Access Denied Problem

[dexterdoo]

When I enter the Configuration Utility via msconfig and make a change I get an “Access Denied”error saying I need to log on as an Administrator - when I AM logged in as Administrator ! I’ve been reading for hours and it’s driving me nuts. Probably because I don’t understand how this all works (permissions, etc.)

I tried logging in as “Administrator” with a blank password but still get the “access denied” message. I live a stone’s throw from the Golden Gate Bridge so if someone can’t help me with this, I’m going over the rail ! LOL

 

[linney]

Is it when you make any change to a setting in MsConfig, or is it when you make a change to one particular program's check box? The reason I ask is that some security programs like anti virus software may be protecting themself by not allowing changes (to their software) via MsConfig.

See if you can use a program like this to make similar changes?

AutoRuns for Windows v9.35

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Have you tested from Safe Mode to see if you can make the changes from within that?

Set permissions for folders and files

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/permissions.mspx#top

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP (or Vista)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421/en-us

Error Message: "Access Is Denied" When You Try to Open NTFS File System Folders

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q823306#appliesto

How do I restore security settings to the default settings?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313222/#appliesto

 

[Tatertot45]

Wow... Sounds serious. This may sound odd, but have you checked to see what type of account your Administrator account is? If you inherited the account, it is possible that it was set up as a Power user or some other custom type admin account. For example, I'm an admin on my laptop, so i can install stuff. But the admin account that i use to actually administer the laptop is set as "Built-in account for administering the computer/domain" in the properties window of the User accounts applet in Control Panel.

Start simple...

Tatertot45
CRCP
Network+
A+

 

[dexterdoo]

Thanks linney for some great suggestions. I'll take another look. I read a lot of stuff but It was totally confusing to me. I'll try your links and see if I can make sense of them again???

I tried to set selective startup in Safe Mode and just like everything else, I got access denied. I'm sure this will turn out to be something that unchecking a box somewhere will cure and would take you guys about 10 seconds to fix but I'm totally frustrated by it....... I thought McAfee might be doing it to me (and I'm still not sure it isn't?) since McAfee seems to still be working even in the Safe Mode. I tried to turn off all of the User Accounts but don't think I succeeded at that? Anyway, I'll stop babbling and check out your links.

tatertot, I bet you're onto something. This computer was inherited buy my girlfriend and it had Novelle Client enabled and was probably used on a network. I bet that's why I'm having the problem. I sure don't want to do a software reload because of this but as usual, with the amount of time I've spent already,I could have!! I'll post back. Thanks guys !

 

[dexterdoo]

Oh well .... Nothing has worked so far. When I go into msconfig and check Selective Startup,it still tell me I need to be logged on as Administrator,which I am. I think once I get this fixed,everything else will be fine. Ran Virus and Spyware scans. All are clean! It's amazing,the number of people on the net with this exact same problem that are searching for an answer .....WTF??

 

[Lemon13]

When I enter the Configuration Utility via msconfig and make a change I get an "Access Denied"error saying I need to log on as an Administrator - when I AM logged in as Administrator"

I had the same problem a week ago but didnt investigate it further, because after a reboot, despite the above message, the changes were made!

Good luck with this one.

M. Knorr

MCSE, MCTS, MCSA, CCNA

 

[linney]

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560

Rather than checking the Selective Startup box, go in via the Startup Tab and see if you can untick the boxes that are ticked. Just try one that is insignificant perhaps something to do with Java or Adobe. See if you can do that and not get any Access Denied.

If you can, you can go in to the Services Tab, and tick the checkbox to "Hide all Microsoft Services", and from the remaining listed Services see if you can untick another less significant one.

Reverse your steps if that testing was successful.

 

[BadBigBen]

I'd suggest that you check the permissions on the C: drive and the subfolders, as well as the ownership of those folders...

How to take ownership of a file or a folder in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

How to set, view, change, or remove special permissions for files and folders in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308419

Set permissions for folders and files

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/permissions.mspx

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[dexterdoo]

Ok, I tried unticking an item in the Startup Tab but still was denied. Then I created a new user, gave myself Full Control in permissions and took ownership of the C: drive and all subfolders and still was denied access to change a Startup Tab item !

I'm into my 3rd day and many hours. This one will have to remain a mystery. I'm pullin' the plug and doing a clean install. Can't take it any longer ! Thanks to all for your suggestions though.