Solved Error 5: Access is denied

I was having some malware problems on my system and a friend recommended running combofix to solve them.

While running combofix, windows vista x64 popped an error saying that Pev.cfxxe had stopped responding and that it was searching for a solution. Then the window changed and only gave me the option to close the program. I waited 30 mins before I finally did close the program and then combofix seemed to complete normally and generate its log file.

I think that combofix changes folder permissions when it is run and some of mine did not get changed back because after combofix finished, I tried to install a program update. I reveived the following error:

Unable to execute file in the temporary directory. Setup aborted. Error 5: Access is denied.

I have never had this error before running Combofix, I am not blaming the program. I know that sometimes "stuff" just happens. Does anyone know if Combofix changes folder permissions? If it does, how can I get them back to the default permissions.

I have uninstalled combofix as per the instructions on bleeping computer and used the system restore point that combofix generated before running, but I still have the same problem. I can right click on the setup file and run it as administrator, but I have never had to do that before.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Something has tampered with your User Profile Settings - System error 5 is an Privileges error you may receive this error if you do not have the rights to edit the Certain file/folder ... etc,

It is most commonly seen in Command Prompt when Users do not have permission to edit or Run certain commands

could you please create a new Administrator User and try what you have done without the Need to run it as administrator

Many thanks,
Josh

Ok, I will do that. I am doing a file backup of all my personal stuff just in case I have to do a total system restore (ugh). I will report on what happens when I create the new Admin account.

That seems to have worked. I was able to install the program fine without right clicking on it.

Is there a way to fix that profile? If not, can I just copy all the documents and other stuff I want from the old account to the new one then delete the old one?

Hi thafrogggg,

There really isn't a way to fix the old profile as we don't know what's wrong with it and don't have the proper tools, tests, or procedures to find out - plus if possible, it would take a great deal of time and effort whereas just transferring the appropriate information is simpler and faster and safer.

Assuming you created the same type of account (administrator or standard), then the procedure is "almost" as simple as you surmised, but there are some exceptions (we need to get hidden files and folders as well and there are some files which should not be copied). Here's the procedure - you've already done part of it, so just pick up where you left off (but make sure you did everything before that point). To do this use http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-vista/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile. While the profile may or may not be corrupt, the procedure is the same to do what you are wanting to do. It also requires only one transfer (essentially a copy/paste) between two user account folders and does not require a flash drive or external drive and what amounts to two separate transfers.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

You could use easy tranfer to tranfer everything but programs
Windows Easy Transfer - Windows 7 features - Microsoft Windows
Although made as a selling tool for Windows 7, it can be used to tranfer to another account. I did it to test before using to tranfer to 7

Trasfer everything to a finger drive, or external drive
Then transfer to the new account

If you use this procedure you must be absolutely certain that all traces fo the virus are gone.

Ok, got it all fixed. Thanks for the help.

thafrogggg said:

Ok, got it all fixed. Thanks for the help.

Click to expand...

Thanks for posting back.

Glad that we could help. Thanks for the kind words.

It was our pleasure - glad we could help.

Thanks for the feedback, the rep, and the nice comment - they are appreciated.

I will requet this thread be marked as solved.

Good luck and best wishes!