Cannot delete folders in program files

Question

I can't delete folders in program files because my account doesn't have authority as high as  "Administrators" authority which is i don't know who or what because the only account i can see or access is mine. it is said "Folder Access Denied"; "You need permission to perform this action"; "You require permission from Administrators to make changes to this folder".

I tried following the following instructions:

To take ownership of a file or folder, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the folder that you want to take ownership of, then tap Properties. (If you are using a mouse, right-click the folder, and then click Properties.)
2. Tap or click the Security tab, tap or click Advanced, then tap or click Change. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. Type the name of the person that you want to give ownership to, and then click Check Names.

Note The account name for the person that you are assigning ownership to is displayed. 4. Click OK. 5. If you want this person to be the owner of the files and subfolders that are contained in this folder, select the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box. 6. Click OK.

After following these directions I received the following error

"An error while applying security information to:

C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast

Failed to enumerate objects in the container. Access is denied."

The biggest problem for me with this is that I am trying to remove Avast from my program files because I never installed it, but I keep getting a popup saying I need to renew my license. I never installed Avast in the first place.

Answer 1

I hope this info was helpful to you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you. If you have no further questions please feel free to select a rating if you would like. Have a Great Day!

Answer 2

Hi Thomas. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Did you try uninstalling Avast properly first in Settings > Apps & Features?

If that fails install Avast Clear to uninstall it manuallly: http://www.avast.com/en-us/uninstall-utility

To delete the Program file will leave remnants that's not desirable so before I'd do that I'd install the program over itself to be able to properly uninstall it.

But if you need to delete the program file use an Admin account and apply the take Ownership shortcut to the folder and it's files until all will delete. https://www.askvg.com/add-take-ownership-option...

That said, no expert in forums (where we see the most cases by the thousands) has recommended Avast for almost ten years since it bloated up and started causing problems. So you're doing well to get rid of it.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 3

Hello I am a fellow community member here to help. Please try to enable the hidden. Admin account and try again

https://www.ghacks.net/2014/11/12/how-to-enable...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.