OS: Windows7 Home Premium Local Area Network; two computers: a Micron ClientPro referred to as Micron2 and a Dell Studio, referred to as Dell. My original computer was the Micron ClientPro with OS Windows 2000. When I bought my Dell Studio with Windows7, I transferred files from the Micron to the Dell using a Local Area Network. Somehow, I now have two folders on the Dell, both named Documents2 in two different file paths. I dont know how that happened, but it did. Both folders have identical properties: Size: 6.50 GB (6,986,474,306 bytes) Size on Disk: 6.55 GB (7,037,874,176 bytes) Contains: 96,176 Files, 2,271 Folders The file path for one of the folders is: Desktop/admin/Documents2/ The file path for the other folder is: Dell C Drive/ OS (C:)/Users/bill/Documents2/ Im want to eliminate the Desktop/admin/Documents2/ folder in my Dell and retain the Dell C Drive/ OS (C:)/Users/bill/Documents2/ folder and contents. Problem: I displayed the contents of the two Documents2 folders side by side on my screen. Before eliminating the unwanted Documents2 folder, I tried a name change to one file just to see what happened in the identically named file in the other Documents2 folder. Result: changing the name in one folder also changed the name in the other folder even though they are on two different file paths. That led me to believe that if I deleted one Documents2 folder, it would also delete the other identical folder in the other file path. Question: How can I delete one of the Documents2 folders without deleting the other? I appreciate the advice. -Bill Martin Denver, CO

That sounds as if you've created a junction of some king rather than two folders of data. turn the following commands - DIR %userprofile%\Desktop/admin /AL /S DIR C:\Users\bill /AL /S see what it returns. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, thank you for the suggestions. I copied and pasted each complete file path into my Command box. Both file paths got me a reply that "Windows cannot find DIR". -Bill

On Sun, 8 Jul 2012 00:11:50 +0000, martinbill wrote: > > >Noel, thank you for the suggestions. > >I copied and pasted each complete file path into my Command box. Both file paths got me a reply that "Windows cannot find DIR". > >-Bill Duh?? Please open an Elevated Command Prompt window and try again.... post the exact output. Here are some instructions to make life easier :) 1) To open an Elevated Command Prompt Window (the CP window), click on Start, All Programs, Accessories then right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator. Accept the UAC prompt. 2) To run the commands easier, highlight the block of commands, and right-click on the highlight select Copy. In the CP Windows, click on the black/white icon at top left select Paste. The commands will run but may not complete the last command, so hit the Enter Key once. 3) To copy the results... click on the Black/White icon in the top left, and select Edit... 'Select All', and hit the Enter key - then use Ctrl+V or r-click+Paste to paste it into your response. (I'm off to bed now, so no hurry!) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, here are the results for your two suggestions: Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR %userprofile%\Desktop/admin /AL /S Parameter format not correct - "min". C:\Windows\system32> ---------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\bill /AL /S Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users\bill 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\R oaming] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Cookies] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Loc al] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\bill\Documents] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\Recent] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\SendTo] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\L ocal] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local\Micr osoft\Windows\History] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\bill\A ppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\Documents 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\bill\Music] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\bill\Pictures] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\bill\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Total Files Listed: 0 File(s) 0 bytes 16 Dir(s) 431,184,470,016 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We can talk on Sunday. -Bill

Ah - a typo in the first one is my fault (and a bit of yours, as well <g>) Perhaps this would be a better one to run anyhow.... DIR C:\ /AL /S This should bring out all the links on the system visible to the current user (there are 47 on mine). Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

It worked perfectly. Now with these two screens of data [one yesterday plus this one], what do I do next? -Bill Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\ /AL /S Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\ 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents and Settings [C:\Users] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\ProgramData 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <SYMLINKD> All Users [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Default User [C:\Users\Default] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator1Augdisable\AppData\Local 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Admini strator 1Aug10\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\AdministratorDISABLED23Dec2011 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator 1A ug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug 10\Documents] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\All Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\R oaming] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Cookies] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Loc al] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\bill\Documents] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\Recent] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\SendTo] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\L ocal] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local\Micr osoft\Windows\History] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\bill\A ppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\Documents 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\bill\Music] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\bill\Pictures] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\bill\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Roaming] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Default\AppData\ Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Default\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roam ing\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\M icrosoft\Windows\History] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Defaul t\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Default\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Default\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Default\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\ Roaming] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\M icrosoft\Windows\Cookies] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Lo cal] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Guest\Documents] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\M icrosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Recent] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\SendTo] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roamin g\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Local 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\ Local] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Local\Mic rosoft\Windows\History] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Guest\ AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest\Documents 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Guest\Music] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Guest\Pictures] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Guest\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Public\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Public\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Public\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Public\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Windows\system32\con fig\systemprofile\AppData\Roaming] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Windows\system32\config\syste mprofile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Windows\system32\confi g\systemprofile\AppData\Local] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Windows\system32\config\ systemprofile\Documents] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Windows\system32\config\syste mprofile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Windows\system32\config\sys temprofile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Windows\system32\config\system profile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Windows\system32\config\system profile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Windows\system32\config\sy stemprofile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Windows\system32\config\sys temprofile\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Windows\system32\con fig\systemprofile\AppData\Local] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Windows\system32\config\syste mprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Windows\syst em32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Fil es] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Windows\system32\config\syst emprofile\Music] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Windows\system32\config\s ystemprofile\Pictures] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Windows\system32\config\sys temprofile\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Total Files Listed: 0 File(s) 0 bytes 95 Dir(s) 431,249,809,408 bytes free C:\Windows\system32>

There are some VERY strange results there! it looks as if someone has tried to make the System profile into a user account (dated 16th Nov 2009 - ring any bells?) The question is obviously what caused this corruption - and where else is it likely to surface? please post the results of the following commands.... REG QUERY HKU REG QUERY "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList" /s I've assumed so far that this is a stand-alone/peer networked machine, rather than a Domain-based network?? I would recommend removing all the systemprofile links with the RD command, and then see where you're at - but I also recommend backup up all data to external storage first, so hold of on the stuff below until I've had a chance to look at the output from the registry! RD "<path to junction>\<junction name>" e.g. RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Application Data" Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, I've been having email account and Internet trouble for a couple days - but am now back. I'm not ignoring you - just couldn't make contact. Now I'm back and here are the things you asked me to provide: Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKU HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-19 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000_Classes HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18 C:\Windows\system32> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\HTML Help HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ITStorage HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ScheduledDiagnostics HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ScriptedDiagnosticsProvider HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Tablet PC HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\TabletPC HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search C:\Windows\system32> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList" /s The system cannot find the path specified. C:\Windows\system32> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You also asked: "I've assumed so far that this is a stand-alone/peer networked machine, rather than a Domain-based network??" Yes, you are correct. I've set up a LAN in my basement but it only has my Dell and Micron computers; an HP LaserJet printer and a Dell 1110 printer; and an HP Scanjet 4570c scanner hooked to it. -Bill

