Re: SP2 - Access Denied error when installing software

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

From: chetttyson (chetttyson_at_discussions.microsoft.com)
Date: 12/05/04 

Date: Sun, 5 Dec 2004 15:49:01 -0800

Thanks. I'll give it a try after the well of ideas of solutions dries up.

"Jimmy S." wrote:

> Hi Chettyson,
>
> Next step (after Steve Friedl has completed his expert dissection of the
> issue), is to test my theory that SP 2 was installed on top of a foundation
> which wasn't fully stable.
>
> If it was my laptop, after attempting the troubleshooting we've done I would:
>
> 1. Uninstall SP 2
> 2. Repair Windows XP
> 3. Install all updates *including* SP 2
>
> Although not as elegant a solution, it's certainly a lot faster (if it works).
> That's why this should be left to the very end of the troubleshooting process.
>
> How to repair Windows XP:
> Unplug from your Internet connection, and then repair Windows:
> using this method: http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
>
> Afterwards, boot up your system, turn on your XP Internet Firewall,
> plug back into your Internet connection and install all Critical and
> Recommended updates from: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
>
> --
> Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
> Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>
> Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
> Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
> MS Assisted Support: http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=assistance
> My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
> _________________________________________________________
>
> "chetttyson" <chetttyson@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:44D0E77E-EBCA-45B6-8828-F901179D2F8B@microsoft.com...
> > LOL ! I noticed the subject title. I meant a new thread/post. As if I just
> > for the first time asked a question. But it's okay I'm more interested in
> > getting my laptop working 100% .
> >
> > Well I changed ownership of the registry file and the actual install folder
> > to the "Administrators (LAPTOP\Administrators)" and it did nothing new still
> > the same error. Next?
> >
> > I've been dealing with Steve Friedl (MVP/Security) and have done everything
> > he suggested. We thought that we were on to something with a file located at
> > C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\SECDRV.SYS it was indicated as the culprit but
> > I followed Steve's instructions but still nothing but it does look like it
> > might still be the problem...... aaarrrhhhh! I don't know! Maybe you could
> > take a look at our thread and see if anything might ring a bell or you could
> > add too.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin&mid=949b9d1b-82ce-4d25-9acb-ba037275e119&sloc=en-us
> >
> > Thanks for all your help. I really do appreciate the help.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Jimmy S." wrote:
> >
> >> Hi Chettyson,
> >>
> >> Changing the ownership to the "Administrators (LAPTOP\Administrators)"
> >> Yes. It's worth a try.
> >>
> >> You were able to install in SAFE MODE before, try that again.
> >> It's possible some other software running on the system is blocking access.
> >>
> >> If SAFE MODE doesn't work, we'll repair Windows and then install SP2.
> >> There was possibly some corruption in the system before or during install.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
> >> Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
> >>
> >> Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
> >> Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
> >> MS Assisted Support: http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=assistance
> >> My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
> >> _________________________________________________________
> >>
> >> "chetttyson" <chetttyson@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:D70B341C-6314-4FD2-B518-95955834140E@microsoft.com...
> >> > Okay here's what I've found in the registry looking at the permissions in the
> >> > key you suggested.
> >> > First off under the "Security" tab in the "Group or user names:" box I
> >> > noticed that there were only "Administrators (LAPTOP\Administrators)",
> >> > "Everyone", "RESTRICTED", and "SYSTEM". That's all. No "Users
> >> > (LAPTOP\Users)" or "OWNER" or my account (which is actually the Owner
> >> > account). So I added my account and "Users (LAPTOP\Users)" groups. I gave
> >> > all of them (groups and users) full control to the key and subkeys EXECPT the
> >> > "RESTRICTED" account. And I checked the check boxs labled "Inherit from
> >> > parent the permission entries that apply to child objects. Includes these
> >> > with entries explicitly defined here." and "Replace permission entries on
> >> > all child objects with entries shown here that apply to child objects." and
> >> > hit <Apply>. Hit <OK> a few times and exited the registry and the rebooted.
