Windows 7 Vista " c:\ is not accessible Access is denied."

[L69]

Hi,

 

I've been trying to solve this problem for weeks now and to no avail so I thought I'd try you guys and see if you can help me.

 

I have a notebook an Acer travelmate TM8372TG-5454G50Mnbb

Windows 7/Vista

 

When I try and access the C drive, it says " c:\ is not accessible Access is denied."

 

When I try and open some other things like CCleaner and MalwareBytes, it says "Windows cannot access C:\program files......Check the spelling or there might be a problem with your network....."

 

I have managed to run MalwareBytes (nothing found) & Windows Reg Repair from a USB in safe mode, it didnt work. I have also run a full scan with Avast (Now Avast doesnt work and is always in unprotected mode)

 

I also noticed in safe mode there is a "repair your computer" option, I tried that and no success either.

 

I have been able to system restore in safe mode but that didnt work either. ( I couldnt restore in normal admin mode, it wouldnt let me)

 

I can access the internet ok but cant seem to open anything that needs to run, picture and movie folders are all accessible (but not via the c: drive)

 

If anyone can help or has a solution I'd be really grateful.

 

Thank you

[KenB]

Windows 7/Vista

Which is it ?

 

I think you need to take ownership of C: drive again.

 

This works for Vista.

 

Go to Safe Mode, login as "Administrator".

 

[ I have just tried this in normal boot and it works here too. ]

 

Then right click C:\ drive > Properties > Security Tab > Advanced > Owner > Edit ......then change the ownership to "Administrator". > OK

Close this box. ( use X top right of box )

 

 

Then grant permissions to these users:

 

Authenticated Users: Read, execute, write, modify,

Administrators: Full Control

TrustedInstaller: Full Control

SYSTEM: Full Control

Users: Read, execute

 

Finally, change the owner once more to "Trusted Installer". ( Owner Tab > Edit )

 

This is not obvious - if you have problems just ask.

 

Try accessing C: again.