Hi , There is an easy and safe way you may try. 1. Create a new folder with a new name for backup. 2. Copy the data from one Documents2 folder to the new folder. 3. Delete one Documents2 folder to see if it will remove another one as well. Hope it helps.Tracy Cai TechNet Community Support

looks like the character-set got in the way of the last command? ( or the line got broken somehow) try it again... REG QUERY HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList" /s (the quotes may have been rendered in a non-readable font in the command prompt - if you get another response like the one above, you'll have to type it in manually) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

You were correct. I misread the last line of that command as a separete command. -Bill Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion \ProfileList" /s HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList ProfilesDirectory REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemDrive%\Users Default REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemDrive%\Users\Default Public REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemDrive%\Users\Public ProgramData REG_EXPAND_SZ %SystemDrive%\ProgramData HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\S-1- 5-18 Flags REG_DWORD 0xc State REG_DWORD 0x0 RefCount REG_DWORD 0x1 Sid REG_BINARY 010100000000000512000000 ProfileImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ %systemroot%\system32\config\systemprof ile HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\S-1- 5-19 ProfileImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService Flags REG_DWORD 0x0 State REG_DWORD 0x0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\S-1- 5-20 ProfileImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkServi ce Flags REG_DWORD 0x0 State REG_DWORD 0x0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\S-1- 5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000 ProfileImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ C:\Users\bill Flags REG_DWORD 0x0 State REG_DWORD 0x0 Sid REG_BINARY 01050000000000051500000057FE4DBD5A6BD8576CF80779E803000 0 ProfileLoadTimeLow REG_DWORD 0x0 ProfileLoadTimeHigh REG_DWORD 0x0 RefCount REG_DWORD 0x4 RunLogonScriptSync REG_DWORD 0x0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\S-1- 5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-501 ProfileImagePath REG_EXPAND_SZ C:\Users\Guest Flags REG_DWORD 0x0 State REG_DWORD 0x284 Sid REG_BINARY 01050000000000051500000057FE4DBD5A6BD8576CF80779F501000 0 ProfileLoadTimeLow REG_DWORD 0x0 ProfileLoadTimeHigh REG_DWORD 0x0 RefCount REG_DWORD 0x0 RunLogonScriptSync REG_DWORD 0x0 C:\Windows\system32>

Thank you for the suggestion, Tracy. I did as you said. When I deleted one Documents2 file from the path begining with Admin/, the identical Documents2 file in the path starting with C:/users also was deleted. When I highlited that Documents2 file in the Recycle Bin and restored it, Documents2 showed up again in both of the paths, right where they had been before. So deleting one of the Documents2 files didn't seem to work. Is it possible that there is only one actual My Documents file but two legitimate paths to access it? -Bill Martin Denver, CO

That is what Junctions and Symlinks do - they create a second link into the same space. You appear to have some spurious junctions which are leftovers from previous installations or other computers. The best way to deal with them is to delete them using the RD command. Hopefully, this shouldn't be too difficult. You have some strange usernames on the system, which appear not to be related to any current user. Administrator1Augdisable AdministratorDISABLED23Dec2011 ...and the Guest account appears to be active. You also have a mysterious set of Junctions in the SysWOW64\config\systemprofile folder - which may be the action of malware, or may have gotten copied/moved from elsewhere - which I would recommend deleting first. First, back up the system! Then open an Elevated Command prompt, and enter the following commands CD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile RD "Application Data" RD Cookies RD "Local Settings" RD "My Documents" RD Nethood RD Printhood RD Recent RD Sendto RD Start Menu RD Templates CD AppData\Local RD "Application Data" RD History RD "Temporary Internet Files" CD.. CD.. DIR Documents /AL /s Post the results of the final DIR command, and any error messages received. Reboot and test. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, here's the output of all the commands. You only asked for the last DIR command results and error messages, but since this discrepancy appeared: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Start Menu The system cannot find the file specified. The system cannot find the file specified. ---------------------------------------------------------- ...I thought maybe I'd better send the whole output. Once I'm sure this reply gets sent, I'll reboot and test as you said. And report what happens. -Bill Martin Denver, CO Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>CD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD "Application Data" C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Cookies C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD "Local Settings" C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD "My Documents" C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Nethood C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Printhood C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Recent C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Sendto C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Start Menu The system cannot find the file specified. The system cannot find the file specified. C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>RD Templates C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>CD AppData\Local C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local>RD "Application Data" C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local>RD History C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local>RD "Temporary Internet Fi les" C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local>CD.. C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData>CD.. C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>DIR Documents /AL /s Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Windows\system32\config\syst emprofile\Music] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Windows\system32\config\s ystemprofile\Pictures] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Windows\system32\config\sys temprofile\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Total Files Listed: 0 File(s) 0 bytes 3 Dir(s) 432,090,583,040 bytes free C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile> [Here, I hit 'Enter' again] C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile>

(I do love it when people do exactly what they should do, and no more/less! Thank you) That one is my fault - Please now run the following commands RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Start Menu" RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents /s DIR C:\ /AL /S Post the results. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

I rebooted as you said but wasn't sure what you intended for me to do to "test". I did search for the Documents2 folder. It only showed up in the C:/Users/path - right where I hoped it would be. -------------------------- I don't see any output for running the final command DIR C:\ /AL /S unless C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents, Are you sure (Y/N)? is the response. I did not click Y or N because I don't know what "Are you sure" refers to. -Bill Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Start Menu" The system cannot find the file specified. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents /s C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents, Are you sure (Y/N)?

answer Y - I forgot that it would demand confirmation for that! :( you may need to run the final command manually Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

When I put that DIR command in and hit 'Enter', this time I got a voluminous output, but not the "Are you sure Y/N" question. -Bill Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\ /AL /S Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\ 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents and Settings [C:\Users] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\ProgramData 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <SYMLINKD> All Users [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Default User [C:\Users\Default] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator 1A ug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug 10\Documents] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Admini strator 1Aug10\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\All Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\R oaming] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Cookies] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Loc al] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\bill\Documents] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\Recent] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\SendTo] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\L ocal] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local\Micr osoft\Windows\History] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\bill\A ppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\Documents 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\bill\Music] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\bill\Pictures] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\bill\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Roaming] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Default\AppData\ Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Default\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roam ing\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\M icrosoft\Windows\History] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Defaul t\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Default\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Default\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Default\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\ Roaming] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\M icrosoft\Windows\Cookies] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Lo cal] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Guest\Documents] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\M icrosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Recent] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\SendTo] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roamin g\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Local 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\ Local] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Local\Mic rosoft\Windows\History] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Guest\ AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest\Documents 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Guest\Music] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Guest\Pictures] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Guest\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Public\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Public\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Public\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Public\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Windows\system32\config\syst emprofile\Music] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Windows\system32\config\s ystemprofile\Pictures] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Windows\system32\config\sys temprofile\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Total Files Listed: 0 File(s) 0 bytes 82 Dir(s) 432,127,012,864 bytes free C:\Windows\system32>

