Not able to change anything in Program Files folder

hi and thanks again. 

I tried method 1 and I'm not able to change the permissions, as you can see in the pictures in my last answer there is nothing to press, i am not able to tick any of the permission boxes, everything is grayed out.

I also tried method 2, and the folder isn't encrypted.

I tried clicking the advanced button on the security page, but it's the same there, i can see all the buttons but they are grayed out and i can't press them. The only button i actually can press is "change permissions" but this just results in the same page popping up again, without me being able to press anything.

Also, and i don't know if this is significant, but TrustedInstaller is listed as the owner, and there are 2 SYSTEM users listed and 2 Administrators listed, where one of each has modify rights, while the other has full control rights.

Hi, and thanks.

I tried doing this before with another problem and it worked before i upgradet to 8.1. The problem is now though that when seing the list of people/groups with permissions, i'm not able to click anything. Even though i press the boxes to select permissions, nothing happens. I took a few screenshots to show you. As you can see the only buttons I am able to press are ok and cancel.

Hi Alicia,

Problems working with files and folders in Windows can be caused by permissions issues, corrupted user accounts or even corrupted files. These issues often occur after upgrading to another version of Windows, connecting to other computers over a network or even just connecting an external hard drive into your computer.

As you have mentioned that you have signed in to your computer as an administrator, you can follow the steps given below to take the permission of folder.

Manually applying permissions is something that only advanced users should do because you might end up with unintended results.

a)      Right-click the file or folder, and then click Properties.

b)      Click the Security tab, and then click Edit.

c)       Do one of the following:

·         To set permissions for a user that is not listed under Group or user names, click Add, type the name of the user or group, click OK, select the permissions, and then click OK.

·         To change or remove permissions from an existing group or user, click the name of the group or user, select the permissions, and then click OK.

You can also refer to the link given below and follow the steps for Windows 8.

"Access Denied" or other errors when accessing or working with files and folders in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2623670/en-us#method21

Write to us with the status of the issue. We will assist you ahead.

I've never actually switched from a Microsoft Account... I have always used the Local Account...

I must admit that the 8.1 upgrade made it a bit difficult to keep it that way...

As a result though, I can't be of much help on doing this since I never have... Just read about it.

I also don't know why you would be getting the password stuff popping up...

I'm beginning to think that it might just be easier to reinstall Win 8 and do the upgrade again...

I had to do this with one of the release previews... there was so much that needed fixed, it was easier to start over KEEPING NOTHING, and reinstall everything....

Hi Alicia,

Thank you for the reply.

Follow the methods given below.

Method 1: take the proper permissionsProblems accessing files or folders may be related to permissions. Permissions are rules associated with files and folders that determine whether you can access or make changes to the files or folders. To check the permission of the file or folder, follow these steps:

1. Long press or right-click the file or folder, and then select Properties.
2. Tap or click the Security tab.
3. Under Group or user names, tap or click your name to see the permissions you have.

To open a file, you need to have read permission. To change permissions on a file or folder, follow these steps:

Important: You may need to be logged on as an administrator to change file and folder permissions:

1. Long press or right-click the file or folder, and then tap or click Properties.
2. Tap or click the Security tab.
3. Under Group or user names, tap or click your name to see the permissions you have.
4. Tap or click Edit, then check the check boxes for the permissions that you need and then click OK.

Method 2: The file or folder may be Encrypted

Encrypting files is a way to protect them from unwanted access; you will not be able to open an encrypted file without the certificate that was used to encrypt it. To see if the file or folder is encrypted, follow these steps:

1. Long press or right-click the file, and then tap or click Properties.
2. Tap or click the General tab, and then tap or click Advanced.

If the Encrypt contents to secure data check box is selected, you need the certificate that was used to encrypt the file to open it.

You should get the certificate from the person who created or encrypted the file or folder, or have that person un-encrypt it.