C:\Documents and Settings is not accessible

[Paul]

When i try to go in windows explorer, to C:\Documents and Settings, i get
the message "C:\Documents and Settings is not accessible. Access is Denied"

When i try to go to c:\users\maddie, i can go to most of the folders, but
not all. the folders i cannot access are:
Application Data
Cookies
Local Settings
My Documents
NetHood
PrintHood
SendTo
Start Menu
Templates

when i create another user and go to maddie's folder, i AM able to access
these folders

[Steve Thackery]

There is no such folder in Vista. It is a "dummy" folder for backward
compatibility purposes. Programs which rely on it being a real folder are
incorrectly written.

SteveT

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Paul,

Those aren't folders, they are junction points that redirect software that
expects them to be there to the folders used by Vista. For example, "My
Documents" simply points to "Documents" and "Application Data" points to
"Appdata", and so on and so on......

[Paul]

OK, Thanks
but why do they show under one login, but no the other?

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Paul,

Control Panel/Folder Options/View tab, in one account you are set to see
hidden and system files/folders and in the other you are not.

[Kris]

I think /have found ...
1. the things in Documents with fake shortcut icons are pretend things for
Vista. To find out where things REALLY are, search for the name using
start/search line/enter/advaned search/check box to search system stuff OR
just use Agent Ransack - works fine.

Most stuff is in <user>/AppData
and <user>/AppData/Local
and <user>/AppData/Local/Microsoft
and <user>/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows

and is accessable by <user>

Again, a quick search with Agent Ransack shows where all that stuff is.

[quiggare]

Surely this is a password level issue??? They cant be showing levels of Security in what people want to play with??? I have a lot of experience with PC's, OS's etc but not Vista, I changed Industry.... Probably Naive at this level but Id like to know... Ta

[Michael Walraven]

'Documents and settings' in a Vista machine does not exist as a folder. It
is a junction point. (Google vista junction point if you want details). Turn
off looking at system and hidden files and you won't be bothered with things
you cannot do/see.