I installed a new server for a client 3 months ago. The new server runs Windows Server 2012 Standard. Everything was fine until randomly i could not open the Chrome icon on the taskbar. Error said the following : "windows cannot access the specified device path or file. you may not have the appropriate permission"
I tried to use the control panel but got the same error. I can, however, using classic shell start menu, right click on control panel and click open to get to it. If using the start menu i click on control panel the little windows extends and says "empty". As of note I uninstalled classic shell to no avail.
Trying to run sfc /scannow generates the following error "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation"
I also cannot open the hosts file, access denied. I changed ownership and granted all access, still nothing.
In the notification area, the network icon has a red x and says "Connection Status: Unknown" yet internet and network access is uninhibited.
Using the "subinacl /subdirectories c:\*.* /grant=administrator" changed nothing.
I decided to disable UAC via registry key after which I rebooted and could no longer login. I received the following error: "The sign-in method you're trying to use isn't allowed. For more info, contact your network administrator."
In response I attempted to run gpedit and I went to Computer Configuration> Security Settings> Local Policies> User Rights Assignment| and checked the Deny log on locally settings. Only SBS Remote Operators, SBS STS Worker, and Support_38945a0 were listed, none of which are groups that the administrator is a member of. Also, this led to the discovery that all settings within gpedit are grayed out and cannot be changed.
To fix, I logged in as another user and removed the administrator from the Domain Power Users group which fixed the login issue. I am unable to perform windows updates. There are no virus or malware detected by Trend Micro, RogueKiller, TDSSKiller, MalwareBytes, or RKill.
CCleaner did not fix.
PLEASE HELP!!!