Every program (browser, Discord,..) doesnt open due to "denied access"

Kibo · 21 Jul 2022

Version 21H1 (Build 19043. 1826)

Hey guys,

I am quite hopeless.

I started my PC this morning and the first thing I noticed was the error message "msedge.exe can''t be opened due to "unknown software exception" (0x80000003) at this point [some error code]". Okay... I opened it again and edge was all black and crashed with the same error. When I opened the windows settings: Every time I got to the "Main menu" of the settings there was the error message "msedge.exe can't be open due to denied access". This seemed very unrelated since I just started the settings of Windows, but the "denied access" didn't stop there. I tested opening Discord and I had the same error. I don't have access..... Even when trying to opening it with "administrator rights". Nothing works. I was scared that I might have caught a virus or anything like that. This PC isn't really mine so I spamed F2, F10 and Del all at once to open BIOS (it doesn't show during post) and there I happened to open a sort of testing menu of HP (This PC was bought from HP apparently and it was the HP PC Diagnostics UEFI). There, I was able to test functionality of all my components (Hardware basically). This test took 4h and another 4h for just testing the drives (SSD (OS) and HDD (miscellaneous)) and everything was working properly (So it can't be a hardware problem?). I'll try to include a QR Code, though I'm not sure if the quality is enough for that. My phone can't scan that. And again, everything seemed good there.

About the "denied access". I wanted to look into that and if there was anything suspicious. I found something quite weird. 4 "unknown users" with a "S-14-1248521...." kind of name. These profiles could only "read" and "read and execute".

I'm close to just suggesting buying a new SSD, doing a clean install and move every relevant data to other one and then nuke the old one to the ground.

I know, everything I describled sounds like a virus, but that's a virus I haven't heard anything about. This problem went from 0 to 100. What if it's just a register problem? Or a prior booting problem and now I just need to do a couple other steps in terms of changing settings since this problem is somewhat known? Rn, I just want to know what the least amount of work and investment is for the solution of this problem. You can always clean install for every little thing, but it's idiocy obviously.

That sums up about everything.

Sincerely,

Kibo

dalchina · 22 Jul 2022

Welcome to tenforums.

I just want to know what the least amount of work and investment is for the solution of this problem. You can always clean install for every little thing, but it's idiocy obviously.

I can certainly tell you what I'd do to resolve such a problem quickly, easily and reliably - and those who've been members of tenforums will already be able to guess... a solution that's endlessly recommended by members, but needs you already to have been doing one thing regularly and routinely...

Restore your system to a previous good state using a recently created disk image.

Then it should run exactly as was. Time taken- maybe an hour or two, a routine task requiring e.g.
- a disk image file containing and image of all Windows' partitions
- a bootable disk for the disk imaging program (e.g. Macrium Reflect - the free version is fine for many people.

But I guess neither you nor the owner have been using disk imaging.

Had you been, you could have avoided a potential clean install, and have a full backup of all data,

4 "unknown users" with a "S-14-1248521...." kind of name.

- I don't recall seeing a problem with anything like that reported myself...

I have no idea if you can fix this.

I suggest that before attempting any sort of change or repair - if that's even possible- you ensure immediately that you create a backup of all data on the PC from program license codes to internet favourites, email - if there's an email client on the PC - and contacts, note of any particular settings etc

Then try a couple of elementary preliminary checks:
a. run
chkdsk C: /scan
from an admin command prompt
(if you can...)
b. if ok similarly run
SFC /SCANNOW
Report if that passes.

System Restore
I'm going to guess that if you try using System Restore (have you tried that? Do you have any restore points?) it will either fail to start or complete, or prove inadequate.

See if that is available and runs. Advise the result.

Otherwise- can you boot to Safe Mode?
If so, do you see any particular issues?

TairikuOkami · 22 Jul 2022

Kibo said:

There, I was able to test functionality of all my components (Hardware basically). This test took 4h and another 4h for just testing the drives (SSD (OS) and HDD (miscellaneous)) and everything was working properly (So it can't be a hardware problem?).

My first guess would be a damaged HDD/RAM, but since you have performed this test, it should be fine?!
In this case a simple repair install should do, if not, then there really is a hardware problem or a virus?

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

dalchina · 22 Jul 2022

Maybe.. but I'd suggest it's safer to do the backup and elementary preliminary checks I suggested first, which are a natural follow-on from hardware checks .. and then attempt the System Restore.

Why? There's something really odd about the extra user accounts being created... an in-place upgrade repair won't touch those.

Plus, if the registry is affected, a System Restore is more appropriate.

joeandmarg0 · 23 Jul 2022

Are you able to Clean Boot and see if it is a software issue?
A tutorial is available on this site,if you are not familiar with the procedure.