Add User: Invalid characters in name

Topic

New Reply

Having typed a simple name “Mary” as a new user, Win 7 complains that there are invalid characters used. Sort of suggests a code page is corrupted but I’ve never seen anything like this.

Anyone?

(See screenshot)

40402-AddUser

Reply | Quote

Replies

Could you have accidentally added a space before or after the word Mary?

"Take care of thy backups and thy restores shall take care of thee." Ben Franklin, revisted

Reply | Quote

No. I even tried re-entering even looking for some kind of case sensitivity.

Reply | Quote

I would suggest running sfc /scannow from an elevated Command Prompt to start.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

Reply | Quote

Good idea but sfc didn’t find anything.

Reply | Quote

Good idea but sfc didn’t find anything.

Reply | Quote

I believe this error message can sometimes lie about the real cause. Is there any chance Mary already exists?

Reply | Quote

Two Administrators, Guest and Owner.

I might point out that the offending machine isn’t mine. The task I’m attempting carry out is to create an account for Mary (who owns the laptop), consolidate all files of interest under her account and delete all the other users…… namely her kids.

Malwarebytes detected 185 threats, all of which I’ve removed but that hasn’t resolved the current situation. I’m going to remove AVG and let Defender take over the task of scanning the laptop. Maybe something will get flushed out during that process.

I’ll post accordingly.

Bill

Reply | Quote

You might try AdwCleaner as well.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

Reply | Quote

It’s scanning as I post.

Reply | Quote

Try MaryG or whatever her last name begins with. If it works it is a bug in Win7 though it is hard to believe someone hasn’t already tried Mary.

I would try a repair install after backing up her image.

Either accounts is screwed up or a group policy prevents adding an account (unless MaryG works). I am not sure what would add the latter.

Reply | Quote

UNIX based Kaspersky scan found nothing. Windows Repair running now and JRT to follow. I added Mary to my Win7 Pro system without any problems.

“The plot thickens”

Bill

Reply | Quote