Guest Bill Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 A fellow board member set up our community theater's XP pro with several other board members as users. When I realized that other less experienced users often left files on their desktop that should be shared I decided to delete all users so we all logged into the same desktop. I was offered an option to save their files which I choose. I assumed all desktop files would be available on the new common desktop but an mdb I knew existed was not visible. I did an Explorer search and found the file listed at C/documents and setting/Bill Hepburn/desktop/*.mdb but when I used Explorer to find the file, there was no Bill Hepburn (one of the users I deleted) folder under C/documents and settings. When I opened Access the file in question was in the recent documents list and when hovering over it I got the same location mentioned above. It even opens correctly I've searched everywhere for this file to no avail. What's weird is that when doing an explorer search on the current desktop, the file shows up with the same location but is not visible on the desktop. Is this some registry ghost or what. How do I access this file without using the recent list in access. Sooner or later it will no longer show up in the recent list and be lost. I've been Windows computing for 15 -20 years and this is one of the most baffleing mystries I've seen.
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:35A6F164-20A7-4F4A-8A2D-1B08CBD9C674@microsoft.com... >A fellow board member set up our community theater's XP pro with several > other board members as users. When I realized that other less experienced > users often left files on their desktop that should be shared I decided to > delete all users so we all logged into the same desktop. I was offered an > option to save their files which I choose. > > I assumed all desktop files would be available on the new common desktop > but > an mdb I knew existed was not visible. I did an Explorer search and found > the > file listed at C/documents and setting/Bill Hepburn/desktop/*.mdb but when > I > used Explorer to find the file, there was no Bill Hepburn (one of the > users I > deleted) folder under C/documents and settings. When I opened Access the > file > in question was in the recent documents list and when hovering over it I > got > the same location mentioned above. It even opens correctly > > I've searched everywhere for this file to no avail. What's weird is that > when doing an explorer search on the current desktop, the file shows up > with > the same location but is not visible on the desktop. > > Is this some registry ghost or what. How do I access this file without > using > the recent list in access. Sooner or later it will no longer show up in > the > recent list and be lost. > > I've been Windows computing for 15 -20 years and this is one of the most > baffleing mystries I've seen. Try the following: - Click Start / Run / cmd {OK} - Type these commands: set > c:\test.txt{Enter} dir /s c:\*.mdb >> c:\test.txt{Enter} notepad c:\test.txt{Enter} - Post the contents of this file in your reply. Please be careful to type all commands verbatim. I note from your post that you tend to omit colons and turn backslashes into forward slashes. This won't work!
Guest Bill Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users ALLUSERSPROFILE=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users APPDATA=C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Application Data CommonProgramFiles=C:\Program Files\Common Files COMPUTERNAME=VANITY1 ComSpec=C:\WINDOWS\system32\cmd.exe FP_NO_HOST_CHECK=NO HOMEDRIVE=C: HOMEPATH=\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn LOGONSERVER=\\VANITY1 NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS=1 OS=Windows_NT Path=C:\WINDOWS\system32;C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND;C:\;C:\CDROM;C:\BRCD\BIN;C:\BRCD\COMMAND;C:\WINDOWS\system32\WBEM;c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\binn\;C:\WINDOWS;C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND;C:\;C:\CDROM;C:\BRCD\BIN;C:\BRCD\COMMAND PATHEXT=.COM;.EXE;.BAT;.CMD;.VBS;.VBE;.JS;.JSE;.WSF;.WSH PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE=x86 PROCESSOR_IDENTIFIER=x86 Family 6 Model 4 Stepping 2, AuthenticAMD PROCESSOR_LEVEL=6 PROCESSOR_REVISION=0402 ProgramFiles=C:\Program Files PROMPT=$P$G SESSIONNAME=Console SystemDrive=C: SystemRoot=C:\WINDOWS TEMP=C:\DOCUME~1\BILLHE~1\LOCALS~1\Temp TMP=C:\DOCUME~1\BILLHE~1\LOCALS~1\Temp USERDOMAIN=VANITY1 USERNAME=Bill Hepburn USERPROFILE=C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn winbootdir=C:\WINDOWS windir=C:\WINDOWS Volume in drive C is GATEWAY Volume Serial Number is 0E7D-12D8 Directory of C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\ias 02/28/2006 12:00 PM 294,912 dnary.mdb 02/28/2006 12:00 PM 233,472 ias.mdb 2 File(s) 528,384 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\pushpins\AutoPins 02/17/1999 12:00 AM 225,280 AM7PPINS.MDB 1 File(s) 225,280 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Rand McNally\RM Street Guide DE\Internet Maps\4.0\Cache 11/11/2007 06:39 AM 77,824 TBMInternetCacheIndex.mdb 1 File(s) 77,824 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Rand McNally\RM Street Guide DE\bin 05/13/2004 12:22 PM 421,888 Address Lookup TBM Options.mdb 1 File(s) 421,888 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Rand McNally\RM Street Guide DE\User\4.0 04/01/2005 04:21 PM 217,088 Address Lookup User Options.mdb 11/11/2007 06:40 AM 352,256 User Points.mdb 2 File(s) 569,344 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Rand McNally\Thomas Guide DE\BIN\4.0 05/13/2004 12:22 PM 421,888 Address Lookup TBM Options.mdb 1 File(s) 421,888 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Rand McNally\Thomas Guide DE\User\4.0 04/01/2005 04:21 PM 217,088 Address Lookup User Options.mdb 04/07/2005 08:23 PM 217,088 User Points.mdb 2 File(s) 434,176 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Microsoft Small Business\Small Business Accounting 2007\Templates\AnalysisReports 09/20/2006 03:50 PM 823,296 AnalysisReports.mdb 1 File(s) 823,296 bytes Directory of C:\Program Files\Microsoft Small Business\Business Contact Manager 01/11/2008 05:50 PM 94,208 MailMerge.mdb 1 File(s) 94,208 bytes Directory of C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop 07/30/2008 05:00 PM 299,008 Contacts.mdb 1 File(s) 299,008 bytes Total Files Listed: 13 File(s) 3,895,296 bytes 0 Dir(s) 20,861,812,736 bytes free
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Your reply tells me the follwing: - You are currently logged on as "Bill Hepburn" - You use this profile folder: C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn - You keep this database in C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop: Contacts.mdb If you cannot see this file on your desktop then it's probably covered up by some shortcut. Here are a few ways to access it: - Move your shortcuts about until you see the file. - Right-click an empty desktop area, then click "Arrange Icons by" and "Auto-Arrange". - Use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to open it. When you find it, rember to back it up every few days. You expressed some concern in your initial post about the file disappearing for good some day. Your concern is justified - if you fail to back up the file! "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:16467861-A2A8-4967-9888-932591D1633B@microsoft.com... <snip>
