documents settings

After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Sounds like UAC to me, try disabling it and try accessing the folder again: Click Start > All Programs > Run > type in MSCONFIG > Tools (tab) > scroll down select Disable UAC > click Launch, restart your system for the changes to take effect. -- -- Andre Windows Connected | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message

After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Not sure why you needed to enable the administrator account.
When I browse into c:\users\administrator I get an UAC prompt, which I okay and then I can continue browsing.
And obivously browsing into my own account, c:\users\sean there is no UAC prompt and I have no problems browsing that sub-folder.
You say "Documents and Settings" folder. Is this from an XP upgrade? In clean installs of Vista they've changed that to \users.
Cheers
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message

After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

As mentioned in my reply to the original posting I get a UAC prompt when accessing other folders like administrator and then I can browse them with no problems.
If he's not getting a UAC prompt then it's probably a different set of permissions that administrator doesn't have access to without taking ownership.
In general it's a bad idea to go round disabling UAC, rather run a command prompt, or explorer as administrator when you need to if you want to avoid the UAC prompt.
Cheers
"Andre Da Costa [Extended64]" wrote in message

Sounds like UAC to me, try disabling it and try accessing the folder again: Click Start > All Programs > Run > type in MSCONFIG > Tools (tab) > scroll down select Disable UAC > click Launch, restart your system for the changes to take effect. -- -- Andre Windows Connected | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

I've got exactly the same fault after doing what I thought was a "clean" install of Vista. It actually left most of drive C intact and renamed the original Windows directory to Windows.old. I think he problem is that Documents and Settings is still owned by my XP persona.....still working on that one.
"Sean McLeod" wrote:

Not sure why you needed to enable the administrator account.
When I browse into c:\users\administrator I get an UAC prompt, which I okay and then I can continue browsing.
And obivously browsing into my own account, c:\users\sean there is no UAC prompt and I have no problems browsing that sub-folder.
You say "Documents and Settings" folder. Is this from an XP upgrade? In clean installs of Vista they've changed that to \users.
Cheers
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

So do you have a \Documents and Settings and a \users tree now?
If so then run an administrator version of explorer and take/give ownership to your Vista user account. You probably then want to copy your data from the \Documents and Settings tree to the \users tree.
Cheers
"Kev Struthers" <Kev Struthers@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

I've got exactly the same fault after doing what I thought was a "clean" install of Vista. It actually left most of drive C intact and renamed the original Windows directory to Windows.old. I think he problem is that Documents and Settings is still owned by my XP persona.....still working on that one.
"Sean McLeod" wrote:
Not sure why you needed to enable the administrator account.
When I browse into c:\users\administrator I get an UAC prompt, which I okay and then I can continue browsing.
And obivously browsing into my own account, c:\users\sean there is no UAC prompt and I have no problems browsing that sub-folder.
You say "Documents and Settings" folder. Is this from an XP upgrade? In clean installs of Vista they've changed that to \users.
Cheers
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Try AppData instead of Application Data. There are similar new folders for the others. I think it's part of the new security regime (and probably to keep programs from hardcoding the paths to these folders instead of using the APIs and envars).
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message

After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Yes, because I told windows to show hidden system files.
I was, and indeed am, just testing a number of browses. Firefox stores it's profile data, which I want to import a new one, in the Application Data folder. Or at least, it did. That's one reason I wanted to have access anyway, other than that I'm simply explorering Vista!
It's interesting about the UAC. It was really annoying me, so I had simply disabled it, I hadn't realised then I could simply load explorer in Administrator mode to stop those infuriating warnings.
The permissions that don't allow me into the Documents and Settings folder are different though, and it isn't UAC. Currently I'm using XP, so I'll have to boot Vista up and try some suggestions later. Thanks for your help.
"Sean McLeod" wrote:

So do you have a \Documents and Settings and a \users tree now?
If so then run an administrator version of explorer and take/give ownership to your Vista user account. You probably then want to copy your data from the \Documents and Settings tree to the \users tree.
Cheers
"Kev Struthers" <Kev Struthers@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message I've got exactly the same fault after doing what I thought was a "clean" install of Vista. It actually left most of drive C intact and renamed the original Windows directory to Windows.old. I think he problem is that Documents and Settings is still owned by my XP persona.....still working on that one.
"Sean McLeod" wrote:
Not sure why you needed to enable the administrator account.
When I browse into c:\users\administrator I get an UAC prompt, which I okay and then I can continue browsing.
And obivously browsing into my own account, c:\users\sean there is no UAC prompt and I have no problems browsing that sub-folder.
You say "Documents and Settings" folder. Is this from an XP upgrade? In clean installs of Vista they've changed that to \users.
Cheers
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

I belive I tried that at the time and recieved exactly the same permission warning. Though, I cannot remember.
"Chris Altmann" wrote:

Try AppData instead of Application Data. There are similar new folders for the others. I think it's part of the new security regime (and probably to keep programs from hardcoding the paths to these folders instead of using the APIs and envars).
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Vista is more than likely seeing references to a user ID that existed under XP as the owner etc. of the \documents and settings folders etc. So that's why I suggested taking ownership with your new vista userID.
Cheers
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message

