subinacl.exe scares me

Hi,

So I just went thru the whole cleaning process and prepped my machine to finally install XP Service Pack 3.

Have followed all the threads and suggestions and keep getting hung up on this registry tweak: subinacl.exe

I don't feel comfortable fooling around in my registry as I am an amateur when it comes to why certain things work. I just don't want to accidentally give my computer a lobotomy.

Can anyone explain to me exactly what will happen if I run this program? How easy is it to undo? Just use a restore point? I'm willing to apply this fix to get SP3 on my system... I just want to know what the potential pitfalls/problems may occur after doing this.

thanks,
s1mpl1fy

 

If you don't feel comfortable in the registry, unless subinacl.exe is needed for the running of your PC then don't go. tweaks are fine and some help the performance of your pc but as you say in your own words you aren't comfortable in the registry.
If you run it, back up the registry first and set a restore point and tread lightly.
Hang on for a few more responses someone may be able to guide ou through what you are trying to do

 

as you say you are preparing your machine to install sp3 unless there is a specific reason to alter the permissions of files and folders or even ownership of these folders eg,sp3 won't install and an error code requires this action.don't run this program at is not a essential requirement for the upgrade.

 

Thanks for the responses so far... I'm still hoping someone can give me a bit more detail as to exactly what this program changes, why it needs to run, and how easy is it to restore if something goes wrong.

If you are familiar at all with the suggestions outlined in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/
then you'll know I am hitting the 'access is denied' problem halfway through doing the install. I have followed all the suggestions they make, up until installing and running subinacl.exe.

I guess I'd just like an explanation of what exactly that file will do, and how it will effect my machine.

To buggabear: what is the simplest way to back up the registry, and how do I use the backup if I do crash my machine?

To wunderdownunder: I'm getting the impression this program IS essential given the 'access is denied' roadblock I keep running into. It seems to me, this is the only option left to me if I truly want to apply Service Pack 3 to my machine.

I just don't want to end up crippling my machine and having to take it somewhere to be repaired if the registry gets whacked out.

Any more insights and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
s1mpl1fy

 

http://majorgeeks.com/Free_Window_Registry_Repair_d5461.html

http://majorgeeks.com/RegBack_d2746.html

these are a couple of programs that you can use to back up your registry. READ up on them and see if they fit your needs

 

g'day s1mpl1fy

What has happened at some stage is something has altered certain registry keys that is now prevent you as either a user or administrator from upgrading or altering these keys. with these changes made they are preventing the sp3 installation.
what subinacl.exe does is helps lift these restrictions so you can revert the changes in the registry back to the original state so the sp3 can be allowed to make the necessary changes it needs to in the registry.These change could have been made in the past due to a rogue program or a virus.
If you follow the instructions on the Microsoft web site you should have no problems. As to backing up the registry there are some programs available that will do this for you i have read that some people use a program called erunt " http://www.majorgeeks.com/Erunt_d1267.html " this both backs up and restores. you may also follow the directions here " http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/ " which provides instructions on how to back up and restore the registry.
Another precaution you may want to take is to create a system restore point before you commence the steps.I hope this has helped you understand what has happened good luck.