Guest Bill Posted August 5, 2008 Posted August 5, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users What you say is logical. However, I already took this step. I auto arranged the icons but still no icon representing this file. "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > Your reply tells me the follwing: > - You are currently logged on as "Bill Hepburn" > - You use this profile folder: C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn > - You keep this database in C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop: > Contacts.mdb > If you cannot see this file on your desktop then it's probably > covered up by some shortcut. Here are a few ways to access it: > - Move your shortcuts about until you see the file. > - Right-click an empty desktop area, then click "Arrange Icons by" and > "Auto-Arrange". > - Use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to open it. > When you find it, rember to back it up every few days. You expressed > some concern in your initial post about the file disappearing for good > some day. Your concern is justified - if you fail to back up the file! > > "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:16467861-A2A8-4967-9888-932591D1633B@microsoft.com... > <snip> > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 5, 2008 Posted August 5, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Fine. Use your sledge hammer and force the issue: 1. Open "My Computer". 2. Navigate to "C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop" 3. Copy the file "Contacts.mdb" to "New Contacts.mdb" in the same folder. 4. Check if it is visible and useable on your desktop. 5. If yes, delete the original. 6. Rename the copy to the original's name. "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:F224A030-44DF-4F5F-8705-72478AB9CE54@microsoft.com... > What you say is logical. However, I already took this step. I auto > arranged > the icons but still no icon representing this file. > > > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > >> Your reply tells me the follwing: >> - You are currently logged on as "Bill Hepburn" >> - You use this profile folder: C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn >> - You keep this database in C:\Documents and Settings\Bill >> Hepburn\Desktop: >> Contacts.mdb >> If you cannot see this file on your desktop then it's probably >> covered up by some shortcut. Here are a few ways to access it: >> - Move your shortcuts about until you see the file. >> - Right-click an empty desktop area, then click "Arrange Icons by" and >> "Auto-Arrange". >> - Use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to open it. >> When you find it, rember to back it up every few days. You expressed >> some concern in your initial post about the file disappearing for good >> some day. Your concern is justified - if you fail to back up the file! >> >> "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:16467861-A2A8-4967-9888-932591D1633B@microsoft.com... >> <snip> >> >> >>
Guest Bill Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users P, I tried the hammer before I ever approached the group, to no avail. GET THIS: THERE IS NO FOLDER under C/D&S/Bill Hepburn (PERIOD). Despite the fact that the recent list in access tells me so when I hover (I have opened it lately using recent). Futhermore, I did an explorer search on all of C and found the file in the same location we've been discussing. I d&ded it to another folder but it doesn't appear when I look at that folder. I did another explorer search on that folder and once again found the file listed with the location C:/Documents and Settings/Bill Hepburn/my documents/billsdocs, which is exactly where I draged it but it's still not visible. NO MATTER WHERE I PLACE IT IS INVISIBLE UNLESS I USER EXPLORER TO SEARCH FOR IT THEN IT OPENS FINE. ?????????? When I use the explorer or my computer file system to try to drill down to the location indicated I just get to C:/D&S/All Users/Desktop/ and there are only two shortcuts to be seen. There is no Bill Hepburn folder under Documents and Settings. "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > Fine. Use your sledge hammer and force the issue: > 1. Open "My Computer". > 2. Navigate to "C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop" > 3. Copy the file "Contacts.mdb" to "New Contacts.mdb" in the same folder. > 4. Check if it is visible and useable on your desktop. > 5. If yes, delete the original. > 6. Rename the copy to the original's name. > > > "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:F224A030-44DF-4F5F-8705-72478AB9CE54@microsoft.com... > > What you say is logical. However, I already took this step. I auto > > arranged > > the icons but still no icon representing this file. > > > > > > > > "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > > >> Your reply tells me the follwing: > >> - You are currently logged on as "Bill Hepburn" > >> - You use this profile folder: C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn > >> - You keep this database in C:\Documents and Settings\Bill > >> Hepburn\Desktop: > >> Contacts.mdb > >> If you cannot see this file on your desktop then it's probably > >> covered up by some shortcut. Here are a few ways to access it: > >> - Move your shortcuts about until you see the file. > >> - Right-click an empty desktop area, then click "Arrange Icons by" and > >> "Auto-Arrange". > >> - Use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to open it. > >> When you find it, rember to back it up every few days. You expressed > >> some concern in your initial post about the file disappearing for good > >> some day. Your concern is justified - if you fail to back up the file! > >> > >> "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:16467861-A2A8-4967-9888-932591D1633B@microsoft.com... > >> <snip> > >> > >> > >> > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 8, 2008 Posted August 8, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:DF93D022-666A-4DF4-B6D5-126473D5B856@microsoft.com... > P, > > I tried the hammer before I ever approached the group, to no avail. > > GET THIS: > > THERE IS NO FOLDER under C/D&S/Bill Hepburn (PERIOD). Despite the fact > that > the recent list in access tells me so when I hover (I have opened it > lately > using recent). Futhermore, I did an explorer search on all of C and found > the > file in the same location we've been discussing. > > I d&ded it to another folder but it doesn't appear when I look at that > folder. I did another explorer search on that folder and once again found > the > file listed with the location C:/Documents and Settings/Bill Hepburn/my > documents/billsdocs, which is exactly where I draged it but it's still not > visible. > > NO MATTER WHERE I PLACE IT IS INVISIBLE UNLESS I USER EXPLORER TO SEARCH > FOR > IT THEN IT OPENS FINE. ?????????? When I use the explorer or my computer > file > system to try to drill down to the location indicated I just get to > C:/D&S/All Users/Desktop/ and there are only two shortcuts to be seen. > There > is no Bill Hepburn folder under Documents and Settings. Let me quote what you posted in your second post in this thread: =================== Directory of C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop 07/30/2008 05:00 PM 299,008 Contacts.mdb 1 File(s) 299,008 bytes =================== How can you reconcile that report with your most recent statement "There is no Bill Hepburn folder under Documents and Settings"?
