Permissions are messed up - cant download to C:\Program Files

I recently had my laptop (XP-pro) hijacked and after said malware was removed, i can no longer load any new files on C:\Program Files. I get error when download begins for any new program - insufficient permissions to load. (I have been loading ewverything onto my desktop , but this is not effective solution long term.) I need my permissions back.

There are two profiles on unit and both have admin rights.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

PS: This fix was already attempted with no luck:

1. Download and then install SubInACL (SubInACL.exe) file from Microsoft.
2. Click Start, Run and enter notepad and click OK to bring up the Windows Notepad program.
3. Copy and then paste the following text into Notepad.
   Code: XXX
4. Save this Notepad file as Reset.cmd to your desktop. Be sure the Save as type is set to all files.
5. Once you have save it properly, double-click the Reset.cmd file to run the script.
6. Note This script file may take a long time to run. Additionally, you have to run this script as an administrator.
7. Now reboot your computer! You must do this before the above will take effect.
8. The above is based on original info from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

 

Forgot to mention this error does not occur with every program i try to dowbnload. Only certain ones.

 

Change your download address to C:\download(create it if it isn't there, wherever you want it to be and whatever you name it, doesn't matter), downloads should not be going directly into 'Program Files'.:confused

 

But what about standard programs that i would want in Program files?

This solution seems temporary since i should be able to download into the C:\Programs Files anytime i need.. imo there is something else wrong here that needs fixing.

Additionally, when i tried loading:

msicuu2.exe (to reset Registry File Permissions)

I got an error message:

Error 1305. Error reading from file C:\Program Files\MSECACHE\WICU3\msicuu.msi

If I have other important executable files in the C:\Program Files folder that cannot be accessed properly and this is where most program file info is kept (standard for Windows) then wouldn't i need to fix this permissions issue ...or it will keep coming up??

Your help is appreciated.

 

Standard programs go into 'downloads' and then you 'install them' into program files, usually the default address unless you change where you want it to install, it really doesn't matter.

If you just copied 'MSECACHE\WICU3\msicuu.msi' from somewhere it might not work. Read through this old thread, it may help you. Do you have .net Framework 1.1 installed? I'm about at the end of my expertise. Someone better will have to follow up here.

BTW, MSI files have to be installed into program files.

 

Sorry. I'm a novice at this and not so good with the proper terms.

Here's what i meant to originally say:

I download into a temporary "Downloads" file (as you suggest) located on my desktop then "install" to the C:\Program Files\ as per most windows programs.

The error with the permissions comes up when a program tries to install into the C:\Program Files folder. Or when an executable file tries to access C:\Program Files.


I am novice and don't know what .net Framework 1.1 is or where to check for it.

Maybe someone else in forum can make suggestion. Thank you for your comments.

 

Try right-clicking the .msi file and choose 'run as administrator'. Hope that works. As to .net, if you don't have it yet the program will ask you to install it.

 

Thanks for this suggestion...

but it doesn't solve the core issue of the error code i am getting that is blocking me from running the msicuu2 file.

Error message:

Error 1305.
Error reading from file C:\Program Files\MSECACHE\WICU3\msicuu.msi


Also I need to be able to install programs to the C:\Program Files folder and so i need to fix the root cause that is not allowing this.

Any sugggestions?

 

This is the windows installer clean up tool. It doesn't have anything to do with registry file permissions.

If you're having trouble installing programs with the .msi extension, then I would try the following:

Code:

msiexec.exe /unregister
msiexec.exe /regserver
regsvr32 /s msi.dll
net start "windows firewall/internet connection sharing (ics)"
pause

put it in a text document, save it as a .bat file (all files) and run it, or type each line individually from an elevated command prompt window.

 

Thanks. And i did know already about this being the windows installer clean-up tool.
One of the many fall-outs of the the virus i got two weeks ago was the windows installer keeps trying to load phantom programs. This utility (msicuu2) worked to remove the issue when i ran it the first timne, but now there is another couple files that keep trying to load each time i open another program. Annoying since it attempts about 4-5 times before giving up.HOwever, if i cannot load this utility, i'm stuck with the problem.

ANy suggestions on the other core issue of the permissions/not allowing me to install programs to the C:\Program Files??

I did not copy the file MSECACHE\WICU3\msicuu.msi. I'm trying to load the msicuu2 to reset the registry and file permissions.. but i keep getting this error:

Error 1305.
Error reading from file C:\Program Files\MSECACHE\WICU3\msicuu.msi

BTW - I tried the script but must have done something wrong. copied and pasted to notepad. Then saved a .bat (all files) in same folder with msicuu2.msi file and then double-clicked to run it. It ran the script and then in the command file it says "the requested service has already been started". Then another line "press any key to continue..." i press any key and nothing happens.

 

What happens when you try to access the c:\program files\ folder? Does the computer lock up?

If so, run a chkdsk..

Give us some examples of programs that WILL NOT install to that folder.

I think you ran the batch file correctly. All it does is repair the MSI installer service.

What are you trying to install that won't install?

 

Back at it with this unit.. had to give it a break for a while.

I need to resolve issue of permissions/access to certain folders. I no longer have access to the "security" tab when i go to properties for any folder. Though i had these permissions recently, possibly some of the malware removel steps affected this somehow.

I am logged in as admin. Running Xp pro.

I want to just wipe the main drive and chage to WIndows 7, but i would like to run Windows 7 UPgrade Advisor but it wont run since permissions are messed up. As it ends the install it says:

The installer has insufficient previledges to access this directory: C:\Prog Files\Microsoft WIndos 7 Upgrade Advisor. Log on as Admin or contact your system admin.

Not every program i try not run has issues when attempting to access the C:drive. eg when i loaded IObit Advanced System Care it was loading fine into the C:\ProgamFiles folder.

I am stuck. Any help is appreciate. Please advise.

 

One way of doing it, is to create a new admin account.

Another way, is to run:

secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\repair\secsetup.inf /db secsetup.sdb /verbose

Yet, another brute force method is to do:

cacls "Program Files" /t /e /c /p administrator:F (or everyone:F)

If vista or 7, cacls is no longer used, instead use xcacls. Though, the above may not work with xcacls.