user or group as follows:
1. In Windows Explorer, rt-click on "Properties" for the file or folder.
2. Security tab | Advanced
3. Owner tab | Edit
4. Click Other Users Or Groups
5. Type the name of a user or a group | click Check Names | Choose the name you want if its not already filled in | OK
6. From the Change Owner list, select the new owner. For a folder, select Replace Owner On Subcontainers and Objects to assign ownership of all subfolders and files within the folder.
7. Ok | OK

 

[logicearth]

"Default User" is a junction. Go to "Default" which "Default User" points to.
Revert any changed you made to it as well.

Read the links in my signature to learn more about why you should leave it alone.

 

[Wandering Flame]

Ok, it seems this folder is not supposed to be accessed and is a junction point or whatever, but this isn't Vista. I guess Windows 7 is the same. Thanks. I'll go change it to Everyone - Deny again.

Alright, I'm trying to reset this to Read: Everyone - Denied like before, but do I have to reset it to this? What would happen if I don't reset it to this?

I have it currently set on the setting where, I can't access it unless I click grant permission to myself. Is that ok?

Also, I wanted to folder icon to be restored to that folder since I changed it. Originally it had a shortcut symbol on the folder. logicearth should know what I'm talking about...

I then changed the folder icon to a folder with a lock symbol instead. Now, I couldn't change the folder icon back to what it was originally, for some reason. I don't understand why. Maybe it's because it's a shortcut folder?

Anyway, somehow it has the shortcut icon back as it did originally, and this was after I copied and pasted (not cut and paste, but COPY AND PASTE) the folder to the desktop, so there were now two "Default User" folders, one in my "Users" folder and one on the Desktop. I THEN dragged the copy folder from the desktop back to the user folder. It then, obviously asked me if I wanted to replace "Default User" to the one I'm dragging in. I clicked "Yes". Again, it's the same folder.

But would that cause anything? I hope not.

 

[Wandering Flame]

Sorry for making a double post but, in case I modified anything from it's original state, could I just "remake" this "Default User" folder like how it was before I did anything? I think I may have deleted the original and now probably looking at a duplicate right now...

Also, it has a shortcut symbol on it, however when I look into properties of that folder, where it says "Type of File" it says "File Folder" instead of "Shortcut"...and where it says "Target" there is nothing, and where it says "Comments" there is nothing as well.

Also, if I can't delete this folder completely and just remake it (so that is has all the default permission settings) can I do something to test to see if it works properly?

 

[Wandering Flame]

This has seriously depressed me for some reason and am still wondering if I can just make a new "Default User" folder that had the default permission settings and that functions the same way. I thought by deleting it, it would fix the problem but now I so regret doing that...and want it back

I know I can simply create a folder here and call it "Default User"...but that wouldn't exactly make it just like the one I deleted. Because the folder I deleted was a junction folder as logicearth said, a new folder I can just "make" will not also be a junction folder like the one I deleted, or, can I make it a junction folder as well?

I can say though that I DO HAVE the contents of the folder I deleted, but it's not in the original "junction" folder I deleted. Can I RE-CREATE a junction folder and put the original contents back into it?

Someone please help me out, especially you logicearth. Thanks.

Also, I was going to ask, since you said Default User points to "Default"...

Ok, if I deleted the Default User folder (or, went into it and edited its contents) does that affect the "Default" folder as well, since Default User is a shortcut to it? I mean I guess it does...since Default User is a SHORTCUT which means it sends you directly to "Default" like you said...

So I was wondering, can I just re-create a junction folder in the "Users" folder and call it "Default User" and have it point to the "Default" folder like before (of course, keeping in mind that if I edited the contents of "Default User", I essentially edited the contents of "Default" since I think "Default User" is a shortcut to it)? I still have the contents of the folder I deleted (the unedited contents) so perhaps I can put these unedited contents back in "Default", and then re-create the junction folder belonging to it, and then call it "Default User" and put this junction folder in the "Users" folder. This would revert everything back to normal and I can stop regretting trying to take control over something I'm not supposed to, and screwing around with it, in an attempt to change its folder icon...

Thanks, for those that will help. If I need to clarify anything more, I can.

 

[CommonTater]

This has seriously depressed me for some reason and am still wondering if I can just make a new "Default User" folder that had the default permission settings and that functions the same way. I thought by deleting it, it would fix the problem but now I so regret doing that...and want it back

Default User is not a folder. It is a "junction" or "hard link" that merely redirects to "Default" also visible in the same folder. This is a superhidden link used only for compatibility with XP/2000, there should be no reason you need to access it at all. I don't know any way to remake it except to do a repair install of windows.