OK - you seem to have canceled the original deletion that requested confirmation, so lets try again RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents /s (answer'y') (FWIW - there appears to be about an extra 1GB free space on the drive now? - have you been doing some deletions?) Then, as far as I can see, the system should be behaving normally. Are you still seeing the same files present in the Desktop\admin\Documents2 and C:\Users\bill\Documents2 folders? Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Here are the results of: RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents /s (answer'y') --------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents /s C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents, Are you sure (Y/N)? Y The system cannot find the file specified. C:\Windows\system32> --------------------------------------------------------------- You asked: "(FWIW - there appears to be about an extra 1GB free space on the drive now? - have you been doing some deletions?)" No, not unless our Directory commands have deleted some files. --------------------------------------------------------------------- You also asked: "Are you still seeing the same files present in the Desktop\admin\Documents2 and C:\Users\bill\Documents2 folders?" Yes, both are still there with an identical number of folders, files and GB size. However, they re-titled themselves from "Documents2" to "My Documents"...which is what they were originally titled a few weks ago. When I did a search for "Documents2, all it found was a 901-byte shortcut in: C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office\Recent Interestingly, the Properties gives that search return Description as My Documents, not Documents2. I assume I ought to leave it alone. -Bill

Hmm - OK, we'll have to do the deletions the hard way then.... RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents\My Music" RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents\My Videos" RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents\My Pictures" RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents Are you sure that one of the folders isn't just a shortcuts? right-click on each and select Properties to see. We shoud probably address the strange Administrator accounts next. please run the following commands - you may need to run them in separate command prompt windows to be able to compare them DIR C:\Users\Administrator1Augdisable DIR C:\Users\AdministratorDISABLED23Dec2011 DIR C:\Users\Administrator DIR C:\Users\bill Compare the first three with the last - do any match? Do any on the first three contain anything important? (or anything at all, for that matter?) I assume that you have the default Administrator account disabled? I won't ask you to post any of the content of them, as then may contain personal information - but the more detail you can give about the first three the better (I don't need to do anything with your own folder!) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel when I clicked through the path C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\ , the systemprofile folder had no Documents folder in it. System profile DID have the folders for My Music, My Videos and My Pictures. A couple of them had another folder in it but all three [My Music, My Videos, My Pictures] were ulimately empty. -------------------------------------- You asked: "Are you sure that one of the folders isn't just a shortcuts? right-click on each and select Properties to see." I did that and each of the three had a Type: File folder. --------------------------------------------------------- Here are the results of the first four RD commands: Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents\My Mu sic" The system cannot find the path specified. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents\My Vi deos" The system cannot find the path specified. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>RD "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents\My Pi ctures" The system cannot find the path specified. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>RD C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents The system cannot find the file specified. C:\Windows\system32> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These are the results of running the last four DIR commands. I ran them separately as you suggested. Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\Administrator1Augdisable Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users File Not Found ======= C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\AdministratorDISABLED23Dec2011 Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users File Not Found ======= C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\Administrator Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 07/08/2012 10:02 AM <DIR> . 07/08/2012 10:02 AM <DIR> .. 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <DIR> AppData 08/02/2010 03:36 PM 1,185 Microsoft Office Outlook.searchconnector- ms 12/23/2011 05:32 PM <DIR> Searches 1 File(s) 1,185 bytes 4 Dir(s) 431,792,320,512 bytes free C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\bill Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB ======== Directory of C:\Users\bill 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> . 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> .. 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Contacts 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Desktop 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Documents 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Downloads 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Favorites 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Links 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Music 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Pictures 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Saved Games 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Searches 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> Videos 0 File(s) 0 bytes 13 Dir(s) 431,792,234,496 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You asked: "Compare the first three with the last - do any match?" No. Do any on the first three contain anything important? (or anything at all, for that matter?) The first two couldn't be found. The third seems to be [what I would call] a real Administrator set of folders: App Data- Type: File folder; 56.2MB, 1145 files, 594 folders Searches- Type: File folder; 0 bytes Everywhere- Type: Saved search (search-ms), 248 bytes Indexed locations- Type: Saved search (search-ms), 248 bytes Microsoft Office Outlook- Type: Search connector (searchconnector-ms), 1.15KB The last path is my most used and preferred path: C:\Users\bill- type File folder, 9.57GB, 122,860 files, 7968 folders ---------------------------------------- You also asked: I assume that you have the default Administrator account disabled? Noel, I don't know what the "default" Administrator account is nor where to find it. Help, please. ---------------------------- I'm recovering from a cancer chemotherapy infusion two days ago - and am at the end of my rope for today. I'll be better in the morning and back online. Many thanks for all your good work today, Noel.

This is certainly an odd and unexpected result! the 'odd' Junctions are clearly listed - I'll paste them below for easier reference.... In a 'normal' installation of Windows 7, the Users\Administrator folder doesn't even exist until the Administrator account has been enabled maually. Since you have no knowledge of that we can probably assume that it's an artefact produced by either malware, or an accidental action of yours, and can probably be deleted - but I am at a loss as to why they don't appear in the normal DIR ouput, and I'm reluctant to do anything until I find out why. Perhaps at thins point a CHKDSK would be a good idea, as there may be crosslinks or other faults causing this. type in the Search box CMD.EXE right-click on the only file that is found Select Run as Administrator - the Elevated Command Prompt window should pop up At the Command prompt, type CHKDSK C: /R and hit the Enter key. You will be told that the drive is locked, and the CHKDSK will run at he next boot - hit the Y key, and then reboot. The chkdsk will take a few hours depending on the size of the drive, so be patient! After the CHKDSK has run, Windows should boot normally (possibly after a second auto-reboot) - check the Event Viewer then, for the Wininit event that records the CHKDSK log, in the Windows\Application Logs listing, and see if the disk was/is OK Then post a new listing from DIR C:\ /AL /S and we'll see if anything has changed =================================== Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Music] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Pictures] 11/16/2009 08:51 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Videos] Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator1Aug10\AppData\Roaming] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Documents] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] Directory of C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator1Aug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

CHKDSK seemed to run OK - took about 1 1/2 hours. Now I can't find the report. I found Event Viewer OK but couldn't find a CHKDSK file in the Windows Logs nor in the Applications and Server Logs. Where should I look? Event Viewer (Local) - Custom Views -Windows Logs -Applications and Server Logs -Subscriptions In the Windows Logs folder are: -Application Type: Administrative Events: 39, 723 Size 20.0 MB -Security -Setup -System -Forwarded events =============================================== Here's the new DIR report you asked for. These are the changes I see: Directory of C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Documents [[Does not show up now]] Directory of C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local [[appears to be unchanged]] Directory of C:\Users\Administrator [[appears to be unchanged]] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Users\bill>DIR C:\ /AL /S Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\ 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents and Settings [C:\Users] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\ProgramData 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <SYMLINKD> All Users [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Default User [C:\Users\Default] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator 1A ug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug 10\Documents] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Admini strator 1Aug10\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\All Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\R oaming] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Cookies] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Loc al] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\bill\Documents] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\Recent] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\SendTo] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\L ocal] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local\Micr osoft\Windows\History] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\bill\A ppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\Documents 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\bill\Music] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\bill\Pictures] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\bill\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Roaming] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Default\AppData\ Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Default\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roam ing\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\M icrosoft\Windows\History] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Defaul t\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Default\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Default\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Default\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Public\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Public\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Public\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Public\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Total Files Listed: 0 File(s) 0 bytes 63 Dir(s) 431,830,585,344 bytes free C:\Users\bill>

