How reproduce:

  1. Install Drupal 7.22 minimal profile
  2. goto admin/config/people/accounts and check "Enable user pictures."
  3. Set the "Picture directory" to "private://pictures"

--> error message

"The directory public://private://pictures does not exist or is not writable."

Drupal is now broken because
Realizing that private pictures are not possible and reverting "Picture directory" to "pictures" or "" and save settings
--> error message

The directory public://private://pictures does not exist or is not writable.

Fix:
edit value in vars table

Comments

Version: 7.22 » 7.x-dev

Core issues are now filed against the dev versions where changes will be made. Document the specific release you are using in your issue comment. More information about choosing a version.