How to Unlock System32 in Windows

Take control of your computer and make the changes you need to files in the System32 folder. Sometimes a single corrupt system file can cause your entire system to go haywire. However, Windows 7 and Vista were both designed to minimize access to these files, which makes changing things difficult. Through some simple commands using the command prompt, you can make the necessary changes and get your computer up and running.

• 1

  Log in to your computer using a user account with "Administrator" privileges.

• 2

  Hit the "Windows" key and type "cmd" in the search box. Hold down "Ctrl" and "Shift" while simultaneously pressing "Enter." This will open an administrator command prompt. You will be prompted to verify that you want to allow this program to make changes to your system. Select "Yes."

• 3

  Open the System32 folder, usually in your "Local Disk C:" Windows folder. Select the file that you would like to modify or delete. In the Windows Explorer Address bar, right-click and select "copy address as text." Paste this information into Notepad so you can see it at the same time as your command prompt.

• 4

  Type the following command to take ownership of a file, and note the spacing between characters. Replace the file name and location provided below with the name and location of your file that you copied into Notepad.

  takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\zh-CN\msprivs.dll.mui.

• 5

  Type the following command to give you rights to make changes to the file, again replacing the file name and location provided below with the name and location of your file, and where Username is your Windows user name.

  cacls C:\Windows\System32\System32\zh-CN\msprivs.dll.mui /G Username:F

• 6

  Modify or delete the file that has been giving you problems.