Goody! - means less work to do :) The CHKDSK report is filed away in the Windows Application logs, with Wininit as the Source (tip- - use the Filter option in the right pane, look in the Sources, and put a tick against Wininit.) I'll wait to see that before deciding what needs doing - are you still seeing duplicate folders? where axactly do you see the 'Admin' folder?? please run the following command (again) DIR C:\Users\Administrator post the results Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Wininit A disk check has been scheduled. Windows will now check the disk. CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 5)... Cleaning up instance tags for file 0x14514. 289024 file records processed. File verification completed. 621 large file records processed. 0 bad file records processed. 0 EA records processed. 73 reparse records processed. CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 5)... 350382 index entries processed. Index verification completed. 0 unindexed files scanned. 0 unindexed files recovered. CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 5)... 289024 file SDs/SIDs processed. Cleaning up 2881 unused index entries from index $SII of file 0x9. Cleaning up 2881 unused index entries from index $SDH of file 0x9. Cleaning up 2881 unused security descriptors. Security descriptor verification completed. 30680 data files processed. CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal... 37710720 USN bytes processed. Usn Journal verification completed. CHKDSK is verifying file data (stage 4 of 5)... 289008 files processed. File data verification completed. CHKDSK is verifying free space (stage 5 of 5)... 105428984 free clusters processed. Free space verification is complete. CHKDSK discovered free space marked as allocated in the master file table (MFT) bitmap. CHKDSK discovered free space marked as allocated in the volume bitmap. Windows has made corrections to the file system. 478763007 KB total disk space. 56537500 KB in 226567 files. 101048 KB in 30681 indexes. 0 KB in bad sectors. 408519 KB in use by the system. 65536 KB occupied by the log file. 421715940 KB available on disk. 4096 bytes in each allocation unit. 119690751 total allocation units on disk. 105428985 allocation units available on disk. Internal Info: 00 69 04 00 ec ec 03 00 16 f4 05 00 00 00 00 00 .i.............. 39 08 00 00 49 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 9...I........... 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................ Windows has finished checking your disk. Please wait while your computer restarts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Checking file system on C: The type of the file system is NTFS. Volume label is OS. A disk check has been scheduled. Windows will now check the disk. CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 5)... Cleaning up instance tags for file 0x14514. 289024 file records processed. File verification completed. 621 large file records processed. 0 bad file records processed. 0 EA records processed. 73 reparse records processed. CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 5)... 350382 index entries processed. Index verification completed. 0 unindexed files scanned. 0 unindexed files recovered. CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 of 5)... 289024 file SDs/SIDs processed. Cleaning up 2881 unused index entries from index $SII of file 0x9. Cleaning up 2881 unused index entries from index $SDH of file 0x9. Cleaning up 2881 unused security descriptors. Security descriptor verification completed. 30680 data files processed. CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal... 37710720 USN bytes processed. Usn Journal verification completed. CHKDSK is verifying file data (stage 4 of 5)... 289008 files processed. File data verification completed. CHKDSK is verifying free space (stage 5 of 5)... 105428984 free clusters processed. Free space verification is complete. CHKDSK discovered free space marked as allocated in the master file table (MFT) bitmap. CHKDSK discovered free space marked as allocated in the volume bitmap. Windows has made corrections to the file system. 478763007 KB total disk space. 56537500 KB in 226567 files. 101048 KB in 30681 indexes. 0 KB in bad sectors. 408519 KB in use by the system. 65536 KB occupied by the log file. 421715940 KB available on disk. 4096 bytes in each allocation unit. 119690751 total allocation units on disk. 105428985 allocation units available on disk. Internal Info: 00 69 04 00 ec ec 03 00 16 f4 05 00 00 00 00 00 .i.............. 39 08 00 00 49 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 9...I........... 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................ Windows has finished checking your disk. Please wait while your computer restarts. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- You asked: "are you still seeing duplicate folders?" Yes, two folders titled My Documents. One is in the path admin/My Documents; the other is in the path C:/users/bill/My Documents ----------------------------------------------------------------------- You asked: "where axactly do you see the 'Admin' folder??" When I do a search for admin, it does not appear on the list of returned files. The only way I can get to it is click Start. Two panels of programs show and admin is on the right-hand panel. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the re-run you requested: Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\Administrator Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 07/08/2012 10:02 AM <DIR> . 07/08/2012 10:02 AM <DIR> .. 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <DIR> AppData 08/02/2010 03:36 PM 1,185 Microsoft Office Outlook.searchconnector- ms 12/23/2011 05:32 PM <DIR> Searches 1 File(s) 1,185 bytes 4 Dir(s) 431,813,718,016 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> -Bill Martin

AHah! I think I know what's happening. Do you use a password to log in? Your account is called 'bill', correct? - and if you log in, that's what your see on the login? Doed 'Admin' appear in the same panel as 'bill'? Does 'bill' appear at the top of the list? (where NoelAsus is in the picture?) where does Admin appear? Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

You asked: "Do you use a password to log in?" No, when I punch the ON button, the startup process eventually stops at a 1" square emblem titled Admin. [Just like the red flower emblem right above where your screen shot says NoelAsus].Under that emblem are the words [something like] Change User. [If I click on Change User, I get an option to log in as 'Guest']. But I just I click on the admin emblem and I'm ready to work. HOWEVER, I just now Shut Down the computer and Started it again to verify what I just described...and that Admin emblem no longer appears. I shut down completely and started twice - same result. Very odd. I'm SURE that admin emblem was there when I started up this morning. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Your account is called 'bill', correct? - and if you log in, that's what your see on the login?" I always run in Admin mode - I'm the only one who uses my computer. I get no log-in dialog box when I Start. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Doed 'Admin' appear in the same panel as 'bill'?" No, 'bill' never appears...just 'admin'. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Does 'bill' appear at the top of the list? (where NoelAsus is in the picture?)" No, 'bill' has never been on that list. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "where does Admin appear?" At the top of the list right where NoelAsus is on your screen shot. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Bill Martin

Noel, I had my computer on Hibernate while I was away from it just now. When I restarted, this time I DID get the usual 1" square emblem. Under it, it is titled admin Locked Under that, in a small retangular box, it says Switch User. When I click on it all I get is a repeat of the Admin Locked emblem. -Bill Martin

