Solved Activation Error 0XC0000022 (Access Denied)

Hairy Scot

Power User
VIP Member
Power User
Messages
220
After some issues with security after a recovery last week I did a clean install of my Windows 8 Pro X64 system.
I now get the Windows Activation Windows popping up periodically but when I try to activate I receive an error code 0XC0000022. (Pic attached).
I tried the activate over the phone but I did not have the Installation ID.
Ran "SLUI 3", entered product code, got the "your key works message" but then got 0XC0000022. (Second pic)
Tried SLUI 4, enter "New Zealand" and again got 0XC0000022 (pic 3) and then a window with no id (pic 4).

As usual MS support's response is the usual bull poo "refresh", or "reset", or "clean install", despite the fact that I had just performed a clean install, or "re-install Win7 and upgrade again".

Would appreciate any help or info.

Thanks in advance. :eek:

EDIT: I did run SLUI 3 and 4 from an elevated command prompt.
 

Attachments

  • windows activation error.PNG
    windows activation error.PNG
    6.6 KB · Views: 556
  • windows activation error 2.PNG
    windows activation error 2.PNG
    6.9 KB · Views: 364
  • windows activation error 3.PNG
    windows activation error 3.PNG
    13.6 KB · Views: 458
  • windows activation error 4.PNG
    windows activation error 4.PNG
    11.7 KB · Views: 378

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
Don't know about Win 8 - but in 7, this error is often caused by problems with the SPLDR device/service.

(Have you EVER used Norton software on this machine?)
Please run the following commands, and post the results.
REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\spldr /S

REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_SPLDR /S
REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\Legacy_SLSVC
REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\Legacy_SPPSVC

They may show something


Here are some instructions to make life easier :)
1) To open an Elevated Command Prompt Window (the ECP window), click on Start, All Programs, Accessories – then right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator. Accept the UAC prompt.
2) To run the commands easier, highlight the block of commands, and right-click on the highlight – select Copy. In the CP Window, click on the black/white icon at top left – select Paste. The commands will run but may not complete the last command, so hit the Enter Key once.
3) To copy the results... click on the Black/White icon in the top left, and select Edit... 'Select All', and hit the Enter key - then use Ctrl+V or r-click+Paste to paste it into your response.


(you'll have to adjust the instructions for Win8 - but it's fairly close!)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
No Norton products were ever installed on the PC.

Results of commands attached.

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.2.9200]
(c) 2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\spldr /S
ERROR: The system was unable to find the specified registry key or value.

C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_SPL
DR /S
ERROR: The system was unable to find the specified registry key or value.

C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\Legacy_SLS
VC
ERROR: The system was unable to find the specified registry key or value.

C:\Windows\system32>REG QUERY HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\Legacy_SPP
SVC
 

Attachments

  • Command.PNG
    Command.PNG
    8.1 KB · Views: 361
  • command.txt
    664 bytes · Views: 514

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
Hmm - I'll have to test (I thought the spldr device still existed in Win8, but I may well be wrong, with the other changes they instituted in the Software Protection services)

back soon :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
Subscribed to this thread because all of a sudden sunday my working install started saying my windows isn't activated. And all methods have lead me to this same access denied and error code. Hopefully this can get figured out. I even tried doing a system restore, then tried a system refresh. Trying to avoid doing a re-install over something as stupid as this considering my install was activated just fine and running fine for the last 5 months.

EDIT: Also Noel, tried running those commands on mine and got the same results that the registry entry can not be found.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
OK - it seems that MS made more changes than I thought, and the SPLDR device (and almost all other LEGACY devices) no longer exist.
We'll have to go through it the long way, then.

Please post the Application and System Event Logs...

Please open Event Viewer

In the left pane, navigate to the Windows Logs

right-click on Applications and select 'Save all events as...' save as Apps.evtx

repeat for the System logs - save as Sys.evtx

Compress both files, and attach to your reply.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
Subscribed to this thread because all of a sudden sunday my working install started saying my windows isn't activated. And all methods have lead me to this same access denied and error code. Hopefully this can get figured out. I even tried doing a system restore, then tried a system refresh. Trying to avoid doing a re-install over something as stupid as this considering my install was activated just fine and running fine for the last 5 months.

EDIT: Also Noel, tried running those commands on mine and got the same results that the registry entry can not be found.

Please start a new thread of your own - there are many reasons why Windows may show as being non-genuine, and they all look the same at first.
Please include exact details of your own errors, and what you've already attempted.

Please open an Elevated Command Prompt window (in Start, type 'Command' - a Command Prompt icon will appear, right-click on it, and select Run as Administrator)
At the Prompt, type

Licensingdiag.exe -report %userprofile%\desktop\report.txt -log %userprofile%\desktop\repfiles.cab

(note the spaces!)
two files will be put on your desktop -
open the 'report.txt' file in Notepad, and copy/paste the results to your response - you can ignore the repfiles.cab file for the moment, as it's only backup data
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
I've been playing with my VM - and may have a solution

Please follow the instructions below (written for Windows 7, so may need a little adjustment!)

