Windows – Create folder on system32\driverstore\filerepository

driverswindowswindows 7

One of my installation (itunes) is failing because of a path not found.

The question:

I need to create a folder in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\ and copy to that new folder some files. I get access denied, I'm admin.. When I saw the privileges – only user System can write there but I've no idea how to acquire this user(I never created it).

Long story:

Itunes fails because it doesnt find the location of usbaapl64.inf. It looks for that file in C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\usbaapl64.inf_amd64_neutral_ca639d07023cb608 which indeed doesnt exists, but I search where the installation get this path from (stored in some files/registry/device manager) and I didnt find where this path is store. I do have the location C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\usbaapl64.inf_amd64_neutral_c111aaecb61e9a2b so what I though was to create that location and copy the files to there. I really tried everything in order to fix that failed installation, this is the last resort.

Among things I tried (I scanned google and apple support, so I dont really remember the most) to install previous release, update apple usb drivers from the driver manager, split the apple installation to 3 (application support, mobile device and itunes), restart win between uninstall & install, clean the computer from left overs with verities of programs, clean the registry(plus clean it from anything that contain ca639d07023cb608), and I guess more things that I probably forgot…

Best Answer

Normal NTFS Permisions on folder C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\ are System - Full Control, and Everyone - Read & Execute.

I you really want to copy into this directory you can do the following:

  • Right click the folder, click Properties
  • Click the Security tab
  • Click the Edit button.
  • Now add your account and give it Full Control
  • Click Ok
  • Click Yes at the "Windows Security"-prompt
  • At the "Error Applying Security"-prompt click Continue once and Cancel at the next
  • Click Ok at the "Windows Security"-prompt

You can now copy files/folder into this directory.

To get control over all the other directories you could "Get Ownership" of this folder but that's not recommended. (you already have read access of those)

Related Question