Problems with MSCONFIG

[CGB]

Recently, when I log onto MSCONFIG and click on Startup, and make NO
changes, when I exit, I get a message saying, " An Access denied error was
returned when trying to change a service. You may need to log on using an
administrator account to make the specified changes." (Almost exact, but
not verbatim quote.)

Problem:
1. I am the administrator. The computer is set up so that anyone who turns
it on has full access to it. I've not changed this in the last 2 years
since I bought it. There are no separate "accounts."
2. I get this message even though I've NOT tried to change things.
3. When I do change things, e.g. unchecking QTtask startup, after it gets
turned on by some video I viewed, it does seem to actually uncheck it on the
next boot.

What gives? After never having this problem on this computer for 2 years
and never on any previous computer, it concerns me. Do I have some intruder
that won't allow me to "unstart" its program?

Running Windows XP SP2 fully and regularly updated, Norton antivirus, Spybot
S&D, Spyware Blaster, Adaware, A-squared, Zone Alarm, AVG antispyware, all
either in the background or with frequent scans. All scans are negative and
the background programs like NAV are always up and running.
Thanks.
Chet

 

[Gerry Cornell]

CGB

My impression is that you have lost ownership of the Registry Key
governing the use of msconfig. Which I think is:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig

Log on in Safe Mode as the Administrator ( not your usual Logon ) and
this should enable to change all permissions for your own for day to
day use. Grant yourself Special Permissions.

Next have a look at the permissions shown in the Registry. Look at
Method 3 in the following KB Article:
You receive an "Administrators only" error message when you try to
visit the Windows Update Web site or the Microsoft Update Web site
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316524/en-us

Using that advice examine the registry key mentioned in the first
paragraph. As with all Registry changes you need to exercise extreme
care and take precautions.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

Recently, when I log onto MSCONFIG and click on Startup, and make NO
changes, when I exit, I get a message saying, " An Access denied error was
returned when trying to change a service. You may need to log on using an
administrator account to make the specified changes." (Almost exact, but
not verbatim quote.)

Problem:
1. I am the administrator. The computer is set up so that anyone who
turns it on has full access to it. I've not changed this in the last 2
years since I bought it. There are no separate "accounts."
2. I get this message even though I've NOT tried to change things.
3. When I do change things, e.g. unchecking QTtask startup, after it
gets turned on by some video I viewed, it does seem to actually uncheck it
on the next boot.

What gives? After never having this problem on this computer for 2 years
and never on any previous computer, it concerns me. Do I have some
intruder that won't allow me to "unstart" its program?

Running Windows XP SP2 fully and regularly updated, Norton antivirus,
Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, Adaware, A-squared, Zone Alarm, AVG
antispyware, all either in the background or with frequent scans. All
scans are negative and the background programs like NAV are always up and
running.
Thanks.
Chet

You probably have a security program a security program blocking the
Registry entries it was checking. A few of the programs now doing this are:
Ad-aware's Ad-Watch
McAfee VirusScan and/or Antispyware
Norton AV
Spyware Blaster
Spybot> Tools> IE Tweaks
Spybot- Teatimer
Spysweeper
Windows Defender
Zone Alarm (free) 6.5 Reported to be fixed in later versions.

In the case of Zone Alarm 6.5 or Norton 2007 it actually has to be
uninstalled. Make sure the Windows Firewall is turned on until you
reinstall Zone Alarm.

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking with Networking and try the change.

 

[CGB]

Bet you're right. (gutsy call on my part when talking to an MS MVP).

I have most of the programs you mentioned on my machine. Although not the
exact version of all of them you mentioned, e.g. Spybot but not with the
tea-timer and ZA vers. 6.0, etc.

This seemed to start happening just a couple of days ago and I may have
updated a program or two in addition to regular definition updates, can't
remember, except I DID add a new program of that genre:
I installed AVG AntiSpyware. I wonder if that might need to be added to the
list of programs you suggested. However, I have its "registry shield"
inactive and just do manual scans.

I'll play around a little with it, hopefully NOT editing registry keys, and
see what happens. If I get too lost and can't change the startup progs,
I'll get back.

I appreciate you and Gerry replying.

Chet

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

Bet you're right. (gutsy call on my part when talking to an MS MVP).

I have most of the programs you mentioned on my machine. Although not the
exact version of all of them you mentioned, e.g. Spybot but not with the
tea-timer and ZA vers. 6.0, etc.

This seemed to start happening just a couple of days ago and I may have
updated a program or two in addition to regular definition updates, can't
remember, except I DID add a new program of that genre:
I installed AVG AntiSpyware. I wonder if that might need to be added to
the list of programs you suggested. However, I have its "registry shield"
inactive and just do manual scans.

I'll play around a little with it, hopefully NOT editing registry keys,
and see what happens. If I get too lost and can't change the startup
progs, I'll get back.

I don't think it's AVG. AVG has never done that to me.