I've discovered that the folder c:\windows\Downloaded Program Files\ where IE puts ActiveX plugins that have been installed … is seriously locked down in windows 8.1
The situation I'm seeing is that we've got a web scanning plugin that in win 7, one can manually install if they're having issues – just copy the correct DLL into c:\windows\Downloaded Program Files\ then the plugin should work just fine.
And in win 7 it works like that. However, while working with a user who had windows 8.1, he was unable to write to that directory and unable to do anything with permisions for it even when running as local administrator.
I found the same to be true on my windows 8.1 system
REPRO:
on win7 as an administrator, try copying some random innocuous file to
c:\windows\Downloaded Program Files\
It works fine
Repeat (also as an administrative user) on a machine running Windows 8.1
it won't let you
I recognize that this is likely a security measure to help fight malware… but I'm stymied… is there any simple fix that won't involve hacking the registry, killing a service, or otherwise opening up the PC to major security issues and/or instability?
(I'm ok with "no" but I'd like to ~know~ rather than guess here)
It also begs the question "how in heck to valid plugins get installed there then?"
Best Answer
I agree - I have same behaviour under Windows 8.1 when using File Explorer. I don't know what you can do about that.
However, I find that if I run an elevated Command Prompt I am able to successfully
dir/del/copyon"C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files"to manipulate the files there as I need, so perhaps that would do for you/your user?