I know what's happened :) When you first installed the PC, you named the main admin account 'bill'. You later renamed the account 'Admin' (which is actually not good practice, for a number of reasons). This resulted in the schizophrenia your system is exhibiting. If you want things to be consitent, then you should either rename the account back to 'bill', or (much harder) change the underlying username to 'Admin' - or create an entirely new account and transfer settings and data to it (which may be best in the long run). None of the above explains the excess Junctions (16 of them, I think) to places which don't exist on your machine, but does probably indicate that... 1) they're not doing any harm 2) it's probably safe to remove them. ....let me know if you want to do so. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, thank you for explaining how this mess got started. I appreciate your efforts. For me, it's not simply enough to "fix it", I have a psychological need to know where I erred so I don't do it again. Please help me understand more fully what my repair choices are , so I can make a decision on the next step. "If you want things to be consitent, then you should either rename the account back to 'bill', or (much harder) change the underlying username to 'Admin' - or create an entirely new account and transfer settings and data to it (which may be best in the long run)." 'rename the account back to 'bill' ' seems simple, so there must be advantages to "...create an entirely new account and transfer settings and data to it...". Are there 2 o 3 advantages you can tell me "(which may be best in the long run)."? " ------------------------------------------------------------------------ As for the Junctions... "None of the above explains the excess Junctions (16 of them, I think) to places which don't exist on your machine, but does probably indicate that... 1) they're not doing any harm 2) it's probably safe to remove them." If I remove the Junctions, what are likely to be the negative effects on the operation of my computer? -Bill Martin

I had a nasty feeling you were going to ask that! :) Q1 - longer term advantages. You've obviously had some problems for a reasonable amount of time, and they've only recently got to the point where you felt compelled to do something about them. Some problems may (repeat may) be related to a mismatched Logon name and Username. If that's the case, then such problems may recur when you re-align them, either way, due to registry entries not being properly updated, or program requirements. Creating a new User automatically aligng the Logon name and Username for that user, and should create proper entries for installed programs (that have been installed for 'all users'). Transferring the data and settings then allows the whole lot to function properly. Once you're happy that everything is as it should be, you can delete the old Admin/bill account. Q2 - the Junctions. Let me first say that I have no hard evidence for what I'm about to say! Junctions which lead (apparently) nowhere out of (apparently) nowhere may cause problems, and system slowdowns, by confusing the issue in respect of placement of files and searching - and will almost certainly slow the system down to some extent. They may also be a route for malware to get hold of a system, if in the wrong place. There are 47 default junctions in a Win7 installation, and your listing shows 63 - the excess 16 are in two 'spurious' folders which appear not to relate to any current user Please run the following commands and post the results... DIR "C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10" DIR "C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10" /AH ICACLS "C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10" DIR C:\Users\Administrator /AH DIR C:\Users DIR C:\Users /AH DIR C:\Users /AS DIR C:\Users /AR it may show some more detail Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

I was puzzled as to why this Directory search couldn't find the file Administrator 1Aug10 in the C:/users folder and returned 'File not Found' , so I did a Start>Search for Administrator 1Aug10 That folder Administrator 1Aug10 showed up in the path: Dell (C) Drive [no colon after the C]/OS(C:)/Users/AppData/Local/ SupportSoft/dellsupportcenter/Administrator 1Aug10 For what it's worth, if anything. --------------------------------------------- I'll reply to your Q1 and Q2 responses after you see these DIR results. -Bill Martin ------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are the DIR results: Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR "C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10" Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users File Not Found C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>DIR "C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10" /AH Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users File Not Found C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>ICACLS "C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10" C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10: The system cannot find the file specified. Successfully processed 0 files; Failed processing 1 files C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users\Administrator /AH Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM 248 Everywhere.search-ms 08/01/2010 04:57 PM 248 Indexed Locations.search-ms 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator 1A ug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug 10\Documents] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 03/12/2011 05:16 PM 786,432 NTUSER.DAT 06/15/2012 04:45 PM 5,120 NTUSER.DAT.LOG1 12/01/2009 10:02 AM 0 NTUSER.DAT.LOG2 08/01/2010 05:12 PM 65,536 NTUSER.DAT{016888bd-6c6f-11de-8d1d-001e0b cde3ec}.TM.blf 08/01/2010 05:12 PM 524,288 NTUSER.DAT{016888bd-6c6f-11de-8d1d-001e0b cde3ec}.TMContainer00000000000000000001.regtrans-ms 08/01/2010 05:12 PM 524,288 NTUSER.DAT{016888bd-6c6f-11de-8d1d-001e0b cde3ec}.TMContainer00000000000000000002.regtrans-ms 12/05/2009 11:53 AM 65,536 NTUSER.DAT{6194a777-e1c0-11de-96df-002170 5ea0b4}.TM.blf 12/05/2009 11:53 AM 524,288 NTUSER.DAT{6194a777-e1c0-11de-96df-002170 5ea0b4}.TMContainer00000000000000000001.regtrans-ms 12/05/2009 11:53 AM 524,288 NTUSER.DAT{6194a777-e1c0-11de-96df-002170 5ea0b4}.TMContainer00000000000000000002.regtrans-ms 12/01/2009 10:02 AM 65,536 NTUSER.DAT{849df723-de8f-11de-a7b9-002170 5ea0b4}.TM.blf 12/01/2009 10:02 AM 524,288 NTUSER.DAT{849df723-de8f-11de-a7b9-002170 5ea0b4}.TMContainer00000000000000000001.regtrans-ms 12/01/2009 10:02 AM 524,288 NTUSER.DAT{849df723-de8f-11de-a7b9-002170 5ea0b4}.TMContainer00000000000000000002.regtrans-ms 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 14 File(s) 4,134,384 bytes 10 Dir(s) 431,785,828,352 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users 07/08/2012 10:03 AM <DIR> . 07/08/2012 10:03 AM <DIR> .. 07/08/2012 10:02 AM <DIR> Administrator 07/12/2012 07:45 AM <DIR> bill 07/02/2012 04:05 PM <DIR> Guest 12/05/2009 11:53 AM <DIR> Public 0 File(s) 0 bytes 6 Dir(s) 431,785,816,064 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users /AH Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <SYMLINKD> All Users [C:\ProgramData] 07/14/2009 01:12 AM <DIR> Default 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Default User [C:\Users\Default] 07/13/2009 10:54 PM 174 desktop.ini 1 File(s) 174 bytes 3 Dir(s) 431,785,807,872 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users /AS Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <SYMLINKD> All Users [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Default User [C:\Users\Default] 07/13/2009 10:54 PM 174 desktop.ini 1 File(s) 174 bytes 2 Dir(s) 431,785,807,872 bytes free C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\Users /AR Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\Users 07/08/2012 10:03 AM <DIR> . 07/08/2012 10:03 AM <DIR> .. 07/14/2009 01:12 AM <DIR> Default 12/05/2009 11:53 AM <DIR> Public 0 File(s) 0 bytes 4 Dir(s) 431,785,807,872 bytes free C:\Windows\system32>

Very interesting - thanks for the detective work! That indicates to me that the junctions are a botched piece of programming by Dell, rather than anything else - but it's possibly too dangerous to remove them, as it could break the Administrator account if we did. The account has definitely been used at some time in the past, or the C:\Users\Administrator folder wouldn't exist - and it looks as if it was created 1st Aug 2010 (did you have to send the machine for service, or get Dell to remote in to the machine? ) I'll have a play in the morning and see if I can work out what happens if we do remove them (it's getting late, and I need to eat!), but it's probably safer to leave well alone.Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

