Windows XP Access ntuser.dat.log in NETWORK services folder denied

[tsunami]

I am attempting to accessntuser.dat.log in NETWORK services folder even in SAFE MODE but get denied. I am logged on as ADMINISTRATOR. I would assume this would be the case as well if I were logged on as any other USER?

I looked in the TASK MGR to try & identify what process is blocking this, but I am at a loss. Anyone know what hoops I need to jump through to be able to view this file?

 

[tsunami]

I tried to boot in SAFE mode with minimal services running & still cannot access ntuser.dat. I then booted back up in NORMAL mode and selectively ended processes associated with NETWORK services & it appears that SVCHOST.exe is using ntuser.dat. Terminating that process then causes WINDOWS to automatically shutdown within 60 seconds.

 

[tsunami]

I was eventually able to access the file via booting up on a system rescue disk and operate via cmd mode.