Solved Unknown user account deletion bringing on error messages.

[BradMD]

Hello, I am trying to change the permission settings on my user account folder. When I clicked properties, and then the security tab, I discovered that there is an unknown user that has full control over the folder. I, being paranoid and picky about my computer, tried to delete this user from the list in the security tab, and after the changes were applied throughout the folder, I noticed some desktop shortcuts were deleted, and I don't really know what else I could have messed up.

I tried a system restore, but that didn't even touch my user folder.

The Account name was "Account unknown <some long random string>"

There may be nothing wrong, and the paths that the shortcuts followed may have been altered when I made a change to the security settings, deleting the shortcuts. But I still would like to know where this unknown user came from, and what control it potentially had. This is a private computer, on a private network, and contains one and only one user account.

I'd appreciate any clues as to where this mysterious account came from.

Thanks,
~Brad



Edit: Hey, I mentioned an error message in the title. This came up after applying deletion changes throughout the directory. It just said that I should undo any changes that I may have made on accident.

 

[Kaktussoft]

shortcuts havn't been deleted. They are just invisible because you don't have access.

 

[Kaktussoft]

An unknown user is most likely:
-a user account that has been deleted
-the homegroup you joined and left

 

[BradMD]

Oh, Well I did leave a homegroup. I re-added the shortcuts with the new settings, and everything is working fine. Guess I won't get too picky with security next time. Thanks!