Guest Bill Posted August 11, 2008 Posted August 11, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users P, To reitterate: When using the search function of windows explorer, the file is exactly where it's listed in the recent list of access. However, when I just use explorer to drill down the folder structure I CAN NOT GET THERE because the folder Bill Hepburn is not under Documents and Settings. The only folder that's there is All Users. I can reconcile these statements you question, by telling you that the file location to which you refer was accessed in DOS (or whatever folks are calling the non GUI language) according to your instructions (which was a good idea). What I said in my notes are that when using WINDOWS EXPLORER FOLDER SYSTEM the location does not exist. Perhaps the answer is for me to get my DOS for dummies book back out and try to tell the file where to go using DOS commands (If indeed I have all those old commands available to me in a standard XP home package). Maybe if I can use dod to place it in a location I know I can access through explorer it will solve the problem. Please don't forget that what started this problem is that I deleted users and answered the prompt that I wanted to save the files. There must be a saved user file twilight zone. Bill "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:DF93D022-666A-4DF4-B6D5-126473D5B856@microsoft.com... > > P, > > > > I tried the hammer before I ever approached the group, to no avail. > > > > GET THIS: > > > > THERE IS NO FOLDER under C/D&S/Bill Hepburn (PERIOD). Despite the fact > > that > > the recent list in access tells me so when I hover (I have opened it > > lately > > using recent). Futhermore, I did an explorer search on all of C and found > > the > > file in the same location we've been discussing. > > > > I d&ded it to another folder but it doesn't appear when I look at that > > folder. I did another explorer search on that folder and once again found > > the > > file listed with the location C:/Documents and Settings/Bill Hepburn/my > > documents/billsdocs, which is exactly where I draged it but it's still not > > visible. > > > > NO MATTER WHERE I PLACE IT IS INVISIBLE UNLESS I USER EXPLORER TO SEARCH > > FOR > > IT THEN IT OPENS FINE. ?????????? When I use the explorer or my computer > > file > > system to try to drill down to the location indicated I just get to > > C:/D&S/All Users/Desktop/ and there are only two shortcuts to be seen. > > There > > is no Bill Hepburn folder under Documents and Settings. > > Let me quote what you posted in your second post in this thread: > =================== > Directory of C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop > > 07/30/2008 05:00 PM 299,008 Contacts.mdb > 1 File(s) 299,008 bytes > =================== > How can you reconcile that report with your most recent statement > "There is no Bill Hepburn folder under Documents and Settings"? > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 11, 2008 Posted August 11, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:2B5EC72B-E1C8-4274-9395-B31DB7826D2F@microsoft.com... > P, > > To reitterate: > > When using the search function of windows explorer, the file is exactly > where it's listed in the recent list of access. However, when I just use > explorer to drill down the folder structure I CAN NOT GET THERE because > the > folder Bill Hepburn is not under Documents and Settings. The only folder > that's there is All Users. > > I can reconcile these statements you question, by telling you that the > file > location to which you refer was accessed in DOS (or whatever folks are > calling the non GUI language) according to your instructions (which was a > good idea). What I said in my notes are that when using WINDOWS EXPLORER > FOLDER SYSTEM the location does not exist. Perhaps the answer is for me to > get my DOS for dummies book back out and try to tell the file where to go > using DOS commands (If indeed I have all those old commands available to > me > in a standard XP home package). Maybe if I can use dod to place it in a > location I know I can access through explorer it will solve the problem. > > Please don't forget that what started this problem is that I deleted users > and answered the prompt that I wanted to save the files. There must be a > saved user file twilight zone. > > Bill After much cogitation . . . I think we can accept that the file C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop\Contacts.mdb exists. You reported this yourself when executing the console commands I gave you early in this thread. However, you claim that you cannot see it in Windows Explorer. I can think of several possible reasons for this obvious discrepancy: a) A malfunction in Explorer b) You're overlooking it. c) There is a spelling issue somewhere. I tend to rule out reason a). The odds are overwhelmingly against it. I assume that that you have done your homework with due care, so I won't pursue reason b). This leaves option c). To nail it down, do this: 1. Using Windows Explorer (or "My Computer"), navigate to the folder C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop. 2. Right-click any blank area, click "New", then "Folder", then type "Contacts.mdb" (without the double quotes and without any spaces). If you get an error message, stop right here. It would mean that you cannot create a folder called "Contacts.mdb" because a file of the same name already exists. Get out your magnifying glass and look for it! If you don't get an error message, continue with the points below. 3. Click Start / Run / cmd {OK} 4. Type these commands: dir /s c:\*.mdb >> c:\test.txt{Enter} notepad c:\test.txt{Enter} 5. Post the contents of this file in your reply.
