Vista File Ownership Problem.

pete1336 · 30 Sep 2007 at 10:41

I recently installed vista ultimate and once done as I couldn't access certain files (even when logged in as admin) I changed ownership of all files on the C drive to me. This has caused some unexpected problems with some software working. From example O&O defrag no longer works and I'm unable to successfully install antivirus software.
I'm 95% happy the cause of this problem is changing the ownership of all files and folders on my c drive. I', assuming some files need to owned by the system.
What I need to know then is what is the default owner of the majority of system files when the OS is first installed. If I can revert to this setting then all may be ok. System restore didn't work.
TIA,
Pete

sidethink · 30 Sep 2007 at 13:03

There is no easy way to undo this damage. In my opinion you'd be best resorting to a reimage or reinstall.

flying grouse · 30 Sep 2007 at 23:23

Give this a try

To take full ownership:
1. Right click file, select properties.
2. Hit security tab, select advanced
3. Click owner tab, the hit edit (accept the UAC pop-up box)
4. Select your username, click OK, accept the pop up box, then "OK" out of all dialogue boxes

To take full control
1. Right click file, select properties.
2. Hit security tab, then click on your username.
3. Hit edit, then click on your username on the pop up screen
4. Check the box marked "full control" under the allow heading
5. OK out of all dialogue boxes

Now you have ownership and full control of that file.

sidethink · 1 Oct 2007 at 14:08

He's already down this at the root of the C drive. It would appear that doing so has changed the ownership of files there in such a way that they no longer work.

The OP is looking for a way to undo this. I don't think there is a simple way.

BoomAM · 17 Jun 2008 at 19:03

flying grouse said:
Give this a try

To take full ownership:
1. Right click file, select properties.
2. Hit security tab, select advanced
3. Click owner tab, the hit edit (accept the UAC pop-up box)
4. Select your username, click OK, accept the pop up box, then "OK" out of all dialogue boxes

To take full control
1. Right click file, select properties.
2. Hit security tab, then click on your username.
3. Hit edit, then click on your username on the pop up screen
4. Check the box marked "full control" under the allow heading
5. OK out of all dialogue boxes

Now you have ownership and full control of that file.

Usually the easyest way, although it sometimes requires the same process as above to be done in dos to work.