Lost some Admin privileges in win2k

[rjnorman]

At some point after doing maintenance on my win2k system IÂ’ve lost a portion of my administrator privileges. Specifically I cannot do anything with hardware changes. When I try to get into the Device Manager I get a message like:

“You do not have sufficient security privileges to uninstall devices or to change device properties…etc”

I seem to have other Administrator privileges but cannot change or add hardware.
Short of doing a clean re-install, how can I get this essential privilege back?

Rob

 

[Lostman]

You are sure your logged in as admin?

 

[rjnorman]

Lostman,

Yes I was logged in as Administrator. I tried creating a new user with administrator privileges which the system lets me do, but to no avail -- that is, I can create a new administrator and log in as that user but still have the problem of not being able to do hardware changes.

Any suggestions?

Rob

 

[Lostman]

When you go to Control Pannel and click on "Users & Passwords", what group does your account call in?

 

[rjnorman]

Lostman,

I'm in the group "Administrators" -- I think that's what I've been saying. I have a several user names all with Administrator group membership and none of them can make hardware changes, or, I just noticed, change the system clock.

As "Administrator" I can change anyone's password -- the system lets me. I can access files anywhere. I can install programs. I just can't do hardware stuff...

I'd like to understand and fix this, but can always just re-install...

Rob

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After looking around a bit on the web, I gather that the problem is in security priviliges. I'll give that a try when I get back on the offending machine.
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[mrdinkel]

How 'bout the Local Security Policy? Thats the only thing left that i can think you may be shortchanged. Its at least worth a try.

 

[rjnorman]

Hi Josh,

I'm sure your right -- it's got to be a policy issue. I'm exploring that now . I'm having problems finding the appropriate policy but when I find it -- or perhaps someone will give a clue -- I'll the results, because there are a lot of posts out there about lost priviliges.

Rob