Windows 7: Warning 1909 Can't create .lnk due to read only setting problem

The C:\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs file is set to read only. Every effort to change this setting has failed, it always reverts back to read only. Cause of: "Warning 1909 Could not create shortcut.lnk Verify that the destination folder exists and that you can access it." Owner has full permissions of folder.

Are you an admin?

Was the data imported from a prior install?

Yes I am admin and No the data was not imported from a prior install
I have granted Full Admin Control prior to changing the read only setting and no luck.

Whenever I try to install software, it doesn't matter which, I frequently get "Warning 1909 Could not create shortcut.lnk Verify that the destination folder exists and that you can access it." Shortcut links are not created in the Start Menu and have to be manually created. I came across a suggestion on some forum that the problem may be due to the read only attributes of the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs, which is why I have been trying to figure out how to eliminate the Read Only attribute. If there is another cause for this problem I would appreciate the solution. UAC is turned off. TIA

MCabZ, I owe you a beer.

You were right. In error 1909s on program installs, the Program Data directory is set with Read-Only attributes. When the install fails and you get the 1909 error, stop. DO NOT CLOSE the install or click any button. Simply open up another window, browse to the Program Data directory (C:\Program Data\whatever-the-name-of-the-directory-is, like C:\Program Data\Apple for an iTunes install), right click and select properties, clear the Read-Only attributes at the bottom of the box and Apply. Then return to the failed install and click retry. TADA! Your install will succeed.

My only problem is that I don't know how to keep this from happening every time.

Anyways, public props to you. Thanks,
OneRing2Rule

I have the same problem with Win 7 HP x64, and it's a clean install. After the installer fails, I have to go to ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\(folder created by installer), right-click and select Properties, the Security Tab, then add the user SYSTEM with full control.

I hope someone can solve this issue.

I fixed the problem, but I had to copy the user and permission settings of folders mentioned above (ProgramData, etc.) in another machine that uses the same OS.