Protected entry will not delete

[John]

Having a problem with a
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSetxxx\Enum\Root\LEGACY_N
ETALLY_TEST_CENTER
Key. The product has been deinstalled, yet this key
remains, and cannot be deleted > "Access Denied" when
highlighting key and selecting Delete Key.

Registry utilities give similar errors.

How do I go about getting rid of such a key. The app
needs to be reinstalled, but following reinstall,
fails to start.

Also, cannot add a 'control' key to the existing key, or
modify it in any way.

 

[Mark V]

Having a problem with a
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSetxxx\Enum\Root\LEGACY_N
ETALLY_TEST_CENTER
Key. The product has been deinstalled, yet this key
remains, and cannot be deleted > "Access Denied" when
highlighting key and selecting Delete Key.

Registry utilities give similar errors.

How do I go about getting rid of such a key. The app
needs to be reinstalled, but following reinstall,
fails to start.

Also, cannot add a 'control' key to the existing key, or
modify it in any way.

In general do not mess with \ENUM\ keys.
However, if product support instructs you to remove one to allow re-
installation they should also provide details.

Use regedt32.exe (as admin.) and highlight the key then use the
Security, Permissions menu to change the ACLs. You may even need to
take Ownership first. This is only used for deleting a key and only
at that key and below.

And this assumes that the key has no active handle open. Meaning no
part of the former software is still running/loaded and "locking" the
key.