Yes, because I told windows to show hidden system files.
I was, and indeed am, just testing a number of browses. Firefox stores it's profile data, which I want to import a new one, in the Application Data folder. Or at least, it did. That's one reason I wanted to have access anyway, other than that I'm simply explorering Vista!
It's interesting about the UAC. It was really annoying me, so I had simply disabled it, I hadn't realised then I could simply load explorer in Administrator mode to stop those infuriating warnings.
The permissions that don't allow me into the Documents and Settings folder are different though, and it isn't UAC. Currently I'm using XP, so I'll have to boot Vista up and try some suggestions later. Thanks for your help.
"Sean McLeod" wrote:
So do you have a \Documents and Settings and a \users tree now?
If so then run an administrator version of explorer and take/give ownership to your Vista user account. You probably then want to copy your data from the \Documents and Settings tree to the \users tree.
Cheers
"Kev Struthers" <Kev Struthers@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message I've got exactly the same fault after doing what I thought was a "clean" install of Vista. It actually left most of drive C intact and renamed the original Windows directory to Windows.old. I think he problem is that Documents and Settings is still owned by my XP persona.....still working on that one.
"Sean McLeod" wrote:
Not sure why you needed to enable the administrator account.
When I browse into c:\users\administrator I get an UAC prompt, which I okay and then I can continue browsing.
And obivously browsing into my own account, c:\users\sean there is no UAC prompt and I have no problems browsing that sub-folder.
You say "Documents and Settings" folder. Is this from an XP upgrade? In clean installs of Vista they've changed that to \users.
Cheers
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Also, to clear up any misunderstanding:
I've done a completely new installation on a different hard drive to my XP installation. I have a dual boot system.
This Documents and Settings surely must be part of Vista?
Instrestingly enough, the files I wanted do seem to be located under /user/[a user]/AppData
Rather than Application Data or Documents and Settings folders which, under closer inspection are actually shortcuts, though i cannot dtermine their detination.

"Ben Griffiths" wrote:

I belive I tried that at the time and recieved exactly the same permission warning. Though, I cannot remember.
"Chris Altmann" wrote:
Try AppData instead of Application Data. There are similar new folders for the others. I think it's part of the new security regime (and probably to keep programs from hardcoding the paths to these folders instead of using the APIs and envars).
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

That's what it looks like to me. When I first installed Vista (clean with my XP drives offline) it created the Documents and Settings folder. I don't believe it showed up until I changed the folder options to show everything (system files and all.) I couldn't access them either, got the UAC message, etc. I turned off UAC and fiddled with the permissions. I still get errors that I can change them but somehow I'm able to access them.
Digging deeper I access the videos folder for my account under the Documents and Settings folder structure and created a file. That file exists in the Users structure as well.
This reminds me of the soft links you can setup in UNIX. I wasn't aware the same could be done in Windows (at least not easily.) Maybe this is new or I just never knew it could be done. It makes sense though. It's a good way to insure backwards compatibility with a number of application that expect the Documents and Settings folder. I don't know why MS felt this should be changed, it was confusing at first. It makes sense and maybe in the future they can handle this in the registry without having to show the soft links.
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message

Also, to clear up any misunderstanding:
I've done a completely new installation on a different hard drive to my XP installation. I have a dual boot system.
This Documents and Settings surely must be part of Vista?
Instrestingly enough, the files I wanted do seem to be located under /user/[a user]/AppData
Rather than Application Data or Documents and Settings folders which, under closer inspection are actually shortcuts, though i cannot dtermine their detination.

"Ben Griffiths" wrote:
I belive I tried that at the time and recieved exactly the same permission warning. Though, I cannot remember.
"Chris Altmann" wrote:
Try AppData instead of Application Data. There are similar new folders for the others. I think it's part of the new security regime (and probably to keep programs from hardcoding the paths to these folders instead of using the APIs and envars).
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

Yes you've been able to create reparse points on directories since Windows 2000, do a search on the linkd.exe command line tool on the web.
Vista is supposed to be adding support for regular symbolic links in addition to hard links which have been supported for years.
Cheers
"Hank" wrote in message

That's what it looks like to me. When I first installed Vista (clean with my XP drives offline) it created the Documents and Settings folder. I don't believe it showed up until I changed the folder options to show everything (system files and all.) I couldn't access them either, got the UAC message, etc. I turned off UAC and fiddled with the permissions. I still get errors that I can change them but somehow I'm able to access them.
Digging deeper I access the videos folder for my account under the Documents and Settings folder structure and created a file. That file exists in the Users structure as well.
This reminds me of the soft links you can setup in UNIX. I wasn't aware the same could be done in Windows (at least not easily.) Maybe this is new or I just never knew it could be done. It makes sense though. It's a good way to insure backwards compatibility with a number of application that expect the Documents and Settings folder. I don't know why MS felt this should be changed, it was confusing at first. It makes sense and maybe in the future they can handle this in the registry without having to show the soft links.
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message Also, to clear up any misunderstanding:
I've done a completely new installation on a different hard drive to my XP installation. I have a dual boot system.
This Documents and Settings surely must be part of Vista?
Instrestingly enough, the files I wanted do seem to be located under /user/[a user]/AppData
Rather than Application Data or Documents and Settings folders which, under closer inspection are actually shortcuts, though i cannot dtermine their detination.

"Ben Griffiths" wrote:
I belive I tried that at the time and recieved exactly the same permission warning. Though, I cannot remember.
"Chris Altmann" wrote:
Try AppData instead of Application Data. There are similar new folders for the others. I think it's part of the new security regime (and probably to keep programs from hardcoding the paths to these folders instead of using the APIs and envars).
"Ben Griffiths" wrote in message After finally managing to enable the Administrator account, I still apparently don't have permission to access the Documents and Settings folder. Neither can I access the Application Data in my User folder.
So far, Vista is being extremely resrictive... I don't suppose there is a 'Let me in' tick box anywhere? Alternatively, how can I actually gain access to these folders? Vista advises me to use the Security tab, but one cannot 'Apply' any changes you make.

I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions...

it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions...

Thx
"mikeyhsd" wrote in message it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions...

I did like you said and went to Users. Yet certain folders under Users are not available like Start Menu and stuff like that. How do I access those...
"mikeyhsd" wrote in message it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions...

When I try to editing the security settings and go to apply it , says access denied... "mikeyhsd" wrote in message it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions...

might have to temp turn off UAC. Start | Run | MSCONFIG and under tools, select disable uac, and apply.
when doen do it again, bur enable uac.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"mark___" wrote in message When I try to editing the security settings and go to apply it , says access denied... "mikeyhsd" wrote in message it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions...

I'm having the same issues. Were you able to find a cure for the problem.
I understand that it's a legacy folder, but I still need access to it and others under the users folder. I'm logged in as Domain Admin and have turned off UAC under the msconfig.
"mikeyhsd" wrote:

might have to temp turn off UAC. Start | Run | MSCONFIG and under tools, select disable uac, and apply.
when doen do it again, bur enable uac.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"mark___" wrote in message When I try to editing the security settings and go to apply it , says access denied... "mikeyhsd" wrote in message it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions..

I am having the same problem in that I can't access these folders. Trying to change security settings does not work as I get an 'access denied' when I try to do it.
"Shoeless AJ" wrote:

I'm having the same issues. Were you able to find a cure for the problem.
I understand that it's a legacy folder, but I still need access to it and others under the users folder. I'm logged in as Domain Admin and have turned off UAC under the msconfig.
"mikeyhsd" wrote:
might have to temp turn off UAC. Start | Run | MSCONFIG and under tools, select disable uac, and apply.
when doen do it again, bur enable uac.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"mark___" wrote in message When I try to editing the security settings and go to apply it , says access denied... "mikeyhsd" wrote in message it is a legacy folder to maintain compatability. data is now under "USERS" further down the folder tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"_Mark" wrote in message I cannot access drive c:/Documents and settings. Even though I am the adminstrator and have UAC turned off I do not have permission to access that folder. What do I need to do to have the correct permissions..

I am having the same problem in that I can't access these folders. Trying to change security settings does not work as I get an 'access denied' when I try to do it.

....the method I used was to open windows explorer, right click on the folder you need access to, go to properties, go to security, go to advanced, click on owner, and at the bottom click on edit. Highlight your named entry and make sure the "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects box at the bottom is check marked. Click on okay and you should receive a message about changing ownership and reopening..

Hello,
Many folders used by earlier versions of Windows have been moved to a new location or given a new name in Windows Vista. However, the old folders can still be seen if you have enabled Show Hidden Files.
Notice they are displayed with a transparent icon and a shortcut symbol.
Although these look like folders, they are actually what is known as a junction. Junctions behave like shortcuts, but look just like regular folders.
Their purpose is to silently redirect programs that access them to their Windows Vista equivalent.
Since junctions aren't really folders, it is not possible to access them, and any attempt to do so will give you an "Access Denied" error.
You can use the command prompt to tell which folders are junctions and where they point to by issuing the "dir /a" command.
- JB
Vista Support FAQ http://www.jimmah.com/vista/

Why are the permissions set improperly on the Documents and Setting shortcut and sub directories and where do those shortcuts actually go?

as has been said numerous times, the origional Doc and Settings folder is now a legacy folder for compatibility no longer used.
check under USERS further down the tree.

mikeyhsd@sport.rr.com

"Jeff" wrote in message Why are the permissions set improperly on the Documents and Setting shortcut and sub directories and where do those shortcuts actually go?

Why have you again changed things between different versions of Windows. We'd all just got used to My Documents / My Computer (and amended our core back-office systems/programs with that in mind) etc then you go and change it.. I struggle with why this has changed as i can see no benefit.
We all want a new OS but banal elements such as this should surely have been left alone?? Who decides these things and doesn't wonder about the knock-on impact....? I despair guys..