Shell Does Not Start After Logon (155579)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
This article was previously published under Q155579 SYMPTOMS
After a clean installation of Windows NT, you may be able to log on, but
the shell may not start.
NOTE: Typically it will be a user, not the administrator, who sees this
behavior.
CAUSE
Security was inherited from the root, which does not allow a user access to
%systemroot% because security has not been set on %systemroot%.
RESOLUTION
Using File Manager's or Windows NT Explorer's security dialogue box, set
security on the %systemroot% directory such that "Everyone" has RX
permissions, and clear the "Replace Permissions on Existing Files" check
box. Also, clear the "Replace permissions on Subdirectories" check box.
Alternately, "Everyone" can be replaced with the users you want to be able
to log on.
If the shell does not start for any account, you must use one of the
following methods:
- Reformat the drive and reinstall.
- Boot from another installation of Windows NT that does not exhibit
this behavior and change the security on the volume as indicated
for %systemroot%.
- Install onto another volume that does not have such security.
It will not be possible to perform a clean (fresh or non-upgrading)
install again on the volume and avoid this problem unless security on the
volume is changed as well.
MORE INFORMATION
This problem does not occur after an upgrade from a previous version or if
the volume installed upon is formatted during the install process.
Typically, this problem is seen when the permissions on the volume on which
the system was installed grant access to Administrators and System, but
"Everyone" has been removed.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 8/8/2001 |
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| Keywords: | kbenv kbsetup KB155579 |
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