Do yourself a favor and go into
control panel -> folder options -> view
and check the "Hide protected system files" box.

I guarantee your excedrin bill will go down....

 

[Wandering Flame]

That's the thing dude. It wasn't hidden and that folder option for some reason was set to have it show up to me! How stupid of Dell, because I sure don't remember choosing to have superhidden files and/or folders to show up. The only thing I edited in folders options is to have file extensions show, like .doc and .mp3 to tell me what files actually are.

This was all caused because of my stupid ****ing insistence to take control of everything because I'm the stinking admin of the damn computer. What kind of logic is it to restrict a computer admin from something, in the first place. Not so admin-friendly is it.

That advice is too late for me, because (all of the following was un-intentional by the way) I already screwed up the permission settings of that junction folder, ripped out its contents (which are un-edited so there should be hope in making a new junction folder...I think) and, I'm not sure if the "Default User" junction folder I currently have in the "Users" folder, is the original one. That is why I'm asking if it's possible just to create a new junction for "Default".

And if this is not possible, can you at least tell me how I can check if the "Default User" junction folder (at least I think the one I have now is still the same junction folder like before) is working? Can you tell me what its permission settings are set to on your own (what it lists in "Group or user names", and the permissions given to each, or basically, what is checked and what is not) and what it says in the general properties tab, like where it says Type of File: and Location:, etc., and where it targets to?

In fact, I think where it targets to should be the answer (I guess target is another word for directory) because if this is a "junction" folder then I think it's basically a shortcut, which would mean it must tell you what it directs to.

I just thought I should mention that, after changing the security settings on it, I noticed that when I strip my user account from having access to it, the folder icon changes back to a folder with a shortcut symbol, and when I re-gain access to it, it turns into a folder with a lock symbol on it.

I really wish I hadn't done anything...and am just wondering how I can undo this mess. I just want to know if my Default User folder is working like it should and what its security settings should be (basically, I want to know what all of its properties should say. If anyone would be kind enough to screen print the contents of each tab in properties, of their "Default User" junction folder, that would relieve me greatly. Or you just just type the information).

 

[CassieFWinTeam]

This addresses extra security measures in regards to taking ownership and granting permission to files and folders in Windows 7 - Windows 7 Take Ownership & Grant Permissions to Access Files & Folder.

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

 

[CommonTater]

That's the thing dude. It wasn't hidden and that folder option for some reason was set to have it show up to me! How stupid of Dell, because I sure don't remember choosing to have superhidden files and/or folders to show up. The only thing I edited in folders options is to have file extensions show, like .doc and .mp3 to tell me what files actually are.

In win7, by default... the folder view settings should hide system protected files and not show hidden files... These are parts of the system that can be accessed but, in all honesty, unless you know exactly what your doing... you're better of not messing with.

This was all caused because of my stupid ****ing insistence to take control of everything because I'm the stinking admin of the damn computer.

Well... I'm certainly glad that between you and me, it was you who said that...

What kind of logic is it to restrict a computer admin from something, in the first place. Not so admin-friendly is it.

The thing is that "Default User" is NOT a folder and it's NOT a shortcut... it's a hardlink which is a whole different animal... In a folder the files are right there. In a shortcut (which is probably what you've created) it's a one directonal path... to use the files you have to follow the shortcut to the folder. In a hardlink it's bidirectional, you can open and access files in both directions just like it was a folder... Linux style.

That advice is too late for me, because (all of the following was un-intentional by the way) I already screwed up the permission settings of that junction folder, ripped out its contents (which are un-edited so there should be hope in making a new junction folder...I think) and, I'm not sure if the "Default User" junction folder I currently have in the "Users" folder, is the original one. That is why I'm asking if it's possible just to create a new junction for "Default".

Did you disturb the Default folder? ... and it is a folder... at the opposite end of the Default User hardlink.

That one contains the default settings for new users on your system... the information there is copied to the user folder when an account is created. If you are the only user on the system, it's of little matter... but it's likely to mess up the creation of any new accounts.

And if this is not possible, can you at least tell me how I can check if the "Default User" junction folder (at least I think the one I have now is still the same junction folder like before) is working?

I can almost guarantee it's not.

Can you tell me what its permission settings are set to on your own (what it lists in "Group or user names", and the permissions given to each, or basically, what is checked and what is not) and what it says in the general properties tab, like where it says Type of File: and Location:, etc., and where it targets to?

There's not much point... Unless someone else knows how to create a new juntion (not a shortcut) I'm afraid the only way I know to recreate it is with a Repair Install of Windows itself... and that's going to undo a lot of your customizations and settings.

