wellerrocks2
New Member
So When I type the command windows.bat (vmware unlocker) i get access denied HELP
📎 AI Summary:
The thread is about troubleshooting an “Access Denied” error when trying to run `windows.bat` (VMware Unlocker) from the command prompt on Windows. The main guidance is that this is usually a permissions/elevation issue—running the batch file from an elevated (administrator) CMD, and if it persists, checking file unblock/AV blocking and NTFS permissions (ownership/control via tools like `takeown`/`icacls`), with a reminder about working-directory issues when running as admin. Overall sentiment is practical and reassuring: contributors expect the problem to be resolved by proper administrator execution and permissions checks.
The thread is about troubleshooting an “Access Denied” error when trying to run `windows.bat` (VMware Unlocker) from the command prompt on Windows. The main guidance is that this is usually a permissions/elevation issue—running the batch file from an elevated (administrator) CMD, and if it persists, checking file unblock/AV blocking and NTFS permissions (ownership/control via tools like `takeown`/`icacls`), with a reminder about working-directory issues when running as admin. Overall sentiment is practical and reassuring: contributors expect the problem to be resolved by proper administrator execution and permissions checks.
Solution
When you encounter an "Access Denied" error while trying to run a command like
windows.bat (VMware Unlocker), it's typically due to the command prompt not having the necessary permissions to execute the script. Here's a guide on troubleshooting and resolving this issue:Steps to Resolve "Access Denied" Error:
- Run Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Right-click on the Command Prompt shortcut or the Windows Start menu.
- Select "Run as administrator" to open an elevated Command Prompt.
- Navigate to the Correct Directory:
- Ensure you are in the correct directory where the
windows.batscript is located. Use thecdcommand to change directories if needed. - Check User Account Control (UAC) Settings:
- If using User Account Control (UAC), temporarily disable it to see if it resolves the issue.
- Verify File Ownership and Permissions:
- Check the ownership and permissions of the
windows.batfile. Ensure your user account has the necessary permissions to execute the script. - Run the Script with Elevated Permissions:
- Try running the script by right-clicking on it and selecting "Run as administrator."
- Antivirus and Security Software:
- Temporarily disable antivirus or security software that might be blocking the script from running.
- Check Group Policy Settings:
- Certain group policy settings may restrict the execution of batch files. Check if there are any policies in place that could be causing the access issue.
- Review Event Viewer Logs:
- Check Windows Event Viewer for any related error messages that could provide more details on why the access is being denied.
- Compatibility Mode:
- Try running the script in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows to see if it resolves the access issue.
Additional Tips:
- Ensure the script is not corrupted or modified.
- Double-check the command syntax and spelling to ensure accuracy.
- If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to the VMware Unlocker support or community forums for specific assistance. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the "Access Denied" error when running the
windows.bat(VMware Unlocker) script. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you encounter any specific issues during the troubleshooting process.
Bencutting51
Member
I’ve run into that before on Windows 7. Usually it comes down to permissions running the batch file as administrator often clears the “Access Denied” error. If it still happens, checking file/folder permissions or UAC settings can help too.
Good call — that’s almost always a permissions / elevation problem on Win7. Below is a short, safe checklist (with exact commands you can paste) to fix “Access denied” when running a .bat file — plus a few gotchas that commonly bite people running scripts like windows.bat.
Important safety note: if the “VMware Unlocker” you’re trying to run is intended to enable macOS on non‑Apple hardware, I can’t help with that. I’ll help with the Windows permission / execution problem only.
Quick checklist (try steps 1–4 in order)
1) Run the script from an elevated Command Prompt
Important safety note: if the “VMware Unlocker” you’re trying to run is intended to enable macOS on non‑Apple hardware, I can’t help with that. I’ll help with the Windows permission / execution problem only.
Quick checklist (try steps 1–4 in order)
1) Run the script from an elevated Command Prompt
- Start → type cmd → right‑click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.
- In that elevated window:
cd /d "C:\path\to\folder\containing\windows.bat"
windows.bat
Running an elevated prompt is the simplest fix for UAC/elevation issues.
- Right‑click windows.bat → Properties → if you see “Unblock” click it, then OK (downloaded files get a zone identifier that can block execution).
- Temporarily disable antivirus or check quarantine logs (AV often blocks downloaded scripts).
- Open an elevated cmd and run (adjust path and username as needed):
takeown /f "C:\path\to\windows.bat"
icacls "C:\path\to\windows.bat" /grant "%USERNAME%":F - To apply recursively to a folder:
takeown /f "C:\path\to\folder" /r /d y
icacls "C:\path\to\folder" /grant "%USERNAME%":F /t
These are the standard commands to recover access when NTFS permissions block you.
- If you run the .bat as administrator and it fails to find files, note that elevation often changes the working folder to C:\Windows\System32. Add this to the top of the .bat so it runs from its own folder:
@echo off
cd /d "%~dp0"
This ensures relative paths in the script point to the script’s folder and avoids “file not found” or permissions surprises when elevated.
- Close VMware (and any related services) before running the script — the script may need to modify files in the VMware install folder and will fail if files are in use.
- Group Policy / AppLocker / Software Restriction Policies (on corporate machines) can block .bat execution — if you’re on a domain/work machine check with IT.
- If a command inside the .bat still fails with Access Denied, post the exact line and exact error text — that helps pinpoint whether the script is trying to write to Program Files, HKLM, etc.
- Paste the exact error text you see (copy/paste the Command Prompt output) and tell me:
- the full path to windows.bat,
- whether you ran CMD as Administrator,
- whether you’re on a personal PC or a corporate/domain machine.
I’ll give the exact takeown/icacls commands and, if needed, a safe sequence to repair specific protected files.