You asked: "C:\Users\Administrator folder........ looks as if it was created 1st Aug 2010 (did you have to send the machine for service, or get Dell to remote in to the machine? )" 1 August 2010 was when I first tried to clean up my file paths. I do a LOT of personal family genealogy work and somehow, several files - that I knew existed - were not found using Start> Search. Eventually, I found them by sheer brute force...looking through lots of possible file paths 'til I found them. In that process of searcing, I discovered more than one Administrator account and down inside it were some of my genealogy files. I copied them out and put them where they belonged. Then, since I had found two identical Administrator file folders], I retitled one folder and the date I did so "Administrator1Aug10Disable". I figured that if this really messed up my computer, I could always go back and remove the "1Aug10Disable" part of the title and the system would be as it was. Well, computer operation limped along and now you and I are engaged in this repair project. I just now did a Start>Search for Administrator1Aug10Disable but got no response. I guess one of your possible thoughts might be, and you're right: "Bill knows just enough about file architecture to be dangerous". I've quit messing with Administrative file titles. -Bill Martin

That explains a lot! You may have now effectively broken the Administrator account :( We will have to try to repair it, by renaming all the affected Junctions back to their proper places, or creating new ones. Just to check, please run the following command in an Elevated Command Prompt, then reboot and attempt to log in to the Administrator account - it may ask for a password which you don't have, so get back into your normal account and post the results. If you do get in, attemtpt to use some of your older applications, and see if they work NET USER Administrator /active:yes Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Here's the result of the NET USER command: Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>NET USER Administrator /active:yes The command completed successfully. C:\Windows\system32> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I rebooted and at startup I got my usual admin icon plus a new Administrator icon. I right-clicked on Administrator to see its properties. It did not ask for a password but instead, it opened to my desktop screen of icons. I have about 25 icons on the desktop screen but now there were several blank spots and only 15 showed up. Those 15 were all in the exact place they normally are. I also got a taskbar with icons for: Email, Internet, Windows, Videos, Office, Security, Help, Recycle and Internet Explorer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- At that point, I Shut Down and did Start, to see if my normal screen would show up if I left-clicked on the Administrator icon. Nope. This time only one icon showed on the desktop. I did Shut Down and Start a couple times but I never got those 15 icons to show again - just one icon. When I tried to use my applications in Administrator mode, they all asked for usernames, and initial information just as though this was the first time I had ever used the application. I did not add all that information agin but instead Shut Down and opened up in admin mode. I did as you asked and used four of my applications - they worked normally. -Bill Martin

OK. We got lucky then ( or my Virtual machine testbed had some un-noticed glitches when I started playing with it at 2 a.m. - not the best time to start!) We got lucky - I found a tool that will do the job for us!(and save me a lot of sweat). Log in as Administrator Please download Junction Box unzip it to a safe place, and run the JunctionBox.exe file. in the dropdown, select Administrator Click on Backup Junctions Save the file as a memorable name Now click on Restore Junctions Select 'DefaultJunctions.ntj' and click Open. Wait for it to finish (only a few seconds), the click Quit. Reboot log in as your normal account and run a new DIR C:\ /AL /S and post the result. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] 'Microsoft' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32>Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserv ed. 'Copyright' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\ /AL /S 'C:\Windows\system32' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32> Volume in drive C is OS 'Volume' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32> Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB 'Volume' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32> Directory of C:\ 'Directory' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32> C:\Windows\system32>07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents and Setting s [C:\Users] The system cannot find the file specified. C:\Windows\system32> 0 File(s) 0 bytes '0' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Windows\system32>

Pardon?? You're in your own account now? what happens if you run the same command as a normal user rather than as Admin?Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

I ran that command from my admin account - I thought that was what you meant by '...log in as your normal account ..'. I only have two accounts: the new Administrator and the old admin. Sshould I set up some other third account? The reason I ran logged in as admin was to be sure that I entered your DIR C:\ /AL /S command exactly right. I had copied it onto a blank email message and saved that as a Draft so I could copy and paste it into the command box when running through the new Administrator account. But when I entered Windows through the new Administrator account, Outlook 2007 didn't have anything in the Drafts folder. So I had to Shut Down and Start in admin mode so I could access that DIR command and do as you said "...log in as your normal account and run a new ....". -Bill Martin

DO nothing yet - there's something very wrong. Best thing to do is to reboot into the Administrator account and then undo the changes made. run JunctionBox, and click on the restore button - select the file that you saved last time, and let it do its thing and reboot again. the get back into your normal account and we can re-assess things. As a check, once back in your normal account, run the DIR /AL /S command again - it should be back to 'normal' Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, I don't want to mess up again. What do you mean by "normal account"? In the past, I've only had one account 'admin'. Is that my 'normal account' ? Or should I set up another account with a title that is not Administrator nor admin? -Bil Martin

By definition, the Administrator account is 'special' - that's one of the reasons that it's not a good idea to have an account called 'admin' :) Yes - your normal account is Admin (aka bill) It's not your fault, I don't think you did anything wrong - at the moment, anyhow - it's a consequence to your 'cleanup' back in August 2010 We don't want to mess with the system at all until things work the way they should, otherwise we'll never know where we are. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>DIR C:\ /AL /S Volume in drive C is OS Volume Serial Number is BE03-F7DB Directory of C:\ 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents and Settings [C:\Users] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\ProgramData 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <SYMLINKD> All Users [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Default User [C:\Users\Default] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Roaming] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator 1A ug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug 10\Documents] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\App Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\ AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Local 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\AppData\Local] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Administrator 1Aug10\Ap pData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 08/01/2010 04:57 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Admini strator 1Aug10\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator. DELLPC1\AppData\Roaming] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\A ppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Administrator.DE LLPC1\AppData\Local] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Administrator.DELL PC1\Documents] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\A ppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\Ap pData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC 1\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1 \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\AppData\Local 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Administrator. DELLPC1\AppData\Local] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\A ppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\History] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Admini strator.DELLPC1\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\Documents 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1\ Music] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLP C1\Pictures] 07/17/2012 08:52 AM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1 \Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\All Users 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\ProgramData] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Desktop [C:\Users\Public\Desktop] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Documents [C:\Users\Public\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Favorites [C:\Users\Public\Favorites] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Wind ows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windo ws\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\R oaming] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Cookies] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Loc al] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\bill\Documents] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\Recent] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\Mic rosoft\Windows\SendTo] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\bill\AppData\L ocal] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\bill\AppData\Local\Micr osoft\Windows\History] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\bill\A ppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\bill\Documents 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\bill\Music] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\bill\Pictures] 11/27/2009 02:22 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\bill\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Roaming] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Cookies] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Default\AppData\ Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Default\Documents] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\Recent] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roaming\ Microsoft\Windows\SendTo] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roam ing\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Roami ng\Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Default\AppDat a\Local] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\M icrosoft\Windows\History] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Defaul t\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Default\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Default\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Default\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Default\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\ Roaming] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Cookies [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\M icrosoft\Windows\Cookies] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Local Settings [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Lo cal] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Documents [C:\Users\Guest\Documents] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> NetHood [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\M icrosoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> PrintHood [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Printer Shortcuts] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Recent [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\Recent] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> SendTo [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming\Mi crosoft\Windows\SendTo] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Start Menu [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roamin g\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Templates [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Roaming \Microsoft\Windows\Templates] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Local 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Application Data [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\ Local] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> History [C:\Users\Guest\AppData\Local\Mic rosoft\Windows\History] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> Temporary Internet Files [C:\Users\Guest\ AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Guest\Documents 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Guest\Music] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Guest\Pictures] 10/26/2010 09:22 AM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Guest\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Directory of C:\Users\Public\Documents 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Music [C:\Users\Public\Music] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Pictures [C:\Users\Public\Pictures] 07/13/2009 11:08 PM <JUNCTION> My Videos [C:\Users\Public\Videos] 0 File(s) 0 bytes Total Files Listed: 0 File(s) 0 bytes 95 Dir(s) 431,358,394,368 bytes free C:\Windows\system32>