> >> > By the way I did all this from safe mode under the "Administrator" account.
> >> > I then logged on under my account and tried AOM: Titans......nope! still
> >> > comes up with the same error.
> >> >
> >> > Oh yea I forgot AOM did the exact thing I was able to install but not run
> >> > the game BUT Westood's Emperor: Battle for Dune worked just fine (actually a
> >> > little fast but hey it worked).
> >> >
> >> > Back to the problem.... (back in the registry) I did notice that when I hit
> >> > the <Advance> button and looked at the "Owner" tab it showed that I, that is
> >> > my user account, was the "Current owner of this item:" and that in the box
> >> > below labeled "Change owner to:" it listed 2 names, "Administrators
> >> > (LAPTOP\Administrators) and my user account "CHETT (LAPTOP\CHETT)". Should
> >> > I try changing the ownership to the "Administrators (LAPTOP\Administrators)"
> >> > account? I know how screwed up my system can get because of a wrong entry in
> >> > the Registry so I'm kinda leary of setting the ownership to the other
> >> > account.
> >> >
> >> > So what do you think? I would rather not uninstall SP2 but I'd like to
> >> > play my games and uninstalling SP2 probably won't fix the problems now
> >> > because I'v seen it when I uninstalled a Service pack for I.E. 5 after I
> >> > lost the ability to use the browser and the internet it seemed to not fix the
> >> > problem that the SP created (it was under Win ME too). Well give me a shout
> >> > if you can think of something different.
> >> >
> >> > MAN I NEED A DRINK! (and I don't drink LOL)
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "Jimmy S." wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Hi Chettyson,
> >> >>
> >> >> Yes, in REGEDIT check the registry key permissions by right clicking:
> >> >> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft Games
> >> >>
> >> >> Looking forward to more feedback after AOM installation.
> >> >> I hope the registry permissions are at fault, but PLEASE be careful in there!
> >> >>
> >> >> --
> >> >> Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
> >> >> Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
> >> >>
> >> >> Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
> >> >> Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
> >> >> MS Assisted Support: http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=assistance
> >> >> My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
> >> >> _________________________________________________________
> >> >>
> >> >> "chetttyson" <chetttyson@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:8AD543CA-30D2-4710-9C44-6DD5602190A2@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > Okay here you go all the information you requested and I do appreciate the
> >> >> > help. Please pardon my fustration.
> >> >> > I am going to reply to the questions in caps to make it more distinguishable
> >> >> > I'm not yelling.
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - The Symptom is an "Access Denied error when installing software"
> >> >> > YES BUT I BOOTED IN TO SAFE MODE AND SIGNED ON AS ADMINISTRATOR AND RESET
> >> >> > ALL ACCOUNTS TO FULL RIGHTS ADMINISTRATOR AND THEN INSTALL WORKED FINE (IT
> >> >> > WAS ONLY FOR SIMS 2 THAT I HAD THE INSTALL ISSUE BUT THEN MAYBE I FIXED THAT
> >> >> > PROBLEM?)
> >> >> >
> >> >> > THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WITH MICRISOFT'S RISE OF NATIONS GAME THAT I JUST
> >> >> > INSTALLED A FEW DAYS AGO
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - The Symptom Did or Did Not exist prior to installing SP 2?
> >> >> > IT DID NOT EXIST BEFORE INSTALLATION OF SERVICE PACK 2
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - The OS is Windows XP *HOME* edition
> >> >> > I AM TALKING ABOUT WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION BUILD 2600 (i have XP PRO but I
> >> >> > have another system that it is installed on)
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - The "Administrator" account doesn't get the error?
> >> >> > ALL THE ACCOUNTS GET THE ERROR AGAIN THIS ERROR DOESN'T HAPPEN WITH ALL
> >> >> > PROGRAMS
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - Accounts with Administrator privileges do get the error?
> >> >> > YES
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - All the games generating the error were installed *after* SP2?
