In Windows 8, there are several options to recover from a failure. One of them is to "refresh" the system. It is supposed to leave user settings intact, but remove all installed non-store apps. What is not documented is that "Refresh" messes up the ACLs on drive C for good. It also removes all store appes from my system.
Almost nothing works anymore: IE complains that the default search provider was broken by "another" application and tries to fix it. When it is started next it complains again. The Windows 8 store does not work (it just crashes). Drive C (root directory or properties) is not accessible. Most of the folders in the library are not accessible at first (I am asked whether I want access, which is then given). The desktop backgrounds are gone, all I have is a black screen. There are probably many more errors like these, but I didn't look further.
Aparently they are all caused by the ACLs being mixed up on the system drive. In the end, I have to install Windows 8 again, which defies the purpose of "refresh".
I am currently backing up my user data, so that I can reinstall Windows at a later time. Before I do this: Is there a way to set the ACLs to a proper default value again?
Thanks! Martin