CHKDSK.exe and the MS-DOS 5 bug

[Eryka]

CHKDSK replaced "invalid security id with default security id" on XP and now I cannot use Safe Mode or System Restore or copy, move, backup or print any files. There is a hotfix available for this problem at Microsoft but no clarity about what it might achieve [or do]. Has anyone used this hotfix? Can anyone recommend possible solutions please?

 

[Saga Lout]

Look in C:\windows\system32\config to see the date of the file security.sav. If it's within the last month or so, make a copy of it then rename the file security to security.old. Next, rename the copy of security.sav you made - just delete the .sav to call it security. Restart the computer and see if that helped - if it didn't everything you did is reversible. Post back and let us know how it went.

 

[Eryka]

Thank you Saga Lout. In C:\windows\system32\config there were 2 files with word security [both upper case if that means anything?] both dated today. One SECURITY.LOG and one SECURITY [no file type] 72Kb. [Gentle sobbing!]

 

[Saga Lout]

If I was fixing this one myself I would use a Linux operating system, running as a LiveCD to copy the personal files out of there and on to an external disk. Then I would create a new User Account, call it Fred or something and log into it for the purpose of deleting your account. If you have the facility to download a Linux OS and also download and use ImgBurn to make a bootable CD, go to http://www.pclinuxos.com - PCLinuxOS is easy to use - the filing cabinet icon at the bottom of the screen opens Dolphin - a sort of Windows Explorer - and in the left hand pane of that will be your hard disk.

 

[Eryka]

Hello Saga Lout, Thank you very much for your reply which gave me the confidence to take this poor goosed machine to a computer doctor! Your comments helped me to feel a little less helpless in the circs. So my files have been saved and my next step was to be to try out your solution by myself - but the machine won't permit creation of new accounts, or installation of any software. All thanks to the faulty Chkdsk facility which has corrupted a lot of files [including Windows Installer]. When updates for xp cease next April there will be loads of people left with vulnerable machines and not enough spare cash to get Windows 8 - or daunted by having to learn a system designed for a smartphone. I love the idea of Linux - it sounds very ethical and worth trying. Thank you for your help.