Unable to run msconfig.exe

[Guest]

I'm running XP/SP2 and have only one account as Computer Administrator.
Suddenly, just in the last three days, when I try to run msconfig I receive
an access denied error which tells me that I might have to use an
Administrator account. I've had no problems before. I can run msconfig in
Safe Mode, but I have to select the Administrator option at login, which is
something I haven't had to do before. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

To verify if your user account group membership, check in Control Panel User
Accounts. Or type in Start, Run:

CMD /K NET USERS <Username>

Check the Group Membership and the other details.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

Windows XP Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com

 

[Guest]

That's been done. Something's gone amok and I can't figure out what it is.

 

[Ron Martell]

I'm running XP/SP2 and have only one account as Computer Administrator.
Suddenly, just in the last three days, when I try to run msconfig I receive
an access denied error which tells me that I might have to use an
Administrator account. I've had no problems before. I can run msconfig in
Safe Mode, but I have to select the Administrator option at login, which is
something I haven't had to do before. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Boot to Safe Mode and log in as Administrator. Then create a new user
account with full administrator privileges. Shut down and restart the
computer normally and log in to the newly created account.

Can you use msconfig from this account?

If not then I would suspect some sort of malware infestation, as there
are a number of worms/viruses/trojans that prevent access to msconfig.
Most of these also prevent access to Task Manager so you might also
want to try accessing this (Ctrl+Alt+Delete).

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks, I've been thinking of doing that, but since msconfig is the only app
that's giving me trouble ( it appears that I'm able to perform virtually all
other Admin. functions) I've put it off. We do have a Trojan.Vundo
infection,but again, since it's such a deal removing it, I've putting that
off also. That only bothers the wife because she uses IE and I use Firefox.

I'll give your suggestion a try.

Thanks again

 

[Guest]

Well, I tried your suggestion and the same thing occurs. So far, when logged
in to either account msconfig is the only app I can't use.

 

[Ron Martell]

Thanks, I've been thinking of doing that, but since msconfig is the only app
that's giving me trouble ( it appears that I'm able to perform virtually all
other Admin. functions) I've put it off. We do have a Trojan.Vundo
infection,but again, since it's such a deal removing it, I've putting that
off also. That only bothers the wife because she uses IE and I use Firefox.

You should remove this.

Trojan.Vundo Removal Tool
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.vundo.removal.tool.html

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm