C drive read only after software install fails

horsetags

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installing a reputable software app failed and now my c drive is read only and although i can use most of my original programs, i cannot change anything, cannot choose a restore point as it say the administrator (me!) has stopped me doing this.

I cannot start my acronis to get my latest backup (on external drive), yet i can access my email and other programs.

The windows system is actually on a small ssd drive for speed although my C drive is on my normal harddisk.

i get the fault code 0x800704b3 when trying to access programs such as Wise 365.

My Hyper drive manager will not work either

I can copy and paste and am copying all of the files in My Documents to an external hard drive (where all my Acronis backups are.

I have a sinking feeling that the only option left to me is a complete reinstall somehow as all the options seem to be blocked to me (Restore, Refresh etc)

Getting C unlocked would be a bonus.

I know it's a long shot, but if anyone can help i would be grateful.

Thanks in advance

Paul
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Antivirus
    kasperky
Ok lets give this a shot...

disconnect from the internet

disconnect the external harddrive

uninstall the software that started the problem

if you are unable then reboot and start the computer in safe mode then uninstall that program

restart the computer with internet and external harddisk disconnected

do you have access to your system now?

Create a restore point

reconnect to the internet

reconnect the harddrive if you wish

Check operation of your system, make sure everything is ok now..

If you want to try to re-install that software, go ahead.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 & Windows 7 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP G60
    CPU
    AMD Turion RM-70 Dual Core 2.0 GHZ
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8200M G
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Mouse
    MS Intellipoint 5 button (love it!)
    Browser
    Chrome and Chromium
    Antivirus
    Avast Free & Malwarebytes
Thanks for the reply, but i cannot uninstall anything, not even in safe mode.

It seems that, because c has now become read only, nothing can be added or removed (although most programs work)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Antivirus
    kasperky
That is very peculiar, safemode should have let you do it..

Try this

download IObit uninstaller, and try to uninstall with that program

when given the option, use POWERFUL SCAN to remove hidden/stubborn settings
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 & Windows 7 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP G60
    CPU
    AMD Turion RM-70 Dual Core 2.0 GHZ
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8200M G
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Mouse
    MS Intellipoint 5 button (love it!)
    Browser
    Chrome and Chromium
    Antivirus
    Avast Free & Malwarebytes
Thanks again, but i downloaded the portable to my usb stick, but windows refuses to let it run, telling me it cannot access the specified path, or that i may not have permission to run it.

I have never known a software failed install to cause so many problems. It was a reputable Accounts package i was installing, not some unknown software.

Thanks again though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Antivirus
    kasperky
Ok, id like to look at your paths and configuration..

At the start menu, please start typing SYSTEM INFORMATION and a shortcut should appear

click on that shortcut

wait for it to finish refreshing

Under the File tab select SAVE

call it HORSETAG

save it to a location that is easy to find, such as desktop

attach the .NFO file to your next message, if it does not allow NFO files, you'll need to compress it then attach as file.

If it truly is a path issue, ill find it in here..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 & Windows 7 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP G60
    CPU
    AMD Turion RM-70 Dual Core 2.0 GHZ
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8200M G
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Mouse
    MS Intellipoint 5 button (love it!)
    Browser
    Chrome and Chromium
    Antivirus
    Avast Free & Malwarebytes
doing that takes me to security and settings/settings and every link i click on is denied by windows.

there is no save tab

I have someone cleverer than me who is going to try and check the c drive outside of windows

thanks again
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Antivirus
    kasperky
it looks like youre a guest account in your system..

security and permissions are not my strong suit, im afraid I can do no more. Im sorry..

Hopefully another member who is adept in this can help..

Brooklyn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 & Windows 7 Dual Boot
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP G60
    CPU
    AMD Turion RM-70 Dual Core 2.0 GHZ
    Memory
    3 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8200M G
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Mouse
    MS Intellipoint 5 button (love it!)
    Browser
    Chrome and Chromium
    Antivirus
    Avast Free & Malwarebytes
Thanks for all your help Brooklyn, it is appreciated.

We can access all the sub directories in c: but the Root is somehow eluding me.

You are right that i'm a guest in my own laptop :)!

My friend reckons it could be the master boot record, so i'm looking in that direction at the moment

Thanks again
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8 pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Antivirus
    kasperky
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