Windows 8 machine, access denied unless run as admin

[Majestic]

Hi All,


I'm having a hell of a time fixing an issue on this Windows 8 machine. This machine boots up and then gets an error C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop access is denied. I had initially created a new profile and that didn't help, same issue. I see that when I run anything/everything As administrator it works fine. I've also copied from c:\user\userxx to the C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop. Seems permissions are screwed up. Additionally Internet explorer won't save any files it downloads. I've run sfc /scannow, combofix, I've performed a system restore. Uninstalled the latest windows update.

If I download files on my machine put it on usb, then run it as admin it DOES work/install. Can't run anything though unless it's as admin. I've also run tweaking.com's all in one Windows Repair.

Any ideas guys/gals ? (Yes I've Googled as well)


Majestic

 

[nlinecomputers]

Clone the system first to CYA.

Then use the Windows all in one repair tool to fix permissions.

 

[Majestic]

Clone the system first to CYA.

Then use the Windows all in one repair tool to fix permissions.

From Tweaking.com? I already did, forgot to mention that! no success

 

[Xander]

Could the regular user have been demoted to a limited/standard user and ISN'T an administrator at all? Fixing permissions wouldn't help if that account isn't supposed to be able to access those functions in the first place.

Never mind - still on my first coffee. This wouldn't cause the desktop error.

 

[Majestic]

Could the regular user have been demoted to a limited/standard user and ISN'T an administrator at all? Fixing permissions wouldn't help if that account isn't supposed to be able to access those functions in the first place.

Never mind - still on my first coffee. This wouldn't cause the desktop error.

I had the same issue with the new account/profile I had created. Both accounts are admin accounts.

Not sure if this is relevant but also when you press the Windows Key to see the metro screen, You don't see ALL apps. I need to right click where I see All Apps on the bottom and select that, then it seems I have to pin EVERYTHING on at a time to the Start menu for it to show. So strange.

 

[mr m]

Try a refresh.

 

[Majestic]

Try a refresh.

What do you mean by refresh? Reinstall?


Just googled, and found this, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc You can tell I don't work on many Windows 8 machines I guess it's worth a shot but maybe I should clone/backup first. From what I understand it'll delete all installed programs. Perhaps I'll need to backup all the licenses including Office.

Majestic

 

[johnrobert]

Yes when you do a refresh all license info is gone