[Solved] Failed to Enumerate Objects Error

The Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container error message indicates that Windows could not properly access or identify the contents of a particular folder or directory. Several causes, such as incorrect permissions on that folder, an issue with local security settings, or a problem with the storage media itself, can cause this.

Common Reasons for “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container Access is Denied”

You might encounter the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container Access is Denied” error on your computer for several reasons. In this section, we will discuss some of the most common causes of this error and provide insight into why they occur. Understanding these reasons can help you identify and resolve the problem more effectively.

1. Incorrect Permissions: The most common reason for this error is having incorrect permissions set on the file or folder in question. Inadequate access rights can prevent you from viewing or accessing the objects within the container. Ensuring that you have the proper permissions in place is vital to resolving this issue.
2. Corrupt System Files: Corrupted or damaged system files can cause various errors, including the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in Container” error. Running system file checks and disk repair tools like CHKDSK can help identify and resolve such corruption.
3. Malware Infection: Malware or other malicious software can potentially disrupt the proper functioning of your operating system, leading to this error. Ensuring that your computer has an up-to-date antivirus installed and running a thorough system scan can help identify and remove any malicious software that could be causing the problem.
4. User Account Control (UAC) Settings: UAC is a Windows security feature designed to protect your computer from unauthorized changes. However, if the UAC settings are set too high, they can block essential processes and cause the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” error. Adjusting your UAC settings to a lower level can help resolve this issue.
5. Improper System Configuration: Sometimes, incorrect system configuration settings or registry entries can cause enumeration failure. In such cases, using command-line tools like SFC and DISM can help repair the configuration and restore normal functioning.
6. Damaged Storage Media: In rare cases, the storage media itself (e.g., hard drive or external drive) may be damaged or failing, causing the enumeration error. Running a disk check utility or using disk diagnostic tools from the manufacturer can help identify such issues and potentially resolve them.

Understanding these common reasons behind the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container Access is Denied” error can help you more effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Ensure that you check each cause methodically and apply the fixes outlined in the rest of this article to regain access to your files and folders.

How to Fix Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container

Boot Your Computer in Safe Mode

When encountering a failed to enumerate objects in the container error in Windows, it is important first to boot the system into Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a computer operating system diagnostic mode designed to start in a limited state. It is used to access and troubleshoot the system when it is no longer possible to do so in normal mode.

Safe Mode can help you identify and fix problems preventing your computer from booting normally. By booting first in Safe Mode, you can avoid further damage to the system and potentially determine the cause of the failed-to-enumerate objects in the container error.

Step 1: Restart your computer and hold F8 to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: In the Advanced Startup window, click on Troubleshoot and select Advanced options.

Step 3: Click on Startup Settings.

Step 4: In the Startup Settings window, press F5 on your keyboard to enable the safe mode with networking.

Manually Change the File or Folder Permissions

Changing the file or folder permission is a common practice to fix various errors, including the “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” error. This error occurs when a user does not have access rights to view or access the objects in the folder.

Windows allows files and folders to be shared with multiple users on a shared local network; by changing the file or folder permissions, users can give themselves the proper access rights to view and access the objects in the folder. Changing the file or folder permissions can also help prevent other errors.

Step 1: Press Win + E to open the files explorer.

Step 2: Right-click on the file or folder and select properties.

Step 3: Go to the Security tab and click the Advanced button.

Step 4: In the Advanced Security Settings window, you will see that the file’s owner is TrustedInstaller. Click the on Change.

Step 5: Type your user account name and click the Check Names button OK. (Windows will automatically check and complete the full object name.)

Step 6: Check the Replace owner on subcontainers and objects box, then click the OK button.

Step 7: In the Properties window, click the Advanced button.

Step 8: Click the Change Permissions button.

Step 9: On the Permission entry window, Click the Add button and click on Select a principal.

Step 10: Again, enter your user account name, click on the Check names button; it should be identified and listed, then click the OK button.

Step 11: Tick the Full control box and click the OK button.

Step 12: Check the box for Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries.

Step 13: Click OK and then Yes in the confirmation prompt.

Disable User Account Control

Disabling user account control (UAC) can be a viable solution for fixing the Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container error. UAC is a security feature of Windows that can prevent certain changes from taking place on the operating system.

It is a safety feature that prevents malicious software from making changes to the system. If UAC is disabled, it can allow changes that would otherwise be blocked. Disabling UAC could thus potentially fix the Container access is denied error by allowing the necessary changes to occur.

Step 1: Open the Start menu and type in Change User Account Control Settings.

Step 2: Drag down the slider towards the Never Notify option.

Step 3: Click the OK button to save changes and restart your computer.

Use the Elevated Command Prompt

A command prompt is a powerful tool for troubleshooting and resolving errors. It can fix many mistakes, including the ‘Failed to enumerate objects in the container’ error. An incorrect permissions setting typically causes this error, and the command prompt can be used to identify and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open the Start search bar and type cmd.

Step 2: Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

Step 3: In the command prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each command.

(Replace the PATH with the path to your affected file or folder.)

takeown /F X:\PATH

takeown /F X:\PATH /r /d y

icacls X:\PATH /grant Administrators: F

icacls X:\PATH /grant Administrators: F /t

Step 4: Close the command prompt and change the file or folder permissions.

Run CHKDSK

Corrupt or missing system files or registry entries typically cause the error. By running chkdsk, you can scan and repair your computer for these issues, potentially resolving the error and allowing it to function again. Chkdsk is a powerful and effective tool that can help you fix this error quickly and easily.

Step 1: Open the Start search bar and type cmd.

Step 2: Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

Step 3: Type chkdsk C: /F /R.

(replace C: with the actual letter of the drive with the affected file)

Step 4: Wait for the scanning process to finish, and it will automatically fix the errors.

Step 5: Restart your computer.

Run SFC Command

Running System File Checker (SFC) is a powerful tool to repair your computer’s corrupted or missing system files. It can fix many errors, including the “Failed to enumerate objects in the container” error.

This error occurs when Windows cannot read certain files or folders necessary for proper functioning. You can replace any damaged or missing files by running SFC and restoring the system to its original state, which can help fix the error and keep your computer running smoothly.

Step 1: Open the Start search bar and type cmd.

Step 2: Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

Step 3: Type the following command: SFC /scannow and press Enter.

Step 4: After the scanning process, restart your computer.

Run DISM Command

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line tool used to repair Windows image files and can be used to troubleshoot and fix various Windows problems. The error occurs when the Windows system attempts to access a file or folder that either does not exist or is inaccessible due to permission issues. Fortunately, DISM can often fix this error and allow the user to access the file or folder.

Step 1: Open the Start search bar and type cmd.

Step 2: Run the Command prompt as an administrator.

Step 3: Type the following command: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and press Enter.

Edit File Permissions

The error occurs when a user tries to make changes to files or folders owned by the Trusted Installer user group. Users can regain access to the file or folder by editing the permissions without involving the Trusted Installer user group. The process of editing file permissions is relatively simple, and the steps will vary depending on the operating system used.

Step 1: Press Win + E to open the files explorer.

Step 2: Right-click on the file or folder and select properties.

Step 3: Go to the Security tab and click the Edit button.

Step 4: Edit the changes by selecting Full Control and clicking the OK button.

Frequently Asked Questions About Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container