Computer freezes with UAC Admin password

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Everyone always has good ideas so I am hoping someone recognizes this problem.

I have my computer set up with an Admin account and a User account. Normally, if I installed software through my user account, I would be prompted with the UAC dialog box and asked for my Admin password. I don’t mind as I understand it is better for safe computing.

About a month ago, after entering the UAC Admin password, it just hung. No big deal, I logged into the Admin account and installed it there. But after a few more of those situations, I realize that I have a bigger problem in that the User Account seems to be corrupted or disabled or something as it freezes WHENEVER the UAC Admin password is requested.

I don’t want to try to use the system restore feature as I have installed/un-installed too many things and it may not have enough history to get me back to that stage.

I have tried to search here and on the Internet and have not found any similar situations.

My last resort is to delete the User account and create a new one, but I was hoping someone would have a fix before I resorted to that drastic measure.

Anybody have an ideas?

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What happens if you change the standard user to an administrator?

Joe

--Joe

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I would run sfc /scannow

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Thanks for the ideas.

If I change the User Account to have Administrator privileges, then the software installs proceed as normal (after the UAC prompt without a password). However, if I change it back to a User account, then the problem returns.

I ran the SFC /SCANNOW and it came back with “no integrity errors”.

One other point I forgot to mention earlier. As stated above, the install application freezes when working in the User account and using the UAC Admin password to install software. Also, the Windows button (Start button) freezes in the “up” state when you right click an application and “run as Administrator” (e.g, when trying to run the CMD.exe application to run the SFC /SCANNOW command). Another example is when you run Task Manager in the User Account and want to “show all applications for all users”, it needs the UAC Admin password and then freezes. The only way to recover is to reboot the computer. When you do this, there is a dialog box displayed for a few seconds (and only a few seconds) which says:
“Too many other files are currently in use by 16-bit programs. Exit one or more 16-bit programs, or increase the value of the FILES command in you Config.sys file.”
I am not running any 16-bit programs that I am aware of. Is there any way to find out if there are any?

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Another example … I tried to create a System Restore Disk and it needed UAC. I cancelled it … but it still froze the “Backup and Restore Control Panel” window.

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Another update – tried to use another User account and had the same problems.

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If this behavior is something that just started occurring, have you tried a system restore to a date when you think all was OK?

Have you run full malware scans?

Is Windows 7 up-to-date with patches?

Have you added any hardware or software recently?

Joe

--Joe

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If this behavior is something that just started occurring, have you tried a system restore to a date when you think all was OK?
This started about a month ago. I thought it was an isolated incident and went on using the computer and adding/deleting programs and settings. I don’t feel confident going back in time unless I am prepared to completely re-install all software and settings. I can try it, but I would need to be prepared to format the drive and start over with a blank formatted drive.

Have you run full malware scans?
I have McAfee running at all times. I have also run CCleaner. Should I run something specific for Malware?

Is Windows 7 up-to-date with patches?
Yes.

Have you added any hardware or software recently?
No new hardware has been added. As above, I have added lots of software much of which I have uninstalled … but I cannot be sure I have uninstalled everything. Hence my comment about being prepared to re-install everything.

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Ran “Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100” and it came out clean.

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Did you inadvertantly change the password for the Admin account? Try changing it to a different password.

How is your UAC set to notify you?

Joe

--Joe

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I know the Admin password as I can log into the Admin account. Also, when I purposely enter a WRONG password, it says that the password is wrong and prompts me for the password again.

The UAC setting is: “Default – Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer.”

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Could this be something as simple as Right clicking and choose Run As Administrator while in the user account. I know that on my PC, I turned off the UAC all together, but I am the only person using this PC. Plus I have Up To Date Images so if I screw something up it’s a simple matter to restore to where I was before I screwed up. Heck I even turned system restore off as an unneccessary use of valuable real estate on my HD, but that’s me. I do not recommend doing this for everyone.

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Ted,

Thanks for the help, but while in the User account, if I right click and say run as administrator, it prompts me for the Admin password which I enter and then it freezes. If I do this by clicking Start, typing cmd and then right clicking the cmd.exe application. If I enter the Admin password when prompted, then the Start menu freezes in the open state and you can do anything except do a hard reboot (holding down the power button for 5-10 seconds).

Anybody have the best advice on the steps to rebuild a hard drive? I think I need to copy the USER data files to a USB drive and then uninstall all the apps (just in case some of them are counted by the vendor (e.g., McAfee). Any other gotchas that people know about?

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Hi Willy,

What happens if you change the UAC settings to Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer (do not dim my desktop)?
Does the computer still freeze?

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Rui,

No change in the way it performs – still freezes unfortunately.

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Rui,

No change in the way it performs – still freezes unfortunately.

Sorry, thought there was a small chance that it could help .

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I have not been able to find any other help about this. Have you tried to repair your installation?

Joe

--Joe

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I have not been able to find any other help about this. Have you tried to repair your installation?

Joe

Joe,

I have not had to repair my installation before so I will need to investigate how to do that.

