Solved Loss of Admin Privileges/Permissions

[Flamsteed]

Beginner level

After a failed Windows Update some months ago, I was unable to get any further updates. The error message 80070005 indicated I did not have 'privileges' to do so. I installed Hotfix, although not sure what this actually achieved. After Flash crashed later on, I tried to install the newest version, but again, I do not have Admin Privileges to do so. Tried with and without Norton 360 running, with and without Windows Defender running.
Looked at User Accounts. Tried with and without User Account Control turned off.
Gave the PC several full scans, no problems detected.
Looked at some online tips, but as a beginner, don't want to go anywhere near tinkering with the Registry.

help appreciated

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Possibly you can use this administrator perform the tasks.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67567-administrator-account.html
In addition, if you can try to create a new administrator account, for daily use.

 

[Flamsteed]

Thanks for your help. Logged in as 'Administrator', which brought up a new, different screen. Still don't have privileges to load Flash or Windows Updates however. Wondering whether to uninstall Norton 360, although just turning it off didn't make any difference. When it executes PC Tuneup, I just had the feeling that it has shuttled crucial bits around where they can't operate as a single entity. Is this likely?

 

[richc46]

A system restore should bring you back to the way you were.
If the problem happened too long ago, try an SFC.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html
If that does not work, can you create a new adminstrator user account?

 

[Flamsteed]

Hello,
thanks. Did the SFC and no problems. Made a new Administrator Account, still have no privileges. Saved significant files to external hard drive. Would you recommend an upgrade to Windows 7, or will I just replicate the problem? Scared of losing ISP connection if I do.

 

[richc46]

If you upgrade to Seven you should not lose your ISP connection.
I think that would be the easiest way to go. If interested, I can show you how to proceed with the install and even save your stuff, first if desired. The next move is yours.

 

[Flamsteed]

Yes, an upgrade to 7. I have been staring at the screen for a good few hours now. Would appreciate your help if you are available tomorrow Friday London time. You have been so helpful, I couldn't have navigated my way through this otherwise.
Hopefully, moving to 7 won't transfer the problem from Vista.
Best Wishes

 

[richc46]

We are going to do a clean install. That means a format, which gets rid of all the old problems. The only problem that will remain is a hardware problem. For example bad memory or bad hard drive, which I do not think is your situation.
We can try to reinstall Vista, if you have a product key number and save your Seven. Its all up to you.
Possibly, there may be a method to use the partition that is already in your computer to reinstall and the key number will not be needed.

 

[Flamsteed]

I'm going ahead with a fresh Windows 7 install from Microsoft upgrade site.
Vista was getting increasingly quirky, perhaps incompatible with some other software loaded over time.
Best Wishes, and thanks for your help.

 

[richc46]

You are welcome. If you have problems just comes back and ask for our fine tutorial on how to upgrade to Seven.