> >> >> > YES
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - What are the game's folder permissions for:
> >> >> > 1. Administrator?
> >> >> > 2. Account with Administrator privileges?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > ALL ACCOUNTS ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE PERMISSIONS OVER EVERYTHING
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - What are that game's registry key permissions for:
> >> >> > 1. Administrator?
> >> >> > 2. Account with Administrator privileges?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > HOW DO I CHECK THAT? GO INTO REGEDIT? DO A SEARCH IN THE REGISTRY?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - What are the permissions on C: for:
> >> >> > 1. Administrator?
> >> >> > 2. Account with Administrator privileges?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I SET THE PERMISSIONS IN THE ACTUAL ADMINISTRATOR ACCOUNT UNDER SAFE MODE TO
> >> >> > THE C: AND D: DRIVES AND THEN APPLIED THE PERMISSIONS TO ALL FOLDERS,
> >> >> > SUBFOLDERS AND FILES IN BOTH OF THE DRIVES. I THEN WENT TO THE FOLDER
> >> >> > CONTAIINING THE EXE. FILE AND CHECKED THE PERMISSIONS AND LIKE I THOUGHT IT
> >> >> > WAS SET FOR ALL THE USERS.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > - If you create a *new* account with Administrators privileges:
> >> >> > 1. Can you install the game?
> >> >> > 2. What are the permissions on the game folder?
> >> >> > 3. What are the permissions on the C: drive itself?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I ALREADY CREATED A A NEW ACCOUNT (I WAS THINKING ALONG THE SAME LINES
> >> >> > BEFORE) AND GIVE IT ADMINISTRATIVE PRIVLEGES AND DOUBLE CHECKED TO SEE IF IT
> >> >> > HAD FULL RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS TO BOTH DRIVES AND FOLDERS, SUBFOLDERS AND
> >> >> > FILE AND IT DID BUT STILL NOTHING I GOT THE SAME ERROR MESSAGE.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > *FYI*
> >> >> > I am installing 2 other games 1 more from Microsoft, Age of Mythology and
> >> >> > the other Emperor Battle For Dune from EA Games, to see if I get the same
> >> >> > error messages. I'll update the post when that is accomplished.
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > "Jimmy S." wrote:
> >> >> >
> >> >> >> Hi Chettyson,
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I've read your post, and the first post you wrote and linked to.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Let's see if we can solve this issue once and for all.
> >> >> >> Correct any of the facts / fill facts in where necessary please:
> >> >> >> ( I'll space the lines to leave room for your input inline )
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> -The Symptom is an "Access Denied error when installing software"
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - The Symptom Did or Did Not exist prior to installing SP 2?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - The OS is Windows XP *HOME* edition
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - The "Administrator" account doesn't get the error?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - Accounts with Administrator privileges do get the error?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - All the games generating the error were installed *after* SP2?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - What are the game's folder permissions for:
> >> >> >> 1. Administrator?
> >> >> >> 2. Account with Administrator privileges?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - What are that game's registry key permissions for:
> >> >> >> 1. Administrator?
> >> >> >> 2. Account with Administrator privileges?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - What are the permissions on C: for:
> >> >> >> 1. Administrator?
> >> >> >> 2. Account with Administrator privileges?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> - If you create a *new* account with Administrators privileges:
> >> >> >> 1. Can you install the game?
> >> >> >> 2. What are the permissions on the game folder?
> >> >> >> 3. What are the permissions on the C: drive itself?
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
> >> >> >> Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
> >> >> >> Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
> >> >> >> MS Assisted Support: http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=assistance
> >> >> >> My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
> >> >> >> _________________________________________________________
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> "chetttyson" <chetttyson@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> >> news:24D57ABE-BBAE-4A7B-9A39-554568C491C1@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> > This is funny I have the same problem and so do 10 or so others (SO IT IS NOT
> >> >> >> > UNIQUE!) but nobody seems to know why. I have a post on the Windows XP
> >> >> >> > security and administration board and knowbody knows why there either but
> >> >> >> > they do offer possible solutions but of course none of them work like yours
> >> >> >> > Jimmy S.
