Solved: Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container

David Darlington

Aug 04, 2023 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Windows 10 has the option to secure folders that hold important files so as not to be deleted or lost easily. Folders or files can be shared with multiple users sharing a local network. This access can be changed by the Administrator, but there are cases when the admin fails to modify access permission for users or other user groups, showing the "Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container. Access is denied" error.

OVERVIEW OF THE ERROR

In Windows 10, the folder permissions enable one to keep any content saved in a folder either public or private. This is a useful function for when you have important and sensitive files that should not be accessed by anyone but you. However, when you try to change permissions for a certain folder, there are instances when the error shows up.

The common cause of this particular error is that you do not have permission to change anything in the folder because the ownership is of some other account. If you do not have Administrator control, you will not be able to change anything on the folder or file. Another reason is that there are some incorrect settings on the folder that are configured without your permission.

HOW TO FIX THE ERROR

There are certain steps you need to follow to resolve the issue. These are simple and easy to do because they entail just a few changes in Windows settings. Here are some of them.

Note: Before trying anything, make sure that you have created a restore point. Attempting to fix this error involves changing system settings, which may cause system files or folders to crash or misbehave.

Method 1: Changing The Ownership Of File Or Folder

This method is by far the solution suggested by Windows and Microsoft experts. Other users have also said that this resolves the error.

1. Select the folder you want to change the ownership of and right-click on it.
2. On the selection, choose Properties.

1. The Properties window will open with multiple tabs on the top corner. Click on the Security tab and then select the Advanced button.

1. On the Advanced Security settings page, select the Change link found beside the details on the Owner of the file folder.

1. Select Advanced on the next window that pops up.

1. On the next page following, locate Find Now on the right side of the box and click it. A list of users will then appear on the search results box. Select the user account you want to give ownership of the folder or file to, and then press OK.

1. The window will then redirect to the Select User or Group initial page. This will indicate the user you selected. Click on OK to publish the changes.

1. On the Advanced Security Settings window pane, tick on the boxes labeled with Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and as well as Replace all child object permissions entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.

1. Select Apply to make the changes, and then click on OK after. After following these steps, you will now be able to access the file or folder by having successfully transferred the ownership to your preferred user or user group. You can now authorize changes made on the permissions of the file or folder.

1. To provide full access to folder or file for your chosen account, just right click on the selected folder or file and then choose Properties.
2. Go to the Security tab again and then choose Advanced.

1. Navigate to the Add button. This opens a new window called Permission entry.

1. Choose the Select a principal link and then select your user account.

1. Follow steps 5 to 7 to select the user or user group you want.

1. Tick the box labeled Full control on the Permission Entry window and then select OK.

1. . Tick on the box that says Replace all existing inheritable permissions on all descendants with inheritable permissions from this object, select Apply and then press on OK.

Now that the ownership of the file or folder has been changed, you can now twerk permissions without having to meet the Failed to Enumerate Objects in the container error.

Method 2: What To Do If Ownership Cannot Be Changed

There are cases where the steps above still cannot solve the problem, failing at changing the ownership of the folder or file. If this happens you can check on the UAC settings and change it to Never Notify to disable such settings. The User Account Control (UAC) setting can sometimes prevent users from changing anything on the system, especially with files that may affect the operation and execution of commands and programs.

Only do this if you still are not allowed to change permissions on folder or files after doing the first method.

1. Press Win + S simultaneously to open Search. Type in User Account Control Setting to open the window.

   

2. There will be a slider on the left side of the new window, ranging from “Never notify” to “Always notify.” Drag the slider down to Never Notify and then click OK to modify the UAC setting.

   

3. Reboot the PC and do the aforementioned steps on the first method to change the ownership of a folder or file again.

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   Method 3: Use the elevated Command Prompt

   Sometimes running a set of commands also helps to restore your system from the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” error in Windows 10. So, we suggest you use the elevated command prompt if the above two methods don’t work. For that, launch the Run utility by pressing Windows + R and type in “cmd” in the box. Now press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt with administrative permissions. Ensure that you have an administrator account, as you might need it to allow the Command Prompt to make changes on your device.

   

   If all goes well, next you have to execute the following commands. Don’t forget to press Enter in-between each command and replace “FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER” with the path to your affected file or folder.

   
   

   takeown /F X:\FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER
   takeown /F X:\FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER /r /d y
   icacls X:\FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER /grant Administrators:F
   icacls X:\FULL_PATH_TO_FOLDER /grant Administrators:F /t

   Now, close the Command Prompt and try to change the permissions for the file or folder affected and check if the error is gone.

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   Method 4: Start Windows 10 in Safe mode

   The easiest and most quick method you can follow to fix the error is by trying to restart your system in Safe Mode and then repeat the first method of changing the ownership of the file or folder. Since in Safe mode, the third-party services and programs don’t run, you won’t experience the issue of getting the file/folder lock issue. So, you should be able to easily access the folder or change its ownership accordingly. Also, if Safe Mode doesn’t work, you can try the same method in Safe Mode with Networking.

   To do so, hold down SHIFT and select the Power icon. Click Restart from it. The “Choose an option” screen will display on your computer. Go to Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

   This will restart your computer in Safe Mode and you can make ownerships in the folder.

   Important Note: To reboot your PC in Safe Mode, restart it normally. Then, as soon as the PC starts keep pressing the F8 key repeatedly. Various boot options will display, such as Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. Select the one according to the requirement and follow the above methods. You can also select 4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode, or select 5 or F5 to start your PC in Safe Mode with Networking.

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   Method 5: Run Chkdsk

   If you fail to fix the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” error after you use both takeown.exe and icacls.exe commands even when in Safe mode, it implies that there is a file system corruption. Therefore, it’s recommended to run the Chkdsk command on the affected partition.

   To run Chkdsk on the C:\ drive, run the CHKDSK /R C:\ command from administrator Command Prompt. Chkdsk will run at the next boot. Now check if the error is fixed

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   CONCLUSION

   Changing permissions and ownership of files and folders makes your PC more vulnerable and less secure, so always make sure that you are following the step-by-step instructions religiously to avoid modifying files that shouldn't be modified. Also, if the file does not necessarily need to be changed or modified, refrain from tweaking the settings to keep the system secure and working properly.

   You need to be sure that there is a need to change permissions before proceeding. If you want, you can also have a professional do the work for you. They understand the security risks and can take the necessary steps to protect your files, and advise you whether you do need permission changes.