Documents and Settings error

Hello,

Since I installed XP Pro, I get this message when I restart the computer:

C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable...

There is more to the message saying it may be on a removable drive. Has anyone seen this and if so how do I correct it?

When I try to add a "LocalService" folder to "Documents and Settings" I get a message saying it already exists. (I don't see it) when I do a search, including system and hidden files, I get no results.

Thanks,

Wes

 

HotTuna--Local Service is a hidden folder, so that may be why you cannot see it. (Windows|Tools|Options|View tab|make sure the box "Show hidden files and folders" is checked.)
And here is the opening page in MS-Speak about what LocalService does (the links will take you to more equally dense language). It apparently is a form of User account.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dllproc/base/localservice_account.asp
It is confusing that the startup message and the one you get when you try to create a LocalService folder are inconsistent.
Google does not help much
http://www.google.com/search?source...top+refers+to+a+location+that+is+unavailable"
In other words, I have no clue how to help, other than offer the above as a possible stepping stone.
P.S. Run|type sfc /scannow[b/]|OK might help. Have your XP CD ready. This procedure can replace corrupt folders and files.
P.P.S. I do have and can see the C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService\Desktop folder. In my case, it is empty as are most of the rest of the contents of C:\Documents and Settings\LocalService, though there are some NTUSER.dat files. I just installed WinXP Pro a week ago.

 

and this google of groups:
http://groups-beta.google.com/group...vailable"&num=50&hl=en&lr=lang_en&sa=N&tab=wg

There isn't a lot to read but it should give you a good idea why this happens.
*Application using the wrong [user profile] startup folder.
*A service "log on" setting that is incorrect.
*The printer scenario thingy mentioned above in googles hits
*etc....

NOTE:By incorrect service "log on ": as an example of what I mean when you use Administrative tools to view your services properties, you can use the log on tab to select the type of accout this service log ons to and starts up in. The privilages, shares and accesses will be based on the service "log on ". The exact workings of this beyond me, but past experience has taught me that if I have a service that is logged on using the "wrong account type setting ", that bloopers happen. I usually wind up walking through the services making sure that the account is reflecting the correct setting in the "'log on' coloumn ". Most Services run under the local system account. It doesn't have a desktop folder as do normal users, but if you are using a service that is (when it shouldn't be) or should be (and isn't) "logged on" to a special account or maked as to allow it to work with the users desktop, I can see where this error may happen. Keep in mind that changing services settings can be just as dangerous as editing the registry. I strongly suggest that you do not make any experimental changes unless you have thoroughly invested and learned about the default settings, keep notes on any changes you do make and know how to reverse it. The wrong setting choice can make xp unbootable.

Side note, for what it's worth; My Local Service folder and subs also do not have or make mention of "desktop ".