Guest Al Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are there folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to provide full and complete access to the computer including any folder/file on the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very annoying) behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? TIA. Quote
Guest Jimmy Brush Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Hello, You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow and a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", "Documents and Settings". These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you out, but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting confused. -- - JB Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com...<span style="color:blue"> > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > there > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > provide full and complete access to the computer including any folder/file > on > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > annoying) > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > > TIA. </span> Quote
Guest Scott Hauge Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 I THINK my friend that posted this original question was SPEAKING of SYSTEM files and folders, e.g., ACCESS DENIED when trying to stop INDEXING, trying to defragment or even SCAN for VIRUSES (!) in system folders, etc. WHAT is the POINT of being an administrator if you cannot take OWNERSHIP of QUITE A BIT of territory? I don't want or need the old "it's to protect files and you, etc., response", those of us that KNOW what we are doing want to be able to access EVERY FILE ON OUR PCs! This is, as I have said before, like a BETA TEST....I'm constantly searching the Internet for "tweaks" and solutions that Microsoft SHOULD have already addressed. Thanks for another bloated OS that is pretty and all, but this is it for Windows. "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability > "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow and > a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", > "Documents and Settings". > > These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your > computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, > Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. > > You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you out, > but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting > confused. > > -- > - JB > Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > > "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com...<span style="color:green"> > > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > > there > > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > > provide full and complete access to the computer including any folder/file > > on > > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > > annoying) > > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > > > > TIA. </span> > </span> Quote
Guest Jimmy Brush Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Hello, There is nothing stopping you from doing those things. - JB Quote
Guest Scott Hauge Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Then please tell me WHY I get "access denied" messages almost CONSTANTLY when trying to scan for viruses and spyware and why I cannot access some files and folders when defragging? Why does SYSTEM RESTORE not allow me to create restore points any longer? Why did my GROUP POLICY change somehow, limiting my access to things I did before, and still should be able to do? Your answer is of no help whatsoever; please TELL ME how I can do these things from where you are....I am not able to do them HERE. I am just about ready to yank Vista from this machine and revert to XP Pro..or better yet, perhaps now's the time to go back to Mac. Offer some ASSISTANCE, and not a trite "you can do those things"....why am I limited by YOUR OS?? As a MVP, you MUST have a better answer than what you just gave me..... "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > There is nothing stopping you from doing those things. > > - JB</span> Quote
Guest Scott Hauge Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 No, there IS something preventing me from doing these things. YOUR role is to tell me WHY I CANNOT do these things. "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > There is nothing stopping you from doing those things. > > - JB</span> Quote
Guest Dave T. Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Scott Hauge wrote:<span style="color:blue"> > No, there IS something preventing me from doing these things. YOUR role is > to tell me WHY I CANNOT do these things. > > "Jimmy Brush" wrote: > <span style="color:green"> >> Hello, >> >> There is nothing stopping you from doing those things. >> >> - JB</span></span> Hello Scott, None of my business, but someone needs to inform you that the MVP's that you meet here are NOT Microsoft employees. They VOLUNTEER they're time and expertise to try to help people. When someone gets in they're face like they're not doing they're job, well, let me just say that if it were me I'd hang up. -- Dave T. I've learned that whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed. Quote
Guest Scott Hauge Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 Thanks for the tip. I was aware of that fact. It's a kind of arrogance I am used to dealing with both Microsoft and some of the "experts"...you say there is a problem, they tell you "there is no problem"...no help WHATsoever. This guy really is "arrogance on parade"....at least his "helpfulness rating" is going down with each reply. It makes you think that if people like HIM were helping to develop Vista, then you can understand why it's so messed up. I'm outta here. "Dave T." wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Scott Hauge wrote:<span style="color:green"> > > No, there IS something preventing me from doing these things. YOUR role is > > to tell me WHY I CANNOT do these things. > > > > "Jimmy Brush" wrote: > > <span style="color:darkred"> > >> Hello, > >> > >> There is nothing stopping you from doing those things. > >> > >> - JB</span></span> > > Hello Scott, > > None of my business, but someone needs to inform you that the MVP's that > you meet here are NOT Microsoft employees. They VOLUNTEER they're time > and expertise to try to help people. When someone gets in they're face > like they're not doing they're job, well, let me just say that if it > were me I'd hang up. > > -- > Dave T. > > I've learned that whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed. > </span> Quote
Guest Jimmy Brush Posted November 14, 2007 Posted November 14, 2007 <snips><span style="color:blue"> > Then please tell me WHY I get "access denied" messages almost CONSTANTLY > when > trying to scan for viruses and spyware and why I cannot access some files > and > folders when defragging?</span> Sounds like a problem with your virus scanner/defrag utility. Are you sure it is vista compatible? Are you using the built-in vista defragger? This may be unrelated to any other issues you may be having, as any vista-compatible virus scanner would not be running under your user account. <span style="color:blue"> > Why does SYSTEM RESTORE not allow me to create > restore points any longer?</span> Based on the information you provided, I don't know. <span style="color:blue"> > Why did my GROUP POLICY change somehow, limiting > my access to things I did before, and still should be able to do?</span> What makes you think group policy settings were changed? What did you do before that you can't do now, ignoring the virus/defrag issues? <span style="color:blue"> > Your > answer is of no help whatsoever;</span> Based on the information you provided, that was the best answer. Everything you mentioned as not being able to do is doable in Vista. As you say, I can do those things HERE. On Vista. So vista in general is not the problem. Perhaps if you clarify your issues with some details other than "why can't i do stuff", someone would be able to provide you a better answer. <snip> -- - JB Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User Quote
