ntuser.dat damaged - you can do that

If the file ntuser.dat is damaged, complications with the user account can occur under Windows. We'll show you how to avoid this and fix the file.

ntuser.dat damaged - what to do?

If Windows reports that the ntuser.dat file has been damaged, it is unfortunately too late in many cases. However, there are two things that will still help you:

• First try your luck with a system recovery. The settings and Windows files are reset to an earlier point in time. If Windows has already reported that a recovery has failed, this does not help.
• If the file cannot be restored, the last thing you have to do is to set up a new user account. You can find out how this works and what you need to consider in the next paragraph.

Windows: Set up a new user

• If the old user no longer works, you can simply create a new user account.
• Once you have created the new user, you can access the data of your old user from there. You may have to confirm the access by entering the password.
• Copy all required data and settings to the new user's account. Make sure, however, that you do not copy the old files called "ntuser". These are usually located directly in the user folder.
• You can then delete the old user account.