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Question
Saturday, September 1, 2018 6:36 PM
HI
I just accidentally removed authenticated user access in C drive. I am the administrator. I am not able to access the C drive now. Please help
All replies (14)
Saturday, September 1, 2018 8:03 PM
Hi dhanamjayan,
As an admin on the computer, you have the rights to "take ownership" of the C:\drive which gives you Full Control see the "Takeown" command.
Are you able to log on as local administrator?
If not, boot the computer with a gparted linux live CD and mount your C drive and set permissions manually - BEFORE you try this though, please mount your Hdd somewhere and pull all personal files and data to another location!!!
Charlie Coverdale
Disclaimer: This posting is provided 'AS IS' with no warranties or guarantees, and confers no rights.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 1:20 AM
I am able to log in as a local administrator, but I am not able to open C drive or PowerShell(admin). I accidentally removed the authenticated users in the security tab. When I try to open C drive it says C is not accessible. Access is Denied.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 4:17 AM
Hi dhanamjayan,
you may try something.. download psexec
/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/psexec
from another machine, open the prompt and move to psexec folder, and run the following command:
psexec \pcWithCUnitProblem -s cmd
if the prompt opens, type c:\windows\system32\icacls C:\ /grant "Authenticated Users":(OI)(CI)M
Sunday, September 2, 2018 4:33 AM
i am not able to run psexec. I want to give access to authenticated users. I accidentally removed the access to authenticated users. I am not able to open C drive.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 5:17 AM
Ok, but can't your run psexec from ANOTHER computer?
Sunday, September 2, 2018 6:07 AM
don't have another PC. is there any other way
Sunday, September 2, 2018 7:03 AM
Hello,
Do you've System Restore points created earlier? If yes, use them to restore back.
Regards.
Microsoft MVP (Windows and Devices for IT)
Windows Insider MVP
Windows Help & Support [www.kapilarya.com]
Sunday, September 2, 2018 7:59 AM
Click start > run and type gpedit.msc
Edit a new policy and set File System permissions.
/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc782533(v=ws.10)
Charlie Coverdale
Disclaimer: This posting is provided 'AS IS' with no warranties or guarantees, and confers no rights.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 10:41 AM
I don't have restore points.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 10:42 AM
Not able to open gpedit.msc. I am using windows 10 OS
Sunday, September 2, 2018 11:26 AM
What CAN you open? If you cant open any window, then you cant do much... How about regedit?
You will need to either repair your OS from a boot media or mount your Hdd somewhere else, copy your stuff off and reformat / reinstall
Charlie Coverdale
Disclaimer: This posting is provided 'AS IS' with no warranties or guarantees, and confers no rights.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 2:53 PM
I cannot open regedit. I removed authenticated user access of C drive accidentally so don't have any permission now to access the files in C drive or run programs.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 6:57 PM
Download a bootable Linux ISO (i have used gparted for various things).
Boot from that and fix the permissions on C:\ and C:\Windows\System32.
Once done, reboot and logon as Local Administrator - you will be able to run CMD prompt.
Once you have launched an admin cmd prompt, run:
sfc / scannow
then
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Information about these commands found at the link below.
Charlie Coverdale
Disclaimer: This posting is provided 'AS IS' with no warranties or guarantees, and confers no rights.
Sunday, September 2, 2018 7:06 PM
Here is a post where your exact scenario has been discussed.
You must still be able to run programs as you have local admin rights (you can clearly run a browser). Fine you may not have rights to open and read documents, but you can launch Task Manager, click File > run and type cmd and hit enter.
After that it is just a matter of running TAKEOWN and ICACLS...
Charlie Coverdale
Disclaimer: This posting is provided 'AS IS' with no warranties or guarantees, and confers no rights.