name object so user permission dialogue can find it

[Windymiller]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but every time I try to change user permissions, the
object name is rejected with an error message. I assumed the dialogue simply wanted the
name of the file but it doesn`t seem to matter how I phrase it, the dialogue says it can`t find the object.

Can anyone help ? I have looked everywhere for an answer but the subject is never discussed.

 

[Alejandro85]

Exactly where does it gives an error? And what error message it shows? What "object" are you trying to enter the name of?

 

[Windymiller]

I am trying to get into a second My Documents folder that is showing up under .....PC (name of my computer) in the
main directories folder ABOVE Computer i.e. in Libraries etc. not in Windows 7 or C Drive set. . When I try to open it to see what is in it before deleting it, I get the message Access is denied.* There is another My Documents folder which I can access. When I right click the folder and click on Properties and then Security, it shows that Everyone has permission to open it. I want to change it to Administrator as I am the Administrator on my PC. The menu dialogue asks me to put in object type and I put in Administrators. (I must admit it is not clear to me whether I should tick on group, or built in or users nor whether I should remove the ticks from the ones I have decided against - I`ve tried various combinations for this). The dialogue will not let me change the location, which is incorrect for this folder (it shows ....-PC i.e. with a hyphen, which is a folder that appears further down the directory under Computer/Windows 7/ C Drive/Users. When I enter an object name, i.e. My Documents, it says this object cannot be found. I`ve tried various ways of naming it to no avail.

*re Document can`t be accessed. The error message is C:/Users/M........./My Documents is not accessible. This seems to link or refer to 2 other possible entries, both under C:Users, one under M......-PC and one under Mum. I don`t know how the Mum file came about (it has Mum as user on user permissions) and I have been trying to get rid of it but I don`t want to delete the My Documents folder until I can see what is in it. I was previously advised to try UNLOCKER on the Mum folder/files but when I try it on this folder it says there is no handle for unlocking it !

Sorry this is a mess - I could really do with some help.

Thank you for your kindness in replying

 

[x BlueRobot]

Please post a few screenshots to clarify your issue - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

The Administrator account you or I would be using, doesn't actually have full control of the system.

 

[Windymiller]

Read kind message. In haste this morning but will do screen shots this afternoon.

Many thanks again.

 

[lehnerus2000]

I'm having trouble following the description of your problem.

There is a "My Documents" link that is only included for compatibility purposes for older software.
You can only see it if you have unchecked "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)".

​

 

[Windymiller]

Here are overlapping shots of directory

 

[Windymiller]

Thanks lehnerus2000 for reply. Getting rid of making files visible doesn`t tell me what is in there and I am curious about
this. I bought a new computer last May and prior to that had transferred or copied quite a few files to my husband`s laptop so I could work on them. My old computer had really got into a mess. I transferred these to the new computer as part of generally importing files via a hard disk. My husband set the computer up for me. We bought ourselves one each fairly close together. He hasn`t had any trouble with his but mine has given me all sorts of headaches, mostly minor ones that don`t stop me using it. I made the files visible to try and see what was going on. A lot of my problems have been sorted out thanks to techguy but I still am getting this access denied to some files. Trouble is I can`t tell if it matters or not ! I thought it was probably due to the fact that I am useless at managing User Permissions. I have read all sorts of stuff on this on the web but am still very confused.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Different File Structure

XP used a different file structure to W7.

Windows XP:

C:\Documents and Settings\PJL\My Documents
​

W7:

C:\Users\PJL\Documents
​

You may have noticed that some programs create a folder in your documents folder.

The "My Documents" link is used by XP era programs to save files in the W7 Documents folder.

You shouldn't need to worry about it unless you have problems (e.g. files are going missing).

 

[Windymiller]

Thanks again for reply. I have restored the default "Hide" some folders but the main Mum and Marie files are still there with their contents.

I tried again to unlock the Mum Folder and this time succeeded. I think I needed to click on the lock icon, not just on the file. I managed to open it and found an enormous number of files, many of them empty including some AppData files. . I have deleted all the empty ones. My husband suggested putting the others in a new folder and moving them out so I can delete the MUM file but when I moved a Windows Media file, from Mum to Marie, the folder name moved but the contents (pictures and music) disappeared. . Both folders are in Windows 7 C drive as you can see. There are quite a lof of Windows files in there, and some Microsoft files, which I hesitate to move or delete in case it affects the system.

Is that likely do you think ?

 

[x BlueRobot]

Moving files onto the root directory won't affect the system files. I've deleted several files which were saved to root directory, such as log files from programs.

Windows 7 uses the concept of libraries, which Windows XP did not.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Delete User?

My husband suggested putting the others in a new folder and moving them out so I can delete the MUM file but when I moved a Windows Media file, from Mum to Marie, the folder name moved but the contents (pictures and music) disappeared. . Both folders are in Windows 7 C drive as you can see. There are quite a lof of Windows files in there, and some Microsoft files, which I hesitate to move or delete in case it affects the system.

Can you find the music and picture files (e.g. by using search or doing it yourself)?

You seem to be trying to delete/remove a user called "Mum".
There is a special procedure that you need to use to do this.

You should Copy (not Move) all of the files to a new folder first.

Then you should read these tutorials:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/181036-user-account-delete.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/181426-user-account-enable-disable.html

Don't delete the "Mum" user until you locate the "missing" files (assuming you want to keep them).

 

[Windymiller]

Thanks very much for advice. And links to tutorials. There is such a forest of them on the web that being directed to the most pertinent is a great help. Hope this will solve my problem.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Backup HDD Image

Thanks very much for advice. And links to tutorials. There is such a forest of them on the web that being directed to the most pertinent is a great help. Hope this will solve my problem.

I forgot to mention that you should create a backup HDD image before deleting users or editing the Registry.

Tutorials
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

I prefer to use Macrium Reflect Free Edition.

 

[Windymiller]

Thanks again. The trouble is that the Mum User does not appear on the Control Panel Users Account List and I can`t access Local Groups etc. on Windows 7 Home Premium which is what I have on my computer.
On the Security Dialogue on Properties for Mum, I have 2 unknown accounts with S numbers. One of these presumably is the Mum Account.

However as I have managed to unlock the folder, I will copy the contents and take an HD image as you advise, and then try deleting the folder and contents.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Add Snap-in

Thanks again. The trouble is that the Mum User does not appear on the Control Panel Users Account List and I can`t access Local Groups etc. on Windows 7 Home Premium which is what I have on my computer.
On the Security Dialogue on Properties for Mum, I have 2 unknown accounts with S numbers. One of these presumably is the Mum Account.

Have you tried using the "Author" option on "Computer Management"?

1 - Search for "Computer Management".
2 - Right click on the icon.
3 - Choose "Author".

4 - Load the modules that you want using the "Add/Remove Snap-in ..." option (e.g. "Local Users and Groups").

5 - Configure them (e.g. columns, width, etc.).
6 - Resize the main window (e.g. maximize).
7 - Choose "Save As" from the "File" menu and enter a name.

​

8 - Create a shortcut to your new "Computer Management" console (for easy access).
9 - Pin it to your "Start Menu" or "Taskbar" (see the first picture above. I have pinned it to position 1).


The procedure is basically the same for "mmc.exe".
There is no "Author" option for "mmc.exe".
Simply run it and configure it the way you want and then choose "Save As" and name it.

 

[Windymiller]

Thanks to all who have contributed. I have been frantically busy this week and had no time. My first task is to
clarify my backup procedures and this involves deciding which of my files really need backing up which will take some time. Once I am happy with my backup system, I will try the above suggestions. Hopefully get back before this thread dies !