On another note, I have watched in Task Manager and found that I think “Consent.exe” opens when advanced permissions (User account control) starts. It doesn’t end and if you use the UAC feature multiple times, it leaves multiple versions of the “consent.exe” open. Could this be the problem? Key question is what is the solution? I have started investigating problems with “consent.exe” and it seems that there are others with a similar situation. Any help would be appreciated.

Willy

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Insert your rescue media or Installation disk, and boot to it. Work through the time date stuff, then when the options appear choose repair installation and follow the prompts. This will repair corrupted files and hopefully fix your installation.

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An Update…

I re-installed Windows 7 (following the guidelines at http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html ) and tested the UAC problem. It took about 4-5 hours BUT the problem was GONE! Hurray!

I installed the recommended Windows Update patches and re-tested … and it STILL worked.

I installed all the optional Windows patches and retested – and the UAC failed again. The “consent.exe” application was showing in the Task Manager for !!each time I had attempted something.

… and so that is where I stand. I guess my next steps are to use the Restore feature to reverse out the optional patches and add them back one at a time. Any other suggestions or tips on using the Restore feature?

Thanks for your help!

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Have you changed any of the Windows services settings?

I saw in another thread where someone fixed this issue by running a chkdsk and letting it repair sectors.

Joe

--Joe

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Hi all…

I used the Windows Restore to restore back to just after I had re-installed Windows. I then was prompted to install all the 45 Windows updates and 12 optional updates. After walking away from my computer for a bit, I came back and it had started installing 12-15 of the 45 automatically. I let it finish and had 30 updates. I chose to install them in batches of 1, 4, 7, or so at a time and tested each time. I then installed all the security updates which were older than 2 months. I then installed the remaining 10-12 updates one at a time!!! On the last one (KB 2442962) it broke again. I uninstalled it and worked again. I did a search for the KB number and found a number of others with problems – not all the same.

So it seems that MY problem is with this update. I need to prevent it from loading and then go on and install teh remaining 12 optional updates at a casual pace.

I would be curious to hear if others find this KB 2442962 update to be a problem.

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So it seems that MY problem is with this update. I need to prevent it from loading and then go on and install teh remaining 12 optional updates at a casual pace.

When it shows in the updates list to be installed, you can simply right click and choose Hide Update. It won’t be installed and won’t be offered any more.

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I too have been frustrated with this condition on my Lenovo. Thanks to canerican for isolating KB 2442962 as the source of the problem which allowed me to search and find documentation that this patch (which is part of SP1 also) is incompatible with Lenovo’s Veriface program. The advised solution was to uninstall Veriface. I did and that fixed it. I never used or needed facial recognition login anyway so I don’t miss Veriface at all. Hope this helps others who may still be scratching their heads with this.
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_update/windows-update-2442962-stops-uac/fde29f02-b916-4770-a665-05ebd954b4a3

Hi all…

I used the Windows Restore to restore back to just after I had re-installed Windows. I then was prompted to install all the 45 Windows updates and 12 optional updates. After walking away from my computer for a bit, I came back and it had started installing 12-15 of the 45 automatically. I let it finish and had 30 updates. I chose to install them in batches of 1, 4, 7, or so at a time and tested each time. I then installed all the security updates which were older than 2 months. I then installed the remaining 10-12 updates one at a time!!! On the last one (KB 2442962) it broke again. I uninstalled it and worked again. I did a search for the KB number and found a number of others with problems – not all the same.

So it seems that MY problem is with this update. I need to prevent it from loading and then go on and install teh remaining 12 optional updates at a casual pace.

I would be curious to hear if others find this KB 2442962 update to be a problem.

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Willy CanAm,
After reading through the posts on this thread, i see this is another example of ..”if it ain’t broke …don’t fix it” I have Three OS’s (Vista and “7 32 and 64 ) All working …with all programs ….and all without one patch or update….Zero …Zip …Nada. I use a 3rd party security program (Norton Internet Security 2011 ) and run “Malwarebytes” occasionally. My Vista Has been running this mode for over a year and the “7’s” for a few months.I also have two more OS’s with all Patches and updates for a control.. both of these OS’s exhibit “quirks” and “buggyness”…You never know what will manifest when you boot these “guys” up. In my opinion if your system is working ( all programs installed ) and you apply patches and updates …i ask you what have you to gain ? …Can you make your OS better than “Everything is working ” ? think about it Regards Fred

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Willy CanAm,
After reading through the posts on this thread, i see this is another example of ..”if it ain’t broke …don’t fix it” I have Three OS’s (Vista and “7 32 and 64 ) All working …with all programs ….and all without one patch or update….Zero …Zip …Nada. I use a 3rd party security program (Norton Internet Security 2011 ) and run “Malwarebytes” occasionally. My Vista Has been running this mode for over a year and the “7’s” for a few months.I also have two more OS’s with all Patches and updates for a control.. both of these OS’s exhibit “quirks” and “buggyness”…You never know what will manifest when you boot these “guys” up. In my opinion if your system is working ( all programs installed ) and you apply patches and updates …i ask you what have you to gain ? …Can you make your OS better than “Everything is working ” ? think about it Regards Fred

Sorry, Fred,if you don’t mind, a clarification here – are you advising that people do not apply security fixes to their operating systems?