Guest Bill Posted August 12, 2008 Posted August 12, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users P, I do appreciate the time you are spending with me. However, it seems we are wasting each other's time since you are either not reading my posts or ingnoring what I'm saying. I TOLD YOU IN FOUR SEPERATE POSTS THAT USING MY COMPUTER OR WINDOWS EXPOLORER, I CAN NOT ACCESS THE FOLDER YOU KEEP TELLING ME TO GO TO, AND YOU HAVE TOLD ME AT LEAST THREE TIMES TO GO THERE. YES, WE BOTH AGREE IT EXISTS AS EVIDENCED BY HOVERING OVER RECENT FILES IN ACCESS AND THROUGH YOUR DOS CMD EXCERCISE. Now, please either re-read my posts and come up with some work around (probably in DOS) and let me know, or just give up and tell me to repost to get someone elses attention. BUT WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO, DONT TELL ME TO "NAVIGATE TO THE FOLDER BILL HEPBURN". SINCE THE MY INABILITY TO NAVIGATE THERE IS THE REASON FOR THE INITIAL POST!!!! Bill "Pegasus (MVP)" wrote: > > "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > news:2B5EC72B-E1C8-4274-9395-B31DB7826D2F@microsoft.com... > > P, > > > > To reitterate: > > > > When using the search function of windows explorer, the file is exactly > > where it's listed in the recent list of access. However, when I just use > > explorer to drill down the folder structure I CAN NOT GET THERE because > > the > > folder Bill Hepburn is not under Documents and Settings. The only folder > > that's there is All Users. > > > > I can reconcile these statements you question, by telling you that the > > file > > location to which you refer was accessed in DOS (or whatever folks are > > calling the non GUI language) according to your instructions (which was a > > good idea). What I said in my notes are that when using WINDOWS EXPLORER > > FOLDER SYSTEM the location does not exist. Perhaps the answer is for me to > > get my DOS for dummies book back out and try to tell the file where to go > > using DOS commands (If indeed I have all those old commands available to > > me > > in a standard XP home package). Maybe if I can use dod to place it in a > > location I know I can access through explorer it will solve the problem. > > > > Please don't forget that what started this problem is that I deleted users > > and answered the prompt that I wanted to save the files. There must be a > > saved user file twilight zone. > > > > Bill > > After much cogitation . . . > > I think we can accept that the file > > C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop\Contacts.mdb > > exists. You reported this yourself when executing the console commands > I gave you early in this thread. However, you claim that you cannot > see it in Windows Explorer. I can think of several possible reasons for > this obvious discrepancy: > a) A malfunction in Explorer > b) You're overlooking it. > c) There is a spelling issue somewhere. > > I tend to rule out reason a). The odds are overwhelmingly against it. > I assume that that you have done your homework with due care, so > I won't pursue reason b). > This leaves option c). To nail it down, do this: > > 1. Using Windows Explorer (or "My Computer"), navigate to the > folder C:\Documents and Settings\Bill Hepburn\Desktop. > 2. Right-click any blank area, click "New", then "Folder", then > type "Contacts.mdb" (without the double quotes and without > any spaces). > If you get an error message, stop right here. It would mean that > you cannot create a folder called "Contacts.mdb" because a file > of the same name already exists. Get out your magnifying glass > and look for it! > If you don't get an error message, continue with the points below. > 3. Click Start / Run / cmd {OK} > 4. Type these commands: > dir /s c:\*.mdb >> c:\test.txt{Enter} > notepad c:\test.txt{Enter} > 5. Post the contents of this file in your reply. > > >
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 12, 2008 Posted August 12, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:F8510D39-D124-4369-A1FB-95098EACCA1E@microsoft.com... > P, > > I do appreciate the time you are spending with me. However, it seems we > are > wasting each other's time since you are either not reading my posts or > ingnoring what I'm saying. > > I TOLD YOU IN FOUR SEPERATE POSTS THAT USING MY COMPUTER OR WINDOWS > EXPOLORER, I CAN NOT ACCESS THE FOLDER YOU KEEP TELLING ME TO GO TO, AND > YOU > HAVE TOLD ME AT LEAST THREE TIMES TO GO THERE. YES, WE BOTH AGREE IT > EXISTS > AS EVIDENCED BY HOVERING OVER RECENT FILES IN ACCESS AND THROUGH YOUR DOS > CMD > EXCERCISE. > > Now, please either re-read my posts and come up with some work around > (probably in DOS) and let me know, or just give up and tell me to repost > to > get someone elses attention. > > BUT WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO, DONT TELL ME TO "NAVIGATE TO THE FOLDER > BILL > HEPBURN". SINCE THE MY INABILITY TO NAVIGATE THERE IS THE REASON FOR THE > INITIAL POST!!!! > > Bill I respond to quite a few posts each day and it may well be that I may no longer remember one or the other detail of this one, considering that it has been running for almost two weeks. However, I will not respond on principle to posters shouting at me (i.e. writing whole paragraphs in caps).
