Directory Tree

GERT · 17th September 2008

I have recently reinstalled Windows XP Home and upgraded it to XPSP 3. But there's one problem. When I use Explorer to open the Directory Tree, there's three administrator folders (Administrator, Administrator.Private, and Administrator.Private001. My own account is an Administrator account. Theres also a User account and the Main Administrator account.
The problem is: Which one of the Administrator Folders is the Main Administrator Account's folder?

Which of the three folders contain the Windows system files?

Are my PC operated by more than one administrator?

**noahdfear** · 18th September 2008

Look at the subkeys of the following registry key and check the path for the Administrator.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

Or, and this is actually the most accurate way, reboot to safe mode and logon to the Administrator account. Now create a text file on the desktop named test. Go back to your user account in normal mode and see which of the Administrator Desktop folders has the test document. I'd bet on Administrator.Private001

The Windows system files are in the C:\Windows folder, though I'd guess you have 3 of those now too. Likely the C:\Windows.Private001 folder is the current one. Click Start>Run and type %systemroot% then hit enter and see where it takes you. Alternatively, open a command window then type set and hit Enter. Check the path in the Systemroot entry.

GERT · 1st October 2008

Thank you, your advice worked. I've detected the main administrator account and .... it is Administrator.Private001!!!!!

**noahdfear** · 2nd October 2008

Well done! Glad I could help.