Regards

Rui

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Sorry, Fred,if you don’t mind, a clarification here – are you advising that people do not apply security fixes to their operating systems?

Rui

Rui,
No… what i have stated is that i don’t use “patches or updates” ( P/U’s) from “MS” security or otherwise … I said that i use a 3rd party security program … “Norton Internet Security 2011” and “Malwarebytes” for my security…. As stated, i have now 3 OS’s that do not have one “Patch or Update” (MS) My reason is to get people to start thinking for themselves and get off the “patch to patch patches merry-go -round” .I have found that through my experimenting, that patching a working system only leads to “shooting yourself in the foot”.(unless there is a specific reason.EX: some installed program needs something to run…like .NET stuff) . Also using a 3rd party security program then removes you completely from the MS patch merry-go-round. I never have to worry about “Patch Tuesday” I think everyone should hear all sides of an “argument” Regards Fred

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Rui,
No… what i have stated is that i don’t use “patches or updates” ( P/U’s) from “MS” security or otherwise … I said that i use a 3rd party security program … “Norton Internet Security 2011” and “Malwarebytes” for my security…. As stated, i have now 3 OS’s that do not have one “Patch or Update” (MS) My reason is to get people to start thinking for themselves and get off the “patch to patch patches merry-go -round” .I have found that through my experimenting, that patching a working system only leads to “shooting yourself in the foot”.(unless there is a specific reason.EX: some installed program needs something to run…like .NET stuff) . Also using a 3rd party security program then removes you completely from the MS patch merry-go-round. I never have to worry about “Patch Tuesday” I think everyone should hear all sides of an “argument” Regards Fred

Hi Fred,

I think it is wrong to think Norton Internet Security will protect you against all threats. In fact, no program will ever do that, free or paid. You never thought that to escape, let’s put it this way, Microsoft’s grip, you are throwing yourself into Symantec’s own grip? For someone who doesn’t rely on Microsoft, it’s funny how you just choose to “worship” Symantec, instead. It’s like their programs are flawless! Have you ever considered that although Symantec will surely want to sell as many copies of their software as possible, even their own ultimate advice will be to patch a fault that places you at risk? I actually never saw anyone advising not to patch security bugs, but you!

From a personal point of view, I have no problem with your opinions, I know enough not to follow them when I think you are wrong (and I think you are wrong in this case). I think it’s a bit more problematic when you use a Moderator’s title and express opinions such as this one. Of course, not because of the opinions contents, but because some members may not have the technical knowledge to understand the risks of such an opinion and there are too many members here whose knowledge of computers and computer security is, clearly, very basic. I wonder if the stance of Windows Secrets as an organization that publishes such a respected newsletter, regarding Microsoft’s security patches, is one of not recommending they are applied by their readers. I wonder that, because as moderator in their own forums, some users may well understand that your positions carry an official seal, so to speak.

I say this most respectfully and I only choose to say it because, for one, as you say, all opinions must be heard. I also think a risky laden opinion such as yours should not pass without a challenge. I guess millions of “botted” PCs around the net also speak strongly against it.

Regards

Rui

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I think it is wrong to think Norton Internet Security will protect you against all threats. In fact, no program will ever do that, free or paid. You never thought that to escape, let’s put it this way, Microsoft’s grip, you are throwing yourself into Symantec’s own grip? For someone who doesn’t rely on Microsoft, it’s funny how you just choose to “worship” Symantec, instead. It’s like their programs are flawless! Have you ever considered that although Symantec will surely want to sell as many copies of their software as possible, even their own ultimate advice will be to patch a fault that places you at risk? I actually never saw anyone advising not to patch security bugs, but you!

Rui

Hi Rui,
Ok… Fair enough points… lets address them

1. Placing your “security eggs in one basket” is risky but as i have said i use Norton 2011 ( 360 before) and Malwarebytes… So far a year into this experiment with Vista, and a few months with “7” …”no problemo”

2. Yes, and so far Nortons updates… have not caused any problems with Vista or “7” Can’t say that for the “fully patched “… Vista and “7” So i would rather be in “Symantecs Grip” Than have my OS bloated out with MS patches… Have that data too.

3. Once again …i never said that i don’t patch or update security…. I said that i don’t use “MS” Security or Updates… Think i called them “PU’s”. And all i say is to “think about it” and decide for themselves. Instead of listening to the patch , patch, unending drone. Answer me this … If you OS is working (all software up ) to what benefit is there by applying a patch or update ( not talk’in security)

4. Yes as a “moderator” ( probably for not much longer) I’m sure people are aghast that i am always poking a stick at the “sacred cow”.. but to my credit i have based my opinions on actual facts … IE: i have actually done this, and continue to experiment with my OS’s… things most would consider “crazy” and would be afraid to try.

5. So as i have stated in other posts if Ya-all want only one opinion .. one side of an argument … then you probably don’t, and won’t like what i have to say …. you can always ..Demand your money back.. Regards Fred

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Hi