Guest Nightowl Posted August 12, 2008 Posted August 12, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Hi Bill Can we step back a bit? I've been following the thread with interest. Here's what I think we've established: 1) The Bill Hepburn folder and the file it contains do exist. You can access the file from the recent file list or from Access. From the output of the console commands Pegasus had you run, you seem to be logged in as Bill Hepburn. 2) You cannot see the Bill Hepburn folder under Docs and Settings when using Explorer/My Computer. I'm puzzled by two points: a) in your original post you said Bill Hepburn was one of the users you deleted (opting to save the files) but you seem to be using this account at the moment; b) you don't see any folders under Docs and Settings except All Users. Could you say exactly what account you're using to log on with, and does it have admin privileges? Have you tried logging in with the built-in Administrator account, and if so, could you still see only the All Users folder under Docs and Settings? -- Nightowl Bill <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote on Tue, 12 Aug 2008: >I do appreciate the time you are spending with me. However, it seems we are >wasting each other's time since you are either not reading my posts or >ingnoring what I'm saying. > >I TOLD YOU IN FOUR SEPERATE POSTS THAT USING MY COMPUTER OR WINDOWS >EXPOLORER, I CAN NOT ACCESS THE FOLDER YOU KEEP TELLING ME TO GO TO, AND YOU >HAVE TOLD ME AT LEAST THREE TIMES TO GO THERE. YES, WE BOTH AGREE IT EXISTS >AS EVIDENCED BY HOVERING OVER RECENT FILES IN ACCESS AND THROUGH YOUR DOS CMD >EXCERCISE. > >Now, please either re-read my posts and come up with some work around >(probably in DOS) and let me know, or just give up and tell me to repost to >get someone elses attention. > >BUT WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO, DONT TELL ME TO "NAVIGATE TO THE FOLDER BILL >HEPBURN". SINCE THE MY INABILITY TO NAVIGATE THERE IS THE REASON FOR THE >INITIAL POST!!!!
Guest Bill Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users N, Thanks for your attention. P accused me of shouting at him and I guess that's true. But when you tell someone something four times that he seems to ignore, one has to do something to get his attention. If it were a phone conversation it would be different, but when several hours pass between communications, miscommunication is a time waster. I am normally pretty mild mannered. To answer your question, I think I deleted all users but mine, Bill Hepburn and renamed it Board. I intentionally did not set up a password and I think I can currently log on with the user name Board or Bill Hepburn. The computer in question is off site from here and I can't verify what I'm now saying but am pretty sure. I also think I logged in both ways in an attempt to find the folder/file to no avail. I know I did not try logging in as Administrator - can I do that? A power user friend told me that windows file system can get confused and not reflect what is actually on the hard drive. What about my idea of using a Move cmd in Dos? Just out of curiosity, why have you been following this thread with interest? Have you had the same problem or are you a bored computer detective seeking mysteries :) Thanks Bill "Nightowl" wrote: > Hi Bill > > Can we step back a bit? > > I've been following the thread with interest. Here's what I think we've > established: > > 1) The Bill Hepburn folder and the file it contains do exist. You can > access the file from the recent file list or from Access. From the > output of the console commands Pegasus had you run, you seem to be > logged in as Bill Hepburn. > > 2) You cannot see the Bill Hepburn folder under Docs and Settings when > using Explorer/My Computer. > > I'm puzzled by two points: a) in your original post you said Bill > Hepburn was one of the users you deleted (opting to save the files) but > you seem to be using this account at the moment; b) you don't see any > folders under Docs and Settings except All Users. > > Could you say exactly what account you're using to log on with, and does > it have admin privileges? Have you tried logging in with the built-in > Administrator account, and if so, could you still see only the All Users > folder under Docs and Settings? > > -- > Nightowl > > > > Bill <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote on Tue, 12 Aug 2008: > > >I do appreciate the time you are spending with me. However, it seems we are > >wasting each other's time since you are either not reading my posts or > >ingnoring what I'm saying. > > > >I TOLD YOU IN FOUR SEPERATE POSTS THAT USING MY COMPUTER OR WINDOWS > >EXPOLORER, I CAN NOT ACCESS THE FOLDER YOU KEEP TELLING ME TO GO TO, AND YOU > >HAVE TOLD ME AT LEAST THREE TIMES TO GO THERE. YES, WE BOTH AGREE IT EXISTS > >AS EVIDENCED BY HOVERING OVER RECENT FILES IN ACCESS AND THROUGH YOUR DOS CMD > >EXCERCISE. > > > >Now, please either re-read my posts and come up with some work around > >(probably in DOS) and let me know, or just give up and tell me to repost to > >get someone elses attention. > > > >BUT WHAT EVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO, DONT TELL ME TO "NAVIGATE TO THE FOLDER BILL > >HEPBURN". SINCE THE MY INABILITY TO NAVIGATE THERE IS THE REASON FOR THE > >INITIAL POST!!!! > >
Guest Nightowl Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Bill <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote on Tue, 12 Aug 2008: >N, > >Thanks for your attention. P accused me of shouting at him and I guess >that's true. But when you tell someone something four times that he seems to >ignore, one has to do something to get his attention. If it were a phone >conversation it would be different, but when several hours pass between >communications, miscommunication is a time waster. I am normally pretty mild >mannered. Hi Bill, You're welcome. Don't worry about the shouting -- I understand (and I'm sure Pegasus does too) how frustrating it can be if you're trying to explain a problem and feel someone has not paid attention to what you've said. Pegasus is one of the good guys though :-) and as he said, reads a lot of posts and helps a lot of people; it can be difficult to keep all the details of a long thread on a particular problem fresh in your mind. Not to worry -- let's start again. > >To answer your question, I think I deleted all users but mine, Bill Hepburn >and renamed it Board. > >I intentionally did not set up a password and I think I can currently log on >with the user name Board or Bill Hepburn. The computer in question is off >site from here and I can't verify what I'm now saying but am pretty sure. I >also think I logged in both ways in an attempt to find the folder/file to no >avail. I know I did not try