EXE Won't Open, "Please login with administrator privileges" Error

[T3xas]

EXE Won't Open, "Please login with administrator privileges" Error

Out of nowhere, I suddenly found myself unable to open one specific program. When trying to open it, I get the error message "Please login with administrator privileges and try again." Obviously, doing exactly that is my next step. However, nothing happens when I try to right click and run it as administrator. Thinking something must have gotten corrupted within the program, I went to uninstall it. Trying to do so proved troublesome, as each time I attempted an uninstall through Add/Remove a Program, nothing would happen. I finally succeeded after downloading the IObit Uninstaller. Once the program was reinstalled, I found myself back to square one. Still the same error message persists and I have no luck when running as administrator. I am not experiencing this issue with any other program and have run a virus/adware scan to be safe. Of course, I've restarted my PC a number of times and have tried to run it through Safe Mode, all to no avail. Finally, after some Google searching, I attempted to disable UAC, which again did nothing. Any ideas? I should add that I haven't installed anything since last running the program successfully. If it matters, it is a computer game from 2002 called Medal of Honor that I have had on my PC without issue for years.

 

[Mellon Head]

See post #8 in this thread and try the solution to see if it works:

http://www.sevenforums.com/software/381166-rosetta-stone-version-2-wont-run.html

 

[T3xas]

Perhaps I did something wrong, but I got the following message after entering the second command of "sc start secdrv":
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.

I did notice this thread on Rosetta Stone before posting my own. However, I believe the big difference between our two problems is that my program was running fine just a few days ago as opposed to trying to install it for the first time. I do have my PC set to automatically update. Is it possible Microsoft has updated Windows 7 in the past few days and created an issue with older programs?
Also, I've downloaded TweakBit FixMyPC and ran a scan. This program did find 1,004 'stability threats' on my PC. I wonder if there's any way to take care of these without spending the money to buy the full program. Additionally, could these 'stability threats' be related to my issue?

 

[MoxieMomma]

Also, I've downloaded TweakBit FixMyPC and ran a scan. This program did find 1,004 'stability threats' on my PC. I wonder if there's any way to take care of these without spending the money to buy the full program. Additionally, could these 'stability threats' be related to my issue?

No!
Do NOT do anything with "TweakBit FixMyPC"!
Such programs are -- at best -- a scam, and -- at worst -- could seriously damage your computer!!
Do I need a Windows Registry Cleaner?
10 Types of System Tools and Optimization Programs You Don’t Need on Windows
PC Cleaning Apps are a Scam: Here’s Why (and How to Speed Up Your PC)

Please stay with @Mellon Head and the other forum folks for more help with your issue.

Cheers,
MM

 

[Mellon Head]

Perhaps I did something wrong, but I got the following message after entering the second command of "sc start secdrv":
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.

I did notice this thread on Rosetta Stone before posting my own. However, I believe the big difference between our two problems is that my program was running fine just a few days ago as opposed to trying to install it for the first time. I do have my PC set to automatically update. Is it possible Microsoft has updated Windows 7 in the past few days and created an issue with older programs?
Also, I've downloaded TweakBit FixMyPC and ran a scan. This program did find 1,004 'stability threats' on my PC. I wonder if there's any way to take care of these without spending the money to buy the full program. Additionally, could these 'stability threats' be related to my issue?

I haven't been able to figure out which update it is yet, but MS pushed an update in the past few days which is playing hell with older software. Especially software that uses older copy protection. Programs that have worked for years suddenly do not work. I have the same issue with a couple of my games suddenly not working, and it's due to the copy protection. MS patched a hole in the secdrv service and effectively disabled it, leading to the issue that you're experiencing.

I don't know why you are getting the error that you're getting. Did you run the command prompt as Administrator?

[Lack of endorsement removed]

 

[GokAy]

Upon reading Mellon Head's comment, I searched some and found this:

When Windows 10 came out, many of us here quickly discovered that while we can successfully install Med2, Rome1, Med1 and Shogun1 on the new operating system, these games will not run. Now, with Windows update KB3086255 being rolled out this week for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, the same problem will now affect even more people.

Total War games will no longer work at all
Some discussion about re-enabling secdrv in the article. Engage at your own risk!

 

[Mellon Head]

Upon reading Mellon Heads comment, I searched some and found this:

When Windows 10 came out, many of us here quickly discovered that while we can successfully install Med2, Rome1, Med1 and Shogun1 on the new operating system, these games will not run. Now, with Windows update KB3086255 being rolled out this week for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, the same problem will now affect even more people.

Total War games will no longer work at all
Some discussion about re-enabling secdrv in the article. Engage at your own risk!

That was the info I was looking for. Thanks GokAy.

It's a shame that we have to resort to risky fixes to run software that we've previously bought and paid for. Thanks MS.

 

[ThrashZone]

Known issues in this security update

• After you install this security update, some programs may not run. (For example, some video games may not run.) To work around this issue, you can temporarily turn on the service for the secdrv.sys driver by running certain commands, or by editing the registry.
  
  Note When you no longer require the service to be running, we recommend that you turn off the service again.
  
  Warning This workaround may make a computer or a network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255

 

[GokAy]

I don't see it either but I believe it is the advertisement for the very same app if you are not logged in? (I use certain measures *cough* to not see them so can't test)

Mike, same KB is linked to in the article (well, forum post ) But better to have it more visible

 

[T3xas]

Known issues in this security update

• After you install this security update, some programs may not run. (For example, some video games may not run.) To work around this issue, you can temporarily turn on the service for the secdrv.sys driver by running certain commands, or by editing the registry.
  
  Note When you no longer require the service to be running, we recommend that you turn off the service again.
  
