Cannot access Secure Desktop registry key


  1. Posts : 587
    Windows 7 x64
       #1

    Cannot access Secure Desktop registry key


    Somehow Secure Desktop - the dimming of the screen in conjunction with a UAC prompt - was turned off on my laptop. I learned that it can be toggled in the registry at:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\System

    However when I try to access that key I get:

    "System cannot be opened. An error is preventing this key from being opened. Details: The system cannot find the file specified"

    I discovered that I get the same error attempting to access this key on a different Windows 7 computer. I wonder if my security software is locking it? Any ideas will be appreciated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,049
    Windows 7 Pro 32
       #2

    Wrong path. Try this:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 587
    Windows 7 x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Tookeri said:
    Wrong path. Try this:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    Thanks, that was the problem!

    I had to add the 32 bit dword PromptOnSecureDesktop and set the value to "1". That enabled the switch to Secure Desktop (indicated by screen dimming) with UAC prompt.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,049
    Windows 7 Pro 32
       #4

    Additional info for anyone reading this thread as changing settings in the registry manually should only be done by experienced users:

    User Account Control (UAC) - Change Prompt Behavior for Standard Users

    From this Tutorial you can then find other Related Tutorials as a list at the end of the Tutorial. These Tutorials include .reg files you can use to set the values for different UAC settings.

    For Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate/Enterprise they also show how you can use the Local Security Policy editor or the Local Group Policy Editor to modify UAC settings.
      My Computer


 

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