Location is not available. C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is not accessible. Access is denied.

Question

My computer was working fine last night. This morning I am unable to access my desktop. I think Windows 10 tried to do an update overnight but I am not sure. When I turn on my computer I get a blue screen that asks about keyboard layout. I select US and it brings me to a screen with system restore, go back to previous version, start up repair, etc. Start up repair reboots my computer and brings me back to the keyboard selection screen. When I try Go Back to Previous Version, I get the error message "We ran into a problem and won't be able to take you back to the previous version of Windows. Try resetting your PC instead (Troubleshoot > Reset this PC)." When I try system restore I get the message "No restore points have been created on your computer's system drive. To create a restore point open system protection. System protection is available only in online operating system." I haven't been able to get online since this morning. When I select Use Another Operating System it takes me to my login screen. I enter my password and it brings up a black screen with a start menu that I can't open and an error message that says, "Location is not available. C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is not accessible. Access is denied." I have tried holding down the shift key while restarting the computer to open in safe mode but it just brings me back to the keyboard layout screen. Please help!

Answer 1

A. Try to boot into safe mode

Power ON your computer and as Windows / manufacturer's Logo appears, Power OFF - Repeat 3 times

Now your computer will go into Advanced Recovery Environment

Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart

Press 4 or F4 to enable Safe Mode (5 or F5 to enable Safe Mode with Networking)

Log in once Windows starts in safe mode

Once you are able to boot into safe mode, check the integrity of the system

B. Another option when you are in Advanced Options in previous step is to choose (Note - You won't lose any files in this step)

Startup Repair - Startup Repair upgrade fixes all Windows errors and retains all files, applications and settings.

C. Last option could be Reset this PC.

In Step A > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC - Keep my files and Remove everything. Choose this carefully as most likely you would like to keep your files.

All apps will be removed and windows will be reinstalled.

Do let me know if you have any more question or require further help. I would be happy to work with you to take you though this problem.