  Warning This workaround may make a computer or a network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3086255

That's it! Solved everything, thank you everyone who offered advise! I agree with Mellon Head though, it's unfortunate that we are forced to compromise security in order to continue enjoying old software. Hopefully someone can develop a fix for this.

 

[Mellon Head]

That's it! Solved everything, thank you everyone who offered advise! I agree with Mellon Head though, it's unfortunate that we are forced to compromise security in order to continue enjoying old software. Hopefully someone can develop a fix for this.

I'm glad you got it working.

As for a fix, I have a temporary one that I use. I made two batch files that I use to start and stop the secdrv service. That way I can run my games and then deactivate the secdrv service afterward.

To make them, open Notepad, and paste the following code inside:

[COLOR=black][FONT=&quot]start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc config secdrv start=demand"  
start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc start secdrv"  [/FONT][/COLOR]

Then save the file as "Start Secdrv.bat". The "bat" extension is very important.

Then clear notepad out so it's blank again, or make a new document and paste in the following code:

[COLOR=black][FONT=&quot]start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc stop secdrv"  
start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc config secdrv start=disabled"[/FONT][/COLOR]

Save that file as "Stop Secdrv.bat"

Close Notepad.

Then, when you want to use the affected software, run the "Start Secdrv" batch file, then run your software. When you're finished with the software and close the program, run the "Stop Secdrv" batch file.
That way you can still use the program, and security is preserved for normal computer use. The only time it is "un-secure" is when you're actually playing the game or using the affected software.

I have both batch files on my desktop for ease of use. It's two extra steps to play my favorite game, but until there's another fix, it works for me.

 

[ThrashZone]

Mike, same KB is linked to in the article (well, forum post ) But better to have it more visible

Hi yep but why not a direct link to the KB
Less looking around
Good research buddy

Fortunately COD 4 modern warfare is unaffected

Possibly old games need to be defined

 

[NoN]

That's it! Solved everything, thank you everyone who offered advise! I agree with Mellon Head though, it's unfortunate that we are forced to compromise security in order to continue enjoying old software. Hopefully someone can develop a fix for this.

I'm glad you got it working.

As for a fix, I have a temporary one that I use. I made two batch files that I use to start and stop the secdrv service. That way I can run my games and then deactivate the secdrv service afterward.

To make them, open Notepad, and paste the following code inside:

[COLOR=black][FONT=&quot]start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc config secdrv start=demand"  [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][COLOR=black]start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc start secdrv"  [/COLOR]
[/FONT]

Then save the file as "Start Secdrv.bat". The "bat" extension is very important.

Then clear notepad out so it's blank again, or make a new document and paste in the following code:

[COLOR=black][FONT=&quot]start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc stop secdrv"  [/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot][COLOR=black]start cmd.exe /[FONT=&quot]c[/FONT] "sc config secdrv start=disabled"[/COLOR]
[/FONT]

Save that file as "Stop Secdrv.bat"

Close Notepad.

Then, when you want to use the affected software, run the "Start Secdrv" batch file, then run your software. When you're finished with the software and close the program, run the "Stop Secdrv" batch file.
That way you can still use the program, and security is preserved for normal computer use. The only time it is "un-secure" is when you're actually playing the game or using the affected software.

I have both batch files on my desktop for ease of use. It's two extra steps to play my favorite game, but until there's another fix, it works for me.

You should have mentioned clearly that the registry have to be set before, to "manual" (set to 3) then run the .bat you gave above.

Or, you can edit the registry directly. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following subkey in the registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\secdrv
   
3. Right-click Start, and then click Modify.
4. In the Value data box, do one of the following:
   • Type 4 to disable the driver's service, and then click OK.
   • Type 3 to set the driver's service to manual, and then click OK.
   • Type 2 to set the driver's service to automatic, and then click OK.
5. Exit Registry Editor.

Might confuse some that might run the .bat directly.

 

[GokAy]

The bats do seem to set the service start type to manual (before starting) and disabled (after stopping) respectively.

Did they not run for you?

 

[Mellon Head]

They run for me, and I didn't adjust the registry.

 

[NoN]

They run for me, and I didn't adjust the registry.

After having set the registry to 3 (manual) when i run "Stop Secdrv.bat" it does stays to this 3 set manual.

I'll try with new default set to 4 disabled and run the start bat to see if it does change the registry to 3.

EDIT:

Set to 4, the registry doesn't change to 3 when running the "Start Secdrv.bat" on my machine.

Might the .bat enable the services Start/Stop to run when on desktop session only. Stop then reboot didn't change either to 4.

 

[crystalfyre]

hi i tried to create those .bat files and they wouldn't work it started and then immediately stopped, so i tried to switch to 3 manual and it still never worked. I went straight into cmd and tried to type the commands in manually and it came up with the error:
[SC] StartService FAILED 1058:

The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has n
o enabled devices associated with it.

and i don't know what to do from here any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mellon Head]

Did you run cmd as administrator?

 

[crystalfyre]

Never mind guys i got it working i just ran the game in compatibility mode for windows XP.

 

[MamaOsa]

in fall of 2015 windows published an "important" update that makes v2 Rosetta stone not work. A window pops up asking the used to log in with administrative privileges or some such. After some searching I figured out that the update is KB3086255. If you uninstall this, and don't let your computer automatically install it again (set the setting to where you choose which updates to install) your Rosetta Stone v2 with Student Management System will work fine in xp, vista, windows 7 and windows 8/8.1. I haven't had any adverse effects from uninstalling this that I am aware of.

This fix should work with other programs that require your computer to recognize an original disk in order to run I would think, as the reaction is the same...