Guest Al Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 Thanks, Jimmy, I had already discovered some information regarding this, however, I'm still curious as to why I don't get full access to the \USERS folder, for example. If this is the location that \Documents and Settings now points to, and XP gave unfettered access to these folders, why do I still have trouble viewing files in some of the \USERS subfolders? Where can I find complete documentation of this major change in OS security behavior. The Vista Help and Support is woefully lacking in providing Admin-type information about this sort of stuff and having to Google (excuse me, Live Search??) for information is pretty silly. Al "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability > "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow and > a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", > "Documents and Settings". > > These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your > computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, > Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. > > You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you out, > but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting > confused. > > -- > - JB > Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > > "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com...<span style="color:green"> > > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > > there > > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > > provide full and complete access to the computer including any folder/file > > on > > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > > annoying) > > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > > > > TIA. </span> > </span> Quote
Guest Jimmy Brush Posted November 17, 2007 Posted November 17, 2007 Hello, There are junctions that reside in the users folder. For example, "all users" and "default user" are not really folders and thus do not contain any files. Ghosted folder + shortcut arrow + "access denied" = junction. All users is now: c:\programdata default user is now: c:\users\default If you are handy with a command prompt, issuing the command 'dir /al' will show you a list of the junctions in the current directory, and where they point to in brackets. For what it's worth, I disagree with this behavior myself, and tried to get Microsoft to provide a better error message or an "automatic redirect" to the folder that the junction points to durring the beta. If you are having trouble with files or folders that are not junctions, please post the specific location, and I will do my best to assist you. -- - JB Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:59577B48-A09B-4747-81DD-CEB8D1A55E41@microsoft.com...<span style="color:blue"> > Thanks, Jimmy, I had already discovered some information regarding this, > however, I'm still curious as to why I don't get full access to the USERS > folder, for example. If this is the location that Documents and Settings > now > points to, and XP gave unfettered access to these folders, why do I still > have trouble viewing files in some of the USERS subfolders? Where can I > find > complete documentation of this major change in OS security behavior. The > Vista Help and Support is woefully lacking in providing Admin-type > information about this sort of stuff and having to Google (excuse me, Live > Search??) for information is pretty silly. > > Al > > "Jimmy Brush" wrote: ><span style="color:green"> >> Hello, >> >> You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability >> "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow >> and >> a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", >> "Documents and Settings". >> >> These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your >> computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, >> Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. >> >> You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you >> out, >> but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting >> confused. >> >> -- >> - JB >> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User >> >> "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com...<span style="color:darkred"> >> > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are >> > there >> > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to >> > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to >> > provide full and complete access to the computer including any >> > folder/file >> > on >> > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very >> > annoying) >> > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? >> > >> > TIA.</span> >> </span></span> Quote
Guest Al Posted November 19, 2007 Posted November 19, 2007 Thanks again, Jimmy, When I have some spare time, I'll check out the ones I was thinking of and see if they are actually more junctions. In the meantime, I'll ask one more question. If you're logged in as a "standard" user and you need admin access to other users' (including the admin) folders and files, how do you start Explorer as admin so that those folders become available without having to "switch users"? TIA, Al "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > There are junctions that reside in the users folder. > > For example, "all users" and "default user" are not really folders and thus > do not contain any files. > > Ghosted folder + shortcut arrow + "access denied" = junction. > > All users is now: c:programdata > default user is now: c:usersdefault > > If you are handy with a command prompt, issuing the command 'dir /al' will > show you a list of the junctions in the current directory, and where they > point to in brackets. > > For what it's worth, I disagree with this behavior myself, and tried to get > Microsoft to provide a better error message or an "automatic redirect" to > the folder that the junction points to durring the beta. > > If you are having trouble with files or folders that are not junctions, > please post the specific location, and I will do my best to assist you. > > -- > - JB > Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > > "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:59577B48-A09B-4747-81DD-CEB8D1A55E41@microsoft.com...