logging in as Administrator - can I do that? If you renamed the account to Board, that wouldn't have renamed the user profile folder; that would still be Bill Hepburn. That does seem to be the case, going by the output of the commands Pegasus had you run. However, if this is *your* user profile, it's very odd you can't see the folder under Docs and Settings and if the account is now called Board you shouldn't still be able to log on using the Bill Hepburn name (which you were using, as the command line showed). What I'm wondering is if somehow the changes you made have left the remaining user account without access rights to the folder, hence you can't see it even though we know it exists. Does the Board account have admin privileges? A quick way to tell, if you're not sure, is to right-click the Start button and see if you have Open All Users on the menu. A couple of easy things to try: 1) Click on Start | Run and type in: %userprofile% <Enter> Where does that take you? 2) Open the problem file one of the ways you have been doing, via Access recent files, then Save As to the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop (*not* anywhere under Bill Hepburn!) Does the doc show up on the desktop now? If neither of these work, I'd definitely try logging in with the default Administrator account and see if the folder is then visible. I'm not sure if you have XP Pro or Home; if Pro, at the Welcome screen, press Ctrl-Alt-Del twice in quick succession and you should see a login box pop up. Unless you renamed the built-in admin account, type in Administrator for the user name. The password by default is blank. If you have Home, you'll need to boot to Safe Mode, when you should see the Administrator account as an option at the Welcome screen. If you can then see the folder and file, try opening it. If you get an "Access Denied" message, you might need to seize ownership of the folder: see this link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 > >A power user friend told me that windows file system can get confused and >not reflect what is actually on the hard drive. What about my idea of using a >Move cmd in Dos? It's possible that profiles can get cross-linked and other odd things happen :-) You could try to move or copy the file, but wasn't one of the problems that when you tried before, you still couldn't see it in the new location? It does seem there's something odd going on with this user account/profile, more than just the problem of seeing this file; the fact that the folder under Docs and Settings isn't visible, for example. You could well have more problems with it in the future. If you don't mind my making a suggestion, I think, if it were me, that if/when I got the file safely saved, I'd create a fresh account, copy your profile to it and then delete the problematic one. Here's a link for the procedure: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151 > >Just out of curiosity, why have you been following this thread with >interest? Have you had the same problem or are you a bored computer detective >seeking mysteries :) > Hehe, well, I'm certainly not bored, but the second idea is closer to the mark :-) I read and learn something new here every day and hopefully can help out now and again. Take care, -- Nightowl
Guest Bill Posted August 13, 2008 Posted August 13, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Thanks for your understanding N. It will be at least a day before I can implement your suggestions. In the mean while if your still tracking this P, sorry for shouting. It was from frustration. I'm a volunteer on our community theater board and understand that you can bust your butt doing work behind the sceens with no accolades but when you screw something up everyone notices. Bill "Nightowl" wrote: > Bill <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote on Tue, 12 Aug 2008: > > >N, > > > >Thanks for your attention. P accused me of shouting at him and I guess > >that's true. But when you tell someone something four times that he seems to > >ignore, one has to do something to get his attention. If it were a phone > >conversation it would be different, but when several hours pass between > >communications, miscommunication is a time waster. I am normally pretty mild > >mannered. > > > Hi Bill, > > You're welcome. Don't worry about the shouting -- I understand (and I'm > sure Pegasus does too) how frustrating it can be if you're trying to > explain a problem and feel someone has not paid attention to what you've > said. Pegasus is one of the good guys though :-) and as he said, reads a > lot of posts and helps a lot of people; it can be difficult to keep all > the details of a long thread on a particular problem fresh in your mind. > Not to worry -- let's start again. > > > > >To answer your question, I think I deleted all users but mine, Bill Hepburn > >and renamed it Board. > > > >I intentionally did not set up a password and I think I can currently log on > >with the user name Board or Bill Hepburn. The computer in question is off > >site from here and I can't verify what I'm now saying but am pretty sure. I > >also think I logged in both ways in an attempt to find the folder/file to no > >avail. I know I did not try logging in as Administrator - can I do that? > > If you renamed the account to Board, that wouldn't have renamed the user > profile folder; that would still be Bill Hepburn. That does seem to be > the case, going by the output of the commands Pegasus had you run. > However, if this is *your* user profile, it's very odd you can't see the > folder under Docs and Settings and if the account is now called Board > you shouldn't still be able to log on using the Bill Hepburn name (which > you were using, as the command line showed). > > What I'm wondering is if somehow the changes you made have left the > remaining user account without access rights to the folder, hence you > can't see it even though we know it exists. > > Does the Board account have admin privileges? A quick way to tell, if > you're not sure, is to right-click the Start button and see if you have > Open All Users on the menu. > > A couple of easy things to try: > > 1) Click on Start | Run and type in: > > %userprofile% <Enter> > > Where does that take you? > > > 2) Open the problem file one of the ways you have been doing, via Access > recent files, then Save As to the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All > Users\Desktop (*not* anywhere under Bill Hepburn!) Does the doc show up > on the desktop now? > > If neither of these work, I'd definitely try logging in with the default > Administrator account and see if the folder is then visible. I'm not > sure if you have XP Pro or Home; if Pro, at the Welcome screen, press > Ctrl-Alt-Del twice in quick succession