OEM systems/32 config error

We are trying a new thread due to confusion.

We have a "System 32" etc failure. We followed the you-tube MS Fix of remove, install basic XP registry, and got XP to start up, but limited. We did see the all files from XP still there,but could not access. We thought we had this fixed until we tried to run XP, get into folders, restore, or even get on line. several programs like avast etc, are also blocked

We still receive the message: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You MAY (caps mine) not have the appropriate permissions to access the item", This applies to Safe and reg modes. We cannot get to "restore" which is recommended to get complete older installed XP up. We have read of "go to Properties" but do not have a clue as to what folder or how, as XP keeps us from opening anything other then Windows stuff. We also tried to get via Safe with command prompt using "administrative: C:\windows\systems32\restore\rstrui.exe. Message there was cannot find path.

We also went to Microsoft article #q308421 "How to take ownership/permission of a file/folder. We started in safe mode/signing on as administrator.
Reviewing the data in the security/permission/ownership, when its open the data does have administrator..but without the permissions. The only one that has permission is a called S 1 5 32 547, which blocks permission changes to administrator, etc. If we can get past this block, we can move to the next level

I also did a search on my PC as directed on earlier thread for the system volume file, which at this point does not exist, but I did find a systems restore. system restore file has data, but still blocked.

I am using another PC to send this thread. I cannot get on the internet or any downloading to resolve this issue.


Thanks

 

Sometimes the easy way is the better way, sometimes not, depending on the time you can spare. If you have any experience with Linux live CD's you can boot your PC up with one to retrieve the pictures, music, videos, documents etc., by copying them to an external drive once Linux live is up and running. The BIOS or the boot sequence of the PC needs to be set to boot to the optical (CD,DVD) drive and may already be set to do just that.. I imagine you have tried to fix using an XP installation CD to repair, but that is another kettle of fish. Most Linux distributions have more than adequate documentation, and Puppy Linux would probably be the easiest for an XP user. After you have what you need copied to the external device either reinstall the operating system or upgrade to Windows 7, if the PC is worth it. If the system has a restore partition instead of an installation CD you may to mark that partition as the active partition to get the computer to boot to factory restore. I don't get on line as much as I would like so that may be all I have to offer. No System Volume Information? :confused

 

Thank you for your response.


I did consider using Linux several weeks ago,to late now. I cannot get on the internet, no CD either

I using another pc to respond to the thread, finding answers with experts and read read read

I didn't realize OEM is different. I'm not even sure if all that I have done to correct the problem applies. Not enough info

The issue still is permissions. Getting this resolved is the main key.

You mentioned the System Volume folder, so far I haven't found this folder, Since the system/32config error.

This has been a positive challenge
Thanks again

 

You stated that you had found a Restore Point so, the SVI folder is there but hidden. If you're able, go to Control Panel -> Folder Options and click on the View tab. Set the options as shown in the attached. The SVI folder will now show.

 

From your previous thread:

The Security Tab won't show when logged into Windows XP normally. It does show in Safe Mode (see att'd). To get into Safe Mode, press F8 right after the POST screen (black and white text with white progress bar) but before the XP splash screen comes up. You should see a number of lines of text come up on screen then the options. Right now, I'm running OEM XP Pro (Dell) in Safe Mode with Networking and am posting this here.

 

Power Users cannot affect the Administrative accounts nor grant Administrative privileges. Once at the Security tab, select Administrator.

 

For some odd reason, unless it is associated with USING OEM DISC (we did not know it was OEM as paid for full XP) might have messed up something as we simply cannot get administrator to go to full control, permissions etc. We somehow ended up with two, Administrator and Administrators, note S on second. The latter may have happened years back when we put in Front Page and it requested some sort of Administrator. We are not real sure about exactly what or how to use the permissions, parent, child etc. We do the changes but they do not hold. I would expect if we can cure the permissions area, we can get restore and all else. For now we end up with "you MAY not have permissions etc".

We have looked at the MS solutions on permissions, followed them and yet nothing. Any greatly detailed stuff on the Security Permissions data would be greatly appreciated. I have feeling we might get blocked if we got L Pup off this machine and tried to apply it to the other one. Note we do not have any external HD to work with, nor can afford one, or upgrades to W-7. We are trying to NOT loose data we now have. That is issue, have some on stick backed up but latest was very important. Again if we could solve the permissions issue. as we do not fully understand exactly how it works in detail...and just may be doing something wrong. Ideas..?

 

Were these custom built machines made by someone other than a manufacturer like Dell, HP, etc? Are you running XP Home or Professional (neither of these items has been established although, I suspect it's Home because FP asked for an Administrator). If a custom build, the "OEM" would be for system builders and is a full retail version. I'm also running an OEM system builders' version of Vista Ultimate on my machine from a second system drive. I switch between them as needed (like in this case).

I'm a Senior on limited fixed income myself so, I've found ebay quite handy when I've needed parts or software for my computer. I paid $70 for Vista and it's better for my machine where device drivers are concerned. I can't find Win 7 compatible device drivers.

But, back to your issue. We're going to have to do this one step at a time. In Safe Mode, under Administrator (if XP Home) or your user name (if XP Pro), right click on the folder(s) that contain the data you want to retrieve and select Properties. Then click on the Security tab. Select Administrators in the top and check off Allow for all in the lower pane except for "Special Permissions". Click Apply and OK. You may need to remain in Safe Mode the entire time your applying permissions to folders and retrieving your data.

 

Does the OP have the ability to connect the drive in question to another PC?

Are you just trying to recover the data, or still run XP though it is no longer supported?