Open Windows Explorer (Computer)
Navigate to the C:\Windows folder

Find the System32 sub-folder and right-click on it
select Properties


Clear the 'blob' from the 'Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)' box by clicking on it until it's plain white.
Click on Apply.Make sure that the radio button for 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files' is set, and click OK.
Accept the Administrator prompt.
After a couple of seconds, you'll be told there is an error - click on the 'Ignore all' button.
Wait for it to finish - it could take a couple of minutes.
OK out, and exit Windows Explorer.

Reboot twice
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
OK - it seems that MS made more changes than I thought, and the SPLDR device (and almost all other LEGACY devices) no longer exist.
We'll have to go through it the long way, then.

Please post the Application and System Event Logs...

Please open Event Viewer

In the left pane, navigate to the Windows Logs

right-click on Applications and select 'Save all events as...' save as Apps.evtx

repeat for the System logs - save as Sys.evtx

Compress both files, and attach to your reply.

I get message "Event Log service is unavailable. Verify that the service is running"

Tried to start it and got "Error 5: Access is denied"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
I've been playing with my VM - and may have a solution

Please follow the instructions below (written for Windows 7, so may need a little adjustment!)

Open Windows Explorer (Computer)
Navigate to the C:\Windows folder

Find the System32 sub-folder and right-click on it
select Properties


Clear the 'blob' from the 'Read-only (Only applies to files in folder)' box by clicking on it until it's plain white.
Click on Apply.Make sure that the radio button for 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files' is set, and click OK.
Accept the Administrator prompt.
After a couple of seconds, you'll be told there is an error - click on the 'Ignore all' button.
Wait for it to finish - it could take a couple of minutes.
OK out, and exit Windows Explorer.

Reboot twice

Tried that.

No difference.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
While searching for info on the Error 5 on starting the Event Log I came across an article which suggested ensuring that "LOCAL SERVICE" and "NETWORK SERVICE" had full access to %WINDIR%\System32\WinEvt\Logs.
I did that and was able to start the event log.
I then struck me that the actions I had taken in solving an access problem after a recovery from a backup might have contributed to the activation problem.
So I took the bull by the horns and gave "LOCAL SERVICE" and "NETWORK SERVICE" full access to all of the C drive.
That did solve the activation problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
Thanks for that solution! - I'm not sure it's a totally advisable one, as it's likely to leave the system vulnerable to malware.
The problem now is that it's effectively irreversible except by doing a reinstall. :(
A more selective approach would have been better, and less likely to lead to problems down the line - make sure that you keep good backups!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
Thanks for that solution! - I'm not sure it's a totally advisable one, as it's likely to leave the system vulnerable to malware.
The problem now is that it's effectively irreversible except by doing a reinstall. :(
A more selective approach would have been better, and less likely to lead to problems down the line - make sure that you keep good backups!

Yep, well aware of that.
But since I had no idea what to select and since I was looking at a reinstall in any case...............................

It's not really irreversible. I can just redo what I did to fix the issues after the recovery. :eek:

I run aVast Internet Security, Malwarebytes and Acronis True Image Nonstop Backup, so I reckon I should be OK.


Thanks for all your help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
You're welcome - good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 64-bit and Win8 32-bit in VM (+ others in VM)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K52F
    CPU
    i3
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    it's an i3 :)
    Sound Card
    Conexant (rubbish - or it may be the speakers)
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Internet Speed
    whatever I can get - G3
Hello I had the exactly same error as Hairy Scot. I have read all of your replies here but I don't exactly know what you guys did to solve the activation issue, I would really appreciate if you can give me a hand with that, specially on the LOCAL SERVICE and NETWORK SERVICE configuration, thanks in advance!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Hello I had the exactly same error as Hairy Scot. I have read all of your replies here but I don't exactly know what you guys did to solve the activation issue, I would really appreciate if you can give me a hand with that, specially on the LOCAL SERVICE and NETWORK SERVICE configuration, thanks in advance!

You can add LOCAL SERVICE and NETWORK SERVICE with the required access via the Security Tab in Properties for the drive.

It solved the problem, but as NoelDP says it is not an ideal solution.

I ran that way for a few weeks but then decided to do a re-install just to be on the safe side.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
I am on the Security Tab in Properties but I can't find where to add the LOCAL and NETWORK SERVICE, sorry for my ignorance, would you be so kind to post an image? And, what happens if I add them and then perform the Windows 8 activation, so when its done I undo the changes? Thanks in advance
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
Thank you, it did made it clear, but I receive "Access Denied" pop up window when trying to save, any idea why?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Thank you, it did made it clear, but I receive "Access Denied" pop up window when trying to save, any idea why?
You need to be logged in as administrator and you need to have ownership of the drive.

Perhaps it may be best, and safer to perform a re-install.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3601 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-B75M-D2V
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 1600MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force GT 610
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2913WMP
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital WD10EZEX-00RKKA0 1TB
    Seagate ST2000DL003-9VT166 2TB
    Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB
Back
Top