Windows 8 problem

I have installed Windows 8 pro, installed all updates available, then activated using KMS.

##THE PROBLEM:
- Whenever I try to launch any program that requires to be run as administrator, I get an error message, like the ones attached, stating the path to the program's .exe and "unspecified error".

- When right-clicking the .exe or shortcut and choosing "Run as administrator", it runs properly.

## Some Notes:
- On a freshly installed Win 8, i.e. without updates installed or activation, the expected behavior of a dimmed screen with a pop-up asking you to launch the program as administrator, aka the UAC window, appears normally.
- I tried reinstalling twice with the same outcome.
- The UAC settings are set to Windows' default "Notify me only when applications try to make changes to my computer". Also tried to turn UAC off by setting it to "Never notify me", but the problem persists.
- Whatever thing responsible for this behavior starts in a delayed mode; as when trying to launch the task manager for instance by right-clicking the taskbar before the desktop is fully loaded, it launches without the described error. Trying to disable all the delayed start services; namely Software protection, Security Center, and Windows Search didn't solve the problem.
- I have en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso, the 1st result displayed in MS's MSDN subscriber downloads, with
SHA1: 22D680EC53336BEE8A5B276A972CEBA104787F62
- I even suspected the usb stick I used to install and changed it, but again in vain.

Any help is appreciated.

You are activating against KMS? Is this a pirated copy of the software, because I highly doubt you have a legit KMS key.

@pparks1
Activation is not part of the problem; even before activation and only after installing all updates available the problem appears.

To run as administrator automatically see the 2 pictures---



The one above is for Shortcuts.
The one below for programs or files.

@medab1 I don't think it's applicable to do that for every application that requires an elevated permission; especially that even the MS components, for instance the Task Manager and the Device Manager etc., have the same problem.

Any other ideas of the real cause of the problem?

UNForces said:

@medab1 I don't think it's applicable to do that for every application that requires an elevated permission; especially that even the MS components, for instance the Task Manager and the Device Manager etc., have the same problem.

Any other ideas of the real cause of the problem?

Click to expand...

No more ideas.
I wish I had some.

Do the programs even run without admin rights?

Hopachi said:

Do the programs even run without admin rights?

Click to expand...

- As I have described in the 1st post
"When right-clicking the .exe or shortcut and choosing "Run as administrator", it runs properly." Other than that the screened error appears.
- In case I didn't make the problem clear enough; this problem is only encountered when trying to launch a program which requires an elevated permission including those internal components of Windows like the Device Manager and the Task Manager etc..

Hi there
KMS activation ??? -- sounds like the KMS server is not genuine --- are you SURE you haven't been using one of those KMS activators found on KAT or "The Bay".

Some of those KMS activators are used for example to "convert" a retail copy of Windows (or more usually Office) to a VL copy and then activate it (180 days before the next activation is required). However while these *might* work -- or usually do in the case of Office 2007 / 2010 / 2013 they don't work often with Windows itself -- and you can hose up even a Legitimate copy of Windows if you try and use an unofficial or unlicensed KMS server or what you often find on Torrent sites - a KMS server emulator.

Attempting to update a "dubiously activated" copy of Windows can cause all sorts of unpredictable problems -- symptoms of which can be like you are experiencing.

Your best bet is to totally re-install Windows from scratch and hope your key hasn't been blacklisted by Ms.

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks guys for your tries to help. I just refreshed Windows 8 using a USB, the same one used in a previous installation by the way, and installed all the updates AGAIN and the same antivirus and the problem just disappeared!! Activation was preserved in case someone is wondering.

- I will not mark the thread as solved as this is not considered a solution anyway.