Phew! back to 'normal' again - except that you now have a new set of links for C:\Users\Administrator.DELLPC1 and the subfolders(!!) Now I am totally confused :( I suspect that this is an emergency/temporary account created because of the shift of the old Keys if you run REG QUERY HKU what accounts are listed now? I have my suspicions that the only way to get this functioning the way it was designed to, is going to be either a repair install, or a reformat/reinstall. I'm well into deep water, and clutching at lifebelts! I need to at least sleep on it - and it would be a good idea to turne the account off in the meantime, so run the command NET USER Administrator /active:no and have the rest of the day off while I snore :) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

You asked: "if you run REG QUERY HKU what accounts are listed now?" Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKU HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-19 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000_Classes HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18 C:\Windows\system32> I ran that last command you suggested. -Bill Martin Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>NET USER Administrator /active:no The command completed successfully. C:\Windows\system32>

Zzzzzzzzz :)Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Well deserved... for a 2am riser this morning. -Bill Martin

There's only one problem file in teh report.... Line 29012: 2011-12-16 18:12:41, Info CSI 000002e0 [SR] Cannot repair member file [l:20{10}]"tcpmon.ini" of Microsoft-Windows-Printing-StandardPortMonitor-TCPMonINI, Version = 6.1.7600.16385, pA = PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE_AMD64 (9), Culture neutral, VersionScope = 1 nonSxS, PublicKeyToken = {l:8 b:31bf3856ad364e35}, Type neutral, TypeName neutral, PublicKey neutral in the store, hash mismatch Line 29015: 2011-12-16 18:12:41, Info CSI 000002e2 [SR] Cannot repair member file [l:20{10}]"tcpmon.ini" of Microsoft-Windows-Printing-StandardPortMonitor-TCPMonINI, Version = 6.1.7600.16385, pA = PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE_AMD64 (9), Culture neutral, VersionScope = 1 nonSxS, PublicKeyToken = {l:8 b:31bf3856ad364e35}, Type neutral, TypeName neutral, PublicKey neutral in the store, hash mismatch Line 29016: 2011-12-16 18:12:41, Info CSI 000002e3 [SR] This component was referenced by [l:202{101}]"Microsoft-Windows-Foundation-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.1.7601.17514.WindowsFoundationDelivery" Line 29021: 2011-12-16 18:12:41, Info CSI 000002e6 [SR] Could not reproject corrupted file [ml:520{260},l:46{23}]"\??\C:\Windows\System32"\[l:20{10}]"tcpmon.ini"; source file in store is also corrupted I need to work out the best way of replacing it. back laterNoel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Second thoughts. Please disable the Administrator account using the command NET USER Administratir /active:no (if it isn't already disabled) You should then do a Repair install, using a freshly-downladed SP1 disk http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html I think that between us, we've managed to damage the system sufficiently to make it necessary. :( Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

I believe I still have the Aministrator account disabled - its logo does not show up when I restart the computer, only my admin logo. I didn't know what "... using a freshly-downladed SP1 disk" meant. How do you download a disk? So I clicked on the hypertext http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html Boy, did THAT set off a flurry of activity!!! To summarize this morning: I talked to a ParetoLogic rep for 'way over half an hour while he took remote control of my computer and did some checking. I purchased their RegCure Pro software and two other ParetoLogic reps spent over an hour or more cleaning up files in my computer. They've now released my computer back to me. I'm subscribed for a "clean-up" of my computer every 3 months by them. What should I do next? Nothing? Am I finished pestering you? ;) Should I set up a "standard" non-administrative account? I believe you recommended that several days ago. -Bill Martin

You've used a Registry Cleaner? In that case I have no idea what the current state of the system may be - and I have no particular wish to find out :( ALL registry cleaners are snake-oil products designed to give impressive numbers demonstrating the program's 'effectiveness', and most will kill a machine in the longer term. The only safe registry cleaner is the human eye and mind - there are too many potential pratfalls for any automated routine to be either safe or terribly effective. Does your machine show any signs of improvement since the work Paretolgic did on it? (How did you end up with them, anyhow?) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

You asked: "Does your machine show any signs of improvement since the work Paretolgic did on it?" It seems to load a little faster at Startup. Other than that, I don't see any differnce. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And you asked: (How did you end up with them, anyhow?) I clicked on the hyperlink you gave me: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html That link got me to Windows SevenForums and a screen titled Windows 7 - Repair Install Recommended: Click here to Fix Errors & Optimize Windows ...so I clicked on it and that got me to RegCure Pro. -Bill Martin <iframe frameBorder="0" height="60" id="google_ads_iframe_/1015579/SF_Top_720x60_0" marginHeight="0" marginWidth="0" scrolling="no" src="javascript:window["contents"]" style="border:0px currentColor;" tb="true" width="728"></iframe>

On Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:33:10 +0000, billmartin22 wrote: >And you asked: (How did you end up with them, anyhow?) > >I clicked on the hyperlink you gave me: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html > >That link got me to Windows SevenForums and a screen titled Windows 7 - Repair Install > >Recommended: Click here to Fix Errors & Optimize Windows > Ouch - that was a GoogleAd, rather than a forum recommendation!. (If you sign up for the forum there, you can banish the ads forever <g>) I dislike it when the ads bring up such things, but it's not my forum, and it's very difficult to filter them all out anyhow. I wish you'd read the rest of the page first, as it would have saved you a lot of money! Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

That's really unfortunate. I just thought I was doing what you wanted me to. But I guess that's water over the dam now. What - if anything - do we do next? -Bill Martin

On Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:45:42 +0000, billmartin22 wrote: > > >That's really unfortunate. I just thought I was doing what you wanted me to. But I guess that's water over the dam now. > >What - if anything - do we do next? > >-Bill Martin Sorry about that - I tend to forget about the ads that may come up. One thing I make a point of *not* doing (without warning, at least) is pointing people to solutions which cost money. I don't think there's anything I really can do now - Paretologic will have stamped roughshod over your PC and probably the registry, and unless your problems are now 'over', then a reinstall or at least a repair install is the only way forward I can see. Let me stress here that Paretologic are a reputable company - so should be able (and should be expected) to live up to their part of the bargain. Let me also stress that you should avoid using registry cleaners yourself! In expert hands they can be a useful tool - in beginners hands, they can make a good install with perhaps a minor problem just quit. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Noel, thank you so much for all your hard work and perseverence in solving my problems. You've been a great help and counselor. Best of luck to you. -Bill Martin

Noel, after running the two commands you requested, is there anything else I should be doing? -Bill Martin

Sorry - please post the results (if you still have them), and then reboot, and run an SFC /SCANNOW , and upload a new CBS.log file (preparing for a pool match here!)Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

Your first request was: "if you run REG QUERY HKU what accounts are listed now?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKU HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-19 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-20 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000 HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3176005207-1473801050-2030565484-1000_Classes HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-18 C:\Windows\system32> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Then you suggested: ...run the command NET USER Administrator /active:no Result: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>NET USER Administrator /active:no The command completed successfully. C:\Windows\system32> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now I'll reboot and carry out the rest of your instructions. -Bill Martin

Odd - the email reminder I got doesn't jibe with what's on the page..... (I suspect that I was thinking of another similar thread - sorry about that!) I need to review the status in the morning - the pool match is starting ;) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

OS: Windows7 Home Premium Local Area Network; two computers: a Micron ClientPro referred to as Micron2 and a Dell Studio, referred to as Dell. My original computer was the Micron ClientPro with OS Windows 2000. When I bought my Dell Studio with Windows7, I transferred files from the Micron to the Dell using a Local Area Network. Somehow, I now have two folders on the Dell, both named Documents2 in two different file paths. I dont know how that happened, but it did. Both folders have identical properties: Size: 6.50 GB (6,986,474,306 bytes) Size on Disk: 6.55 GB (7,037,874,176 bytes) Contains: 96,176 Files, 2,271 Folders The file path for one of the folders is: Desktop/admin/Documents2/ The file path for the other folder is: Dell C Drive/ OS (C:)/Users/bill/Documents2/ Im want to eliminate the Desktop/admin/Documents2/ folder in my Dell and retain the Dell C Drive/ OS (C:)/Users/bill/Documents2/ folder and contents. Problem: I displayed the contents of the two Documents2 folders side by side on my screen. Before eliminating the unwanted Documents2 folder, I tried a name change to one file just to see what happened in the identically named file in the other Documents2 folder. Result: changing the name in one folder also changed the name in the other folder even though they are on two different file paths. That led me to believe that if I deleted one Documents2 folder, it would also delete the other identical folder in the other file path. Question: How can I delete one of the Documents2 folders without deleting the other? I appreciate the advice. -Bill Martin Denver, CO I guess you're seeing both these folders from your Dell PC. I wonder what you see across the network from your Windows2000 Micron. There might be a phantom user.V2 folder somewhere in this mix. Maybe you could post a screenshot of the two folders in your Dell. Just idle curiosity.

... and to you! I would have preferred a far different outcome - but I cannot now claim any real knowledge of what's on your system, and so must resist the urge to make changes! Good luck!Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

... I thought you fellows were done. Sorry to interrupt.

SFC /SCANNOW results: ------------------------------------------------------------------ Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Windows\system32>SFC /SCANNOW Beginning system scan. This process will take some time. Beginning verification phase of system scan. Verification 100% complete. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of th em. Details are included in the CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. For example C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log C:\Windows\system32> ------------------------------------------------------------------ The CBS.log file is 6.31MB. I'll put it in a separate reply just in case this Microsoft site chokes on it. -Bill

You suggested: "I guess you're seeing both these folders from your Dell PC." Yes, that's correct. Then you asked: "I wonder what you see across the network from your Windows2000 Micron." I tried to access my Dell files from my Micron machine just now - but the LAN seems to be broken....I couldn't connect. -Bill

I guess that satisfied half my idle curiosity. Do you know how to post a screenshot here to this forum? It's kind of grubby. Maybe it's not worth the effort at this point. But if you're willing, the other half of idle curiosity would be grateful.

You'll have to upload it to your public SkyDrive or alternative fileshare - the forum doesn't take files. Post a link when done.Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

"Do you know how to post a screenshot here to this forum? It's kind of grubby." No....no clue. "Maybe it's not worth the effort at this point." Probably not. I've done all the "fixing" I plan to do.

Fair enough. But if you get the urge, there's a button in the post editor for it.

I had a tough time Pasting this file onto this Reply. I first got a Message Box saying "Microsoft is not responding." with a button to click titled Recover webpage. I clicked that button once and it erased this reply to you. Then I started again to Paste the 6.31MB file onto this Reply. Got the same "Microsoft is not responding." message. After 30 seconds, the file did Paste onto this reply. But when I clicked Submit, the process seemed to freeze up. Eventually, I got a Message Box from the webpage saying "Body must be 4 to 6000 characters long". Obviouly this file is 'way beyond that size. I see no way to attach the file as an Attachment. Any suggestions, Coach? -Bill Martin [[Hope the pool match went well for you. Was that a swimming pool or a billard pool?]]

On Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:31:55 +0000, idle curiosity wrote: > > >... I thought you fellows were done. > >Sorry to interrupt. If you have any constructive input, I'm sure we'd both be delighted! Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

http://skydrive.live.com :)Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

I did't know aboout SkyDrive. Very interesting. So I set up an account and put the CBS file in the Public folder so you can see it. My account is at: https://skydrive.live.com/#cid=FE54F3EBFF5A9C69 Public folder The file title is: CBSlog 19July2012 -Bill Martin

On Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:31:55 +0000, idle curiosity wrote: > > >... I thought you fellows were done. > >Sorry to interrupt. If you have any constructive input, I'm sure we'd both be delighted! Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth Considering the info in the Original Post about W2K and W7, I already mentioned my hunch about phantom User.V2 But I don't pretend to be an expert.

Gotcha! - I'll look at it in the morning after coffee :) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

On Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:38:20 +0000, idle curiosity wrote: = >Considering the info in the Original Post about W2K and W7, I already mentioned my hunch about phantom User.V2 > >But I don't pretend to be an expert. <quote> If you have any constructive input, I'm sure we'd both be delighted! </quote> QED Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

On Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:38:20 +0000, idle curiosity wrote: = >Considering the info in the Original Post about W2K and W7, I already mentioned my hunch about phantom User.V2 > >But I don't pretend to be an expert. <quote> If you have any constructive input, I'm sure we'd both be delighted! </quote> QED Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth If by that, you are soliciting personal constructive input, then I'd recommend you thoroughly read the OP before conducting a wild goose chase. I believe duplicated views via User.V2 is normal. It's hard to tell without a screenshot. But again, I do not pretend to be an expert.