and you should see a login box > pop up. Unless you renamed the built-in admin account, type in > Administrator for the user name. The password by default is blank. If > you have Home, you'll need to boot to Safe Mode, when you should see the > Administrator account as an option at the Welcome screen. > > If you can then see the folder and file, try opening it. If you get an > "Access Denied" message, you might need to seize ownership of the > folder: see this link: > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 > > > > >A power user friend told me that windows file system can get confused and > >not reflect what is actually on the hard drive. What about my idea of using a > >Move cmd in Dos? > > > It's possible that profiles can get cross-linked and other odd things > happen :-) You could try to move or copy the file, but wasn't one of the > problems that when you tried before, you still couldn't see it in the > new location? > > It does seem there's something odd going on with this user > account/profile, more than just the problem of seeing this file; the > fact that the folder under Docs and Settings isn't visible, for example. > You could well have more problems with it in the future. If you don't > mind my making a suggestion, I think, if it were me, that if/when I got > the file safely saved, I'd create a fresh account, copy your profile to > it and then delete the problematic one. Here's a link for the procedure: > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151 > > > > >Just out of curiosity, why have you been following this thread with > >interest? Have you had the same problem or are you a bored computer detective > >seeking mysteries :) > > > Hehe, well, I'm certainly not bored, but the second idea is closer to > the mark :-) I read and learn something new here every day and hopefully > can help out now and again. > > Take care, > -- > Nightowl >
Guest Stephen Harris Posted August 14, 2008 Posted August 14, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Bill wrote: >> Administrator account and see if the folder is then visible. I'm not >> sure if you have XP Pro or Home; if Pro, at the Welcome screen, press >> Ctrl-Alt-Del twice in quick succession and you should see a login box >> pop up. Unless you renamed the built-in admin account, type in >> Administrator for the user name. The password by default is blank. If >> you have Home, you'll need to boot to Safe Mode, when you should see the >> Administrator account as an option at the Welcome screen. >> >> If you can then see the folder and file, try opening it. If you get an >> "Access Denied" message, you might need to seize ownership of the >> folder: see this link: >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 >> >>> A power user friend told me that windows file system can get confused and >>> not reflect what is actually on the hard drive. What about my idea of using a >>> Move cmd in Dos? >> I'm going to give some advice about how to do this in Dos. First, from C:\ I would use the "tree" command, C:\tree which gives you a list of all directories and sub-directories. Actually, C:\tree > tree.txt which gives you a Notepad file. Or, next, C:\type tree.txt |more which shows one screen at a time (type the space bar to move forward) so this can produce: WayJoe ├───Desktop ├───Favorites │ ├───Links │ ├───Media │ └───Microsoft Websites ├───My Documents │ ├───Copy of My Pictures │ ├───Downloads │ ├───My eBooks │ ├───My Music │ │ └───iTunes │ ├───My Pictures │ │ ├───2007_10_29 │ │ ├───2007_11_30 │ │ │ └───merc monterey │ │ ├───2008_01_07 │ │ ├───2008_01_09 │ │ └───TT paint scheme │ ├───My Received Files │ ├───My Videos │ ├───Nero Home │ │ └───TV │ ├───PlayerNotes │ ├───Roxio │ ├───SnagIt Catalog │ │ ├───Instant Messenger │ │ └───Program │ └───TT Installer Logs ├───Outlook Express Backups ├───Start Menu │ └───Programs │ ├───Accessories │ │ ├───Accessibility │ │ ├───Entertainment │ │ └───System Tools │ ├───MagicISO │ ├───MozBackup │ ├───Startup │ ├───Teleport Pro │ ├───ThumbView_Lite │ └───WinRAR └───WINDOWS └───system SH: I think this "tree.txt" is a handy chart to have, and the little C:\ icon at the top of the Dos Window, expands an edit menu. Next, open a second Dos window and create a mirror (sub)directory structure somewhere safe. Methodically, reproduce every folder and any sub-folder. Then populate with the files that belong there(s). For instance: From C:\Documents and Settings\WayJoe\Desktop you would type "copy *.* C:\Backup\WayJoe\Desktop" <enter>, without the quotes. There are four arrow keys on the bottom right side of your keyboard. The up arrow key, ^, repeats the last line you have typed in the Dos box. If it isn't enabled type C:\doskey (enter) which enables this behavior. So after doing Desktop above, you would cd (change directory, C:\Documents and Settings\WayJoe\Desktop type cd .. <enter> which takes you up one directory back to the folder, WayJoe. C:\Documents and Settings\WayJoe then type cd Favorites which takes you C:\Documents and Settings\WayJoe\Favorites Now the advantage of the Doskey upper arrow macro appears, you can circulate through your previous typed commands to "copy *.* C:\Backup\WayJoe\Desktop" and now you just have to change the last part of the command by using the right arrow key to the end of the command line and append (or delete) Favorites, like so "copy *.* C:\Backup\WayJoe\Desktop\Favorites" then <enter>. I would use the copy command rather than the move command because the move deletes the file being copied. You should wait and see that you've done this all correctly and then if so, nuke the not needed folder and sub-folders then. Check that you have access to all the folders you created in the safe spot (C\:Backup here)with Windows Explorer(WE). You should be able to copy and rename the parent User name to Broad or whatever after you copy it with WE multiple times. If not, that isolates your problem to one of permissions. This actually takes more time to type and explain than it will take to do it, = 15 minutes at most. There is something I'm not clear on. Did you say you could do a search and find the user Board? Are you unable to right-click on Board in the resulting Search Window and choose copy? Right-clicking also gives Properties in the dropdown menu which has the option of clearing a few attributes. There is also a handy utility named Attribute Changer, that after installation, becomes part of the right-click menu or context menu, which offers more information and actions. One other useful Dos command is "dir" listing folder contents. Cheers, Stephen
