program can't modify an INI file in subfolder of Program Files (x86)

I have this small utility that has to be hand-installed, so I created a Utilities folder in Program Files (x86) and copied the program files into that folder.

Everything works as expected, except that the program can't modify its INI file, which is in that same Utilities folder.

I started to play with the Security tab in Properties for the Program Files (x86) folder, but I'm reluctant to change owners, etc, because I'm afraid that I could screw up the entire folder.

Is there a workaround for this issue, or do I have to accept the fact that this small utility was last released in the Windows 7 days and i'm stuck with this limitation with the INI file?

x509

In a similar situation [probably ini files for NirSoft utilities], I ran the utility in an unprotected folder and set up its options/settings before copying its ini file into a folder for long term use [in your case that would be copying it into the Program files folder you made for it].

By the way, I don't put my own tools and utilities within Program Files. I created a folder of my own for them and applied permissions that match those used for Program Files - any changes need Admin permission so I cannot accidentally edit a tool.
- Just like with Program files folders, the Admin permission needed to alter anything applies only to that occasion - the permission does not persist & needs to be repeated for future changes.
- I have a set of subfolders within C:\Tools so I can see what's going on.

1 Create folder C:\Tools
2 Properties, Security, Advanced
3 Disable inheritance, Confirm convert them into explicit permissions
4 Edit - Authenticated users, Read & execute - Apply
{this sets Read & execute, List folder contents and Read}
{check Users is also Read & execute, as I would expect it to be}
5 Owner, Change - Administrators [note the plural - this means any Admin account can change the contents subject to confirmation in the Admin challenge that appears]
6 Replace owner on subcontainers & objects

I write my batch files etc in a separate drafting folder and copying them into C:\Tools becomes, in effect, the act of publication.

Denis

I took your advice and create a Program Files (special) top - level directory. I put my problem utility in a folder inside this main folder, and now that utility can modify its .ini file no problem. Thanks for the suggestion. And i'm giving you reputation thanks.

x509