Hi everyone,
I recently set up a fresh Windows installation on my Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-71), using a local account with administrator privileges. However, I'm facing a serious issue: I don't have full access to system folders like C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86). I can't modify, move, or delete files inside these folders—even though my account is in the Administrators group and UAC is configured properly.
The folder ownership is set to TrustedInstaller, and even when I try to adjust permissions through the Security tab, the options are greyed out. I attempted to take ownership via PowerShell, but that caused system instability, so I reverted the changes.
I'm a software developer, and many of my projects require unrestricted access to these directories to install custom tools, configure environments, and debug applications. This limitation is seriously affecting my workflow.
Before I uninstall any OEM software, I’d like to ask:
- Could any preinstalled Acer applications (such as Acer Configuration Manager, PredatorSense, or Dynamic Application Loader Host Interface Service) be enforcing restrictions on system folders?
- Is there an Acer-specific policy or service that limits access to
Program Files for local admin accounts (the same happens with linked Microsoft accounts, not just with local ones)? - What is the recommended way to safely gain full access to these folders without compromising system stability?
Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
