ddsdavey Posted February 25, 2007 Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 I have recently had to reinstall Windows xp (sp2 2003) because of a serious virus issue which is now irradicated.When i log on i only have 1 profile to choose from,no adminstrative rights or options but something tells me this is default with sp2???Anyway my issue is that once logged in onto Windows if i go into Documents and Settings i am greeted by every user incarnation that ive ever had.I cant delete the users but have regained alot of my memory by entering the users and deleting the programs therein but im still left with the Users but also it seems that the user profile that i did everything on before my viral issue wont allow me access to delete or even enter that profile and although floating my pointer over said icon claims it to be a empty folder i know this to be incorrect and that in fact it actually contains a substantial amount of data which i desparately need rid of if im to have a stable computer again.I can only appologise if im am not very clear and can only hope that someone with a bit of knowledge can help me out,as always i am very greatful for any help you can offer me.Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted February 25, 2007 Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 Did you simply run the install on top of the previous OS, or did you do a full format and reinstall? A full format should wipe EVERYTHING off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddsdavey Posted February 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 Did you simply run the install on top of the previous OS, or did you do a full format and reinstall? A full format should wipe EVERYTHING off.You see thats obviously why i have this issue as i foolishly just installed new over old although i have managed to delete alot of my old useless data there does seem to still be quite alot missing which i can only assume is locked away in the DENIED user profile.I know i should have done a complete format but i wanted to hold on to all of my files and as i only reinstalled as a result of a full system breakdown i was not able to back up anything onto media therefore making format possible.Is there any powerful deletion software that could delete these useless user profiles leaving me with the single 1 i use now?Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarecrow Man Posted February 27, 2007 Report Share Posted February 27, 2007 http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ but be careful using it. You do not want to delete files you still need. A full backup before hand is recomended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddsdavey Posted February 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/ but be careful using it. You do not want to delete files you still need. A full backup before hand is recomended.I have tried move on boot with the option to delete but it states that it is not able too.The funny thing is that i have a few different user profiles on there but this is the only one that refuses to budge,i cant even access the files never mind delete them!I simply get that currently in use or corrupt message.It is the last user profile that i used before my reinstall and i think i might have password protected it although im not sure but surely if i tried to access it and it was the password that was the issue then it would simply ask me to input the correct information and off wed go?!!I really cant be the only person in the WORLD to have found themselves in this situation,SURELY??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarecrow Man Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 You cannot exactly just "delete" them.Since you have installed XP again, your SID is completley different (generated automatically when installed), therefore you cannot log in to these users even if you do know the password. the SID (Security Identification Descriptor I think) is part of the old installation, and therefore now invalid on this system. Typing in the password is looking in your current SID which obviously does not have the old user's entries.You may be able to take ownership of the files and delete them that way.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddsdavey Posted March 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 No that didnt work either!Thanks anyway though,it did let me open up the folder but wouldnt let me access any deeper simply saying what it always mentions if i say double click on my documents.Like i said previously,there must be other people who have suffered with this.I cant be the only one foolish enough to not format entirely!??I do appreciate all your comments though and will continue to try what i can before admitting defeat and reformatting.Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cozofdeath Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 There most likely is no "fix" for this because it was created by another user, probably an administrator? You must also be an administrator to delete accounts. To fix this you should be able to reboot and while the computer is starting press F8 repeatedly to enter safe mode. Once there you should now see two accounts. Administrator and your user account. Enter the administrator account and change what you need to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddsdavey Posted March 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 FINALLY!!! After struggling for days trying to solve this problem and very nearly throwing in the towel (on several occasions!) ive finally managed to gain ownership of the troublesome user profile and files therein.I was amazed to find that hidden away within that profile was approx 14 gb of memory being used up on programs i will never access so i have deleted and regained that vital lost memory which in todays terms probably isnt much but when you only have a 40 gb hard drive 14 gb is not far off being a third of your overall memory.Put like that and you probably get some understanding as to why i was worried and desparate to find a solution.Thanks for ALL the helpful (and useless,its the thought that counts!) comments and advice.YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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