<span style="color:green"> > > Thanks, Jimmy, I had already discovered some information regarding this, > > however, I'm still curious as to why I don't get full access to the USERS > > folder, for example. If this is the location that Documents and Settings > > now > > points to, and XP gave unfettered access to these folders, why do I still > > have trouble viewing files in some of the USERS subfolders? Where can I > > find > > complete documentation of this major change in OS security behavior. The > > Vista Help and Support is woefully lacking in providing Admin-type > > information about this sort of stuff and having to Google (excuse me, Live > > Search??) for information is pretty silly. > > > > Al > > > > "Jimmy Brush" wrote: > ><span style="color:darkred"> > >> Hello, > >> > >> You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability > >> "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow > >> and > >> a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", > >> "Documents and Settings". > >> > >> These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your > >> computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, > >> Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. > >> > >> You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you > >> out, > >> but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting > >> confused. > >> > >> -- > >> - JB > >> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > >> > >> "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com... > >> > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > >> > there > >> > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > >> > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > >> > provide full and complete access to the computer including any > >> > folder/file > >> > on > >> > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > >> > annoying) > >> > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > >> > > >> > TIA. > >> </span></span> > </span> Quote
Guest James Matthews Posted November 20, 2007 Posted November 20, 2007 Make sure admin access to that resource is enabled! Then run it as an administrator by clicking with your right mouse button and selecting run as administrator -- http://www.goldwatches.com/movado--watches.html http://www.jewelerslounge.com/ "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com...<span style="color:blue"> > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > there > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > provide full and complete access to the computer including any folder/file > on > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > annoying) > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > > TIA. > </span> Quote
Guest rac8006 Posted February 15, 2008 Posted February 15, 2008 I went to the trouble of e3nabling the administrator account login. Now either with the administrator login or using the run as administrator I get an access denied when trying to do a fs.GetFolder(filespec) when the filespace contains "c:\windows\Live KernelReports" If I don't put the on error statement the script gets the access denied error. With the on error it just skips the directory. I can't figure how to get the on error statement to allow me to display the filespec when it gets the error. All I'm tryuing to do is run a vbscript that will give the amount of diskspace that a folder contains. But it skips some folders apperantly because of the access denied. P.S. It would be nive if one count test the filespec to see if it is a junction. Then you could skip trying to do the GetFolderSize and display that it is a junction. "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > There are junctions that reside in the users folder. > > For example, "all users" and "default user" are not really folders and thus > do not contain any files. > > Ghosted folder + shortcut arrow + "access denied" = junction. > > All users is now: c:programdata > default user is now: c:usersdefault > > If you are handy with a command prompt, issuing the command 'dir /al' will > show you a list of the junctions in the current directory, and where they > point to in brackets. > > For what it's worth, I disagree with this behavior myself, and tried to get > Microsoft to provide a better error message or an "automatic redirect" to > the folder that the junction points to durring the beta. > > If you are having trouble with files or folders that are not junctions, > please post the specific location, and I will do my best to assist you. > > -- > - JB > Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > > "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:59577B48-A09B-4747-81DD-CEB8D1A55E41@microsoft.com...<span style="color:green"> > > Thanks, Jimmy, I had already discovered some information regarding this, > > however, I'm still curious as to why I don't get full access to the USERS > > folder, for example. If this is the location that Documents and Settings > > now > > points to, and XP gave unfettered access to these folders, why do I still > > have trouble viewing files in some of the USERS subfolders? Where can I > > find > > complete documentation of this major change in OS security behavior. The > > Vista Help and Support is woefully lacking in providing Admin-type > > information about this sort of stuff and having to Google (excuse me, Live > > Search??) for information is pretty silly. > > > > Al > > > > "Jimmy Brush" wrote: > ><span style="color:darkred"> > >> Hello, > >> > >> You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability > >> "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow > >> and > >> a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", > >> "Documents and Settings". > >> > >> These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your > >> computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, > >> Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. > >> > >> You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you > >> out, > >> but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting > >> confused. > >> > >> -- > >> - JB > >> Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > >> > >> "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com... > >> > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > >> > there > >> > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > >> > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > >> > provide full and complete access to the computer including any > >> > folder/file > >> > on > >> > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > >> > annoying) > >> > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > >> > > >> > TIA. > >> </span></span> > </span> Quote
Guest Nic Posted June 24, 2008 Posted June 24, 2008 Hi Jimmy Hope you can help me. I accidentally remove the permissions of my C:\ drive and now I cannot access it. I've tried to take ownership of it but it kept on giving me the message " Can't open access control editor. Acces denied." The same message appear no matter what I try. "Jimmy Brush" wrote: <span style="color:blue"> > Hello, > > You are most likely talking about the Vista application compatability > "junctions" - they look like shortcuts to folders, with a shortcut arrow and > a dimmed/ghosted folder icon. For example, "My Documents", "My Pictures", > "Documents and Settings". > > These are not really folders, but pointers to other locations on your > computer that some apps need to use under certain scenarios. For example, > Documents and Settings points to the Users folder. > > You can't browse into these junctions. The reasoning isn't to lock you out, > but to keep applications from thinking these are real folders and getting > confused. > > -- > - JB > Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User > > "Al" <Al@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:BE3968CF-CAC2-4BB5-8094-620EEB5EEEA3@microsoft.com...<span style="color:green"> > > New to Vista (Ultimate). Why, when I'm logged in as Administrator, are > > there > > folders on the disk that produce an "Access denied" error when I try to > > browse them? I thought the purpose of the Administrator account was to > > provide full and complete access to the computer including any folder/file > > on > > the disk regardless of creator/owner status. This is new (and very > > annoying) > > behavior since XP Pro. What settings need to be tweaked? > > > > TIA. </span> > </span> Quote
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