> >> >> >> > This wasn't an issue before installing SP2 on my system and now it's keeping
> >> >> >> > me from playing Microsoft's own games (but for some reason other games work).
> >> >> >> > I run Windows XP Home on a newer system way above the recomended system
> >> >> >> > requirements. I have had to reformat my hardrive and reinstall the OS after
> >> >> >> > I updated to SP2 because of the "Access Denied: Need administrative rights"
> >> >> >> > messages and I thought it was some other problem (virus or something) and
> >> >> >> > what do you know it went away UNTILL I installed the SP2 update! I think
> >> >> >> > that there has been enough questions about this problem to warrent a MS KB
> >> >> >> > (Microsoft Knowledge Base) article or at least an answer by a MS support
> >> >> >> > techie that knows how to fix the issue. I like some of the features of SP 2
> >> >> >> > but overall I wish I'd never installed it untill some the problems have been
> >> >> >> > worked out. Maybe Jimmy you could figure out a better answer and look at all
> >> >> >> > the other posts on this issue. I have yet to see anyone reply saying that
> >> >> >> > the suggested solutions worked (maybe they did but not for me).
> >> >> >> > Sorry if this seems like a huge gripe but this is stupid that now I cannot
> >> >> >> > use my computer to do what I used to do. This sucks!
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Please see below links Jimmy (it is but a few of the many "unique" ones out
> >> >> >> > there).
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin&mid=949b9d1b-82ce-4d25-9acb-ba037275e119&sloc=en-us
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin&mid=5598599f-9863-40e4-abea-bf55d02c10f3&sloc=en-us
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin&mid=1b400a2a-166e-473c-beef-5712bd23295e&sloc=en-us
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/newsgroups/reader.mspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin&mid=506ac882-aaea-4268-9383-6d575fb7b552&sloc=en-us
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > "Jimmy S." wrote:
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> Hi Meg,
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> There's a couple of things you can do in this situation:
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> 1. Make sure folder permissions allow all users full access;
> >> >> >> >> 2. Repair Windows
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> >> Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
> >> >> >> >> Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
> >> >> >> >> Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
> >> >> >> >> MS Assisted Support: http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=assistance
> >> >> >> >> My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
> >> >> >> >> _________________________________________________________
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> "meg" <meg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:241A8209-9DA9-4630-BB8D-3E5F1A7C3471@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> >> > Hello,
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > I have tried that avenue, but it still says access denied, and to see the
> >> >> >> >> > administrator.
> >> >> >> >> > I made all accounts admin but still no go.
> >> >> >> >> > This all started when I restored my computer, maybe that has something to do
> >> >> >> >> > with it?
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > Thanks for your reply
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> > "Jimmy S." wrote:
> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> >> Hi Meg,
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> >> That's a rather unique situation. Can you install the game
> >> >> >> >> >> using their user accounts after making them administrators?
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> >> --
> >> >> >> >> >> Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
> >> >> >> >> >> Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> >> Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
> >> >> >> >> >> Visit my MSN Zone.com and Gaming Help Site: http://mvps.org/nibblesnbits
> >> >> >> >> >> MS Assisted Support: http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=assistance
> >> >> >> >> >> My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
> >> >> >> >> >> _________________________________________________________
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> >> "meg" <meg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:3AAC1397-CFE0-4428-B664-C6E8293FD2C5@microsoft.com...
> >> >> >> >> >> >I have installed microsoft zoo tycoon and other games on the computer but
> >> >> >> >> >> > other users cannot seem to save their games. Some games cannot be accessed
> >> >> >> >> >> > at all by other user accounts. A box will appear stating they have to see
> >> >> >> >> >> > the administrator. Even making the other user accounts administrator it
> >> >> >> >> >> > still says thy cannont access it.
> >> >> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> >>
> >> >> >>
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