I just thought I should mention that, after changing the security settings on it, I noticed that when I strip my user account from having access to it, the folder icon changes back to a folder with a shortcut symbol, and when I re-gain access to it, it turns into a folder with a lock symbol on it.

My best advice to you... stop messing with it... really, it's not something you ever need to access... It exists only for compatibility with XP and Win2000 ... on those systems the default user is "Default User" on Win7 it's "Default"... The junction just connects the two points... Until it becomes an issue, I'd just hide the protected system files and have it not show hidden files, make a coffee, and get my mind on something else...


From the infinite wisdom of "The Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy" ... "Don't Panic".

 

[Wandering Flame]

Well, sadly, I didn't know any of this, and wasn't patient enough to find out what the hell it was there for, and why it's even visible because my settings weren't EVEN set to show hidden files, yet the booger was still there.

So right now I may make a new junction (unlikely) format the computer, or something else.

 

[Wandering Flame]

Speaking of which...

Can anyone tell me if formatting my computer with the Windows 7 CD (formatting it the correct way, via CD start up) and redownloading my drivers will make my computer faster?

I heard Dell pre-configures all sorts of crap that makes the PC run slow.

Meh...I'm not formatting my computer actually...not unless some stupid crap happens later on that I can actually detect lol.

Anyway guys thanks for everything, but as a final request, I was wondering what junctions ALL are for.

One time I heard it's for XP and 2000 compatibility issues, the next day I read it creates the default folders for a new user...are they both?

And I fully understand the second part. As for the compatibility thing...in that link by Logic Earth, I read "Windows looks for folders no longer used" so, what does the junction do, exactly, put unused folders in another location on the C drive?

 

[Thorsen]

I would try a System Restore First
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

If that doesnt work the do a Startup Repair.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

If that doesn't fix it do this next:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html


Hopefully you dont have to do a copmlete reinstall

 

[Thorsen]

Read the info on each of these steps and see how far you want to go. If you feel like leaving it be then by all means that is your decision.

I don't know if anything will happen because of what you did. it might just not be hidden anymore. I don't know......

But, if you have any issues with it in the future, just post here and we will help all we can.

 

[Wandering Flame]

Your Startup Repair link is the System Restore link...

Oh and dude, if you can actually give me the method to restore the thing I messed up to factory condition or its original condition...I will love you forever, in a coolzy way.

The thing I fiddled with un-intentionally, was the "Default User" thing that looks like a folder, but actually isn't a folder. It's a junction to "Default", and this junction was in the "Users" folder on my C: drive.

I have hope now

 

[CommonTater]

Speaking of which...

Can anyone tell me if formatting my computer with the Windows 7 CD (formatting it the correct way, via CD start up) and redownloading my drivers will make my computer faster?

I heard Dell pre-configures all sorts of crap that makes the PC run slow.

I don't think Dell is deliberately slowing your computer down... but yes they aren't exactly the best system tweakers around. And you know what... I used to get a lot of people with brand new Dells under their arms asking me to do exactly that... Reformat and reinstall.

One time I heard it's for XP and 2000 compatibility issues, the next day I read it creates the default folders for a new user...are they both?

The Junction is for XP and 2000 compatibility. It links the new "Default" user with the older "Default User" folder... making one appear as the other.

The "Default" folder --which is not the junction-- is copied to a new user's account when it's created.

These are two separate things...

 

[Wandering Flame]

Ok, since I know I messed something up, what is the best thing I should do?

System Restore Point - I guess this is to restore it, the junction to a previous point when I did a system restore, which is in the properties of that junction? If I see "there are no available restore points" then it's pointless right?

Repair Install...in the link given by Thorsen, what part of the Repair Install fixes the "Default User" junction and "Default" folder (since if I messed around with the junction then I essentially messed with the "Default" folder which the junction links to)? Is it the "Services" part? Because I was reading what the Repair Install fixes/resets and didn't find my issue there.

Startup Repair...Thorsen gave the Restore Point link to that one a second time.

 

[Thorsen]

ooops sorry I was copy/pasting links must have got the wrong one in there.

I dont know if System Restore would have fixed, just a good first try

Startup Repair is here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html
Look through the instructions and see if you can do it. It is better than a full re-install, I dont know for certain if it will fix your issue though.


Edit: Blah to many errors and bad links lol

 

[Wandering Flame]

Ok, system restore did not work, and I know I restored it way before I pulled a dumbass on my computer.

Startup Repair...will this affect any of my personal data by any chance?

Also, thought I should let people know that, while testing my affected computer out, by making a new user account, I couldn't even log on to it. It says User Profile Service service failed, User profile cannot load up or something like that.

 

[DarkStar GT]

... I would think that that is because it cannot create the new user profile from the Default User.