Don't have permission to access folder - yet again

[PeteNZ]

Hi folks,
First, yes I have searched the forum and looked at other threads with the same error message but haven't found anything that helps. If I've missed something relevant please let me know.

System
Acer Aspire all in one
Win 7 Home premium 64 bit SP1

Problem description.
I am re-deploying a computer. I created a new admin user, then deleted all existing users. After a lot of sweat I found out about and applied the hotfix for KB article 2866086 and now all but the original admin users profile directories stay deleted!!!

However I still can't get rid of the original admin user's files. I have gone through the change ownership routine and turned UAC off but all that has done is that now when I log in as the new admin and try to delete the files I am told that I need permission from the login I'm currently using!!!

To add to my confusion, properties shows the root directory (C:Users/Old admin name) as containing > 7000 files and > 1000 folders. It is also shown with a lock symbol on the root folder although it is not shared. If there was a file equivalent in Windows for 'kill -9' I would have nuked the bloody thing.

I've even tried explaining that if it doesn't behave I'll re-program it with an axe, but Win 7 developers obviously haven't read The Hitchhikers Guide.

Short of reinstalling the OS from scratch has anyone got any useful suggestions?

Thanks in anticipation

 

[Berton]

When I've run into stubborn cases I have booted to a Linux LiveCD or LiveDVD and deleted from within its file manager. Booting Windows next may give some squacks but running a reputable Registry cleaner helps. Many say not to use such a program but I've had no problems doing so. I don't use it until nothing else works and never as a routine thing.

 

[PeteNZ]

Hi Berton,

thanks for the prompt reply. Yes deleting from within Linux should sort the little beggar, but I think I'll hold off on that option for a while and see if anyone can suggest a cause plus solution.

thanks

Pete

 

[Ranger4]

@PeteNZ. Is this Windows 7 Forum tutorial any help.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

 

[PeteNZ]

Thanks for the tip Ranger4, I hadn't tried that. However I now have and unfortunately there was no difference when using the built in admin log in. The system still says I need permission from the owner, which is of course the new admin user I was originally using.

There would appear to be some convoluted symbolic links involved combined with a failure to match user privileges with file permissions.

Thanks again

 

[Ranger4]

@ PeteNZ. is this one any help.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html