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Cannot change user account name or type


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#1
iceman_bob

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Okay, this is a weird one.

I have Windows 7 installed on a different laptop with two users. One user's name is "guest" (which is the administrator account) and the other is "Love" which is the guest account. I am unable to use windows update or the wireless internet on "Love" nor see the CPU or other system details in the cmd prompt "dxdiag". I have tried to change the user account type, picture, or anything on both accounts and nothing happens. I have tried using the built-in administrator through a command prompt under "Run as Administrator", but I am given only an error message that access is denied, underneath the error that says "System error 5 has occured." I am unable to run OTL as it says the same error, an error 5 access is denied (I have done this in safe mode as well with the same result). HJT says access to hosts file is denied.

I just want to have one account as the administrator and have a different name for it and be able to use wireless internet and also able to change the account picture.

Please help!
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#2
Ztruker

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First, enable the hidden Administrator from an Elevated Command Prompt:

net user administrator /active:yes

Now boot to Safe Mode by pressing F8 during boot. Login as Administrator (no password).
Open Control Panel / User Accounts.

You should now be able to change anything you want with the existing accounts.
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#3
iceman_bob

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I typed in that command precisely as written and got:

"System error 5 has occured.

Access is denied."

I ran an elevated command prompt in both ways I know possible, to put a shortcut on the desktop and then right-click and run as administrator, also typed cmd in the start menu and did control+shift+enter. Both gave that error code. Is my system corrupt?

Edited by iceman_bob, 09 September 2012 - 08:23 PM.

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#4
Ztruker

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Hmmm, read here: How to Enable the Built-in Administrator Account from WinRE (WinRE is the Recovery Console). Method 2 may be the easiest to follow.
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#5
iceman_bob

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I tried Method 2 and the file it asks me to use for "Load Hive" says that it is in use. I tried it in normal boot and safe mode. I will try method 1 in safe mode now.

Okay update: Method 1, when loaded in a command prompt safe mode says that the tool must be used from the Windoes Repair Environment and then gives 8 steps on how to do that. I guess I will have to locate the windows 7 disc that I have and try that?

Edited by iceman_bob, 09 September 2012 - 08:48 PM.

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