Guest Bill Posted August 14, 2008 Posted August 14, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users N, I logged on as administrator successfully and eventually found the file in question using explorer. It's properties revealed it was a hiden file. I changed that status and was able to move the file into the desired folder where it's usable. Problem solved. Thanks Bill "Nightowl" wrote: > Bill <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote on Tue, 12 Aug 2008: > > >N, > > > >Thanks for your attention. P accused me of shouting at him and I guess > >that's true. But when you tell someone something four times that he seems to > >ignore, one has to do something to get his attention. If it were a phone > >conversation it would be different, but when several hours pass between > >communications, miscommunication is a time waster. I am normally pretty mild > >mannered. > > > Hi Bill, > > You're welcome. Don't worry about the shouting -- I understand (and I'm > sure Pegasus does too) how frustrating it can be if you're trying to > explain a problem and feel someone has not paid attention to what you've > said. Pegasus is one of the good guys though :-) and as he said, reads a > lot of posts and helps a lot of people; it can be difficult to keep all > the details of a long thread on a particular problem fresh in your mind. > Not to worry -- let's start again. > > > > >To answer your question, I think I deleted all users but mine, Bill Hepburn > >and renamed it Board. > > > >I intentionally did not set up a password and I think I can currently log on > >with the user name Board or Bill Hepburn. The computer in question is off > >site from here and I can't verify what I'm now saying but am pretty sure. I > >also think I logged in both ways in an attempt to find the folder/file to no > >avail. I know I did not try logging in as Administrator - can I do that? > > If you renamed the account to Board, that wouldn't have renamed the user > profile folder; that would still be Bill Hepburn. That does seem to be > the case, going by the output of the commands Pegasus had you run. > However, if this is *your* user profile, it's very odd you can't see the > folder under Docs and Settings and if the account is now called Board > you shouldn't still be able to log on using the Bill Hepburn name (which > you were using, as the command line showed). > > What I'm wondering is if somehow the changes you made have left the > remaining user account without access rights to the folder, hence you > can't see it even though we know it exists. > > Does the Board account have admin privileges? A quick way to tell, if > you're not sure, is to right-click the Start button and see if you have > Open All Users on the menu. > > A couple of easy things to try: > > 1) Click on Start | Run and type in: > > %userprofile% <Enter> > > Where does that take you? > > > 2) Open the problem file one of the ways you have been doing, via Access > recent files, then Save As to the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All > Users\Desktop (*not* anywhere under Bill Hepburn!) Does the doc show up > on the desktop now? > > If neither of these work, I'd definitely try logging in with the default > Administrator account and see if the folder is then visible. I'm not > sure if you have XP Pro or Home; if Pro, at the Welcome screen, press > Ctrl-Alt-Del twice in quick succession and you should see a login box > pop up. Unless you renamed the built-in admin account, type in > Administrator for the user name. The password by default is blank. If > you have Home, you'll need to boot to Safe Mode, when you should see the > Administrator account as an option at the Welcome screen. > > If you can then see the folder and file, try opening it. If you get an > "Access Denied" message, you might need to seize ownership of the > folder: see this link: > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 > > > > >A power user friend told me that windows file system can get confused and > >not reflect what is actually on the hard drive. What about my idea of using a > >Move cmd in Dos? > > > It's possible that profiles can get cross-linked and other odd things > happen :-) You could try to move or copy the file, but wasn't one of the > problems that when you tried before, you still couldn't see it in the > new location? > > It does seem there's something odd going on with this user > account/profile, more than just the problem of seeing this file; the > fact that the folder under Docs and Settings isn't visible, for example. > You could well have more problems with it in the future. If you don't > mind my making a suggestion, I think, if it were me, that if/when I got > the file safely saved, I'd create a fresh account, copy your profile to > it and then delete the problematic one. Here's a link for the procedure: > http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811151 > > > > >Just out of curiosity, why have you been following this thread with > >interest? Have you had the same problem or are you a bored computer detective > >seeking mysteries :) > > > Hehe, well, I'm certainly not bored, but the second idea is closer to > the mark :-) I read and learn something new here every day and hopefully > can help out now and again. > > Take care, > -- > Nightowl >
Guest Nightowl Posted August 14, 2008 Posted August 14, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users Bill <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote on Thu, 14 Aug 2008: >N, > >I logged on as administrator successfully and eventually found the file in >question using explorer. It's properties revealed it was a hiden file. I >changed that status and was able to move the file into the desired folder >where it's usable. > >Problem solved. > Hi Bill I'm really glad you've managed to finally get the file saved where you wanted it :-) That's a relief! If you don't mind me saying though, there still seems to be something odd going on with your remaining user account. Now that you have the file saved, it might be a good idea to log in as Administrator and create a new user profile for your board members to use. Don't delete the old one though until you're sure everything is working correctly. Take care, -- Nightowl
Guest Pegasus \(MVP\) Posted August 14, 2008 Posted August 14, 2008 Re: Where's the saved files from deleted users "Bill" <Bill@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:BE534B18-0384-4986-8BA9-31B6D153497E@microsoft.com... > N, > > I logged on as administrator successfully and eventually found the file in > question using explorer. It's properties revealed it was a hiden file. I > changed that status and was able to move the file into the desired folder > where it's usable. > > Problem solved. > > Thanks > > Bill If you had carried out the test I suggested in my last reply (instead of shouting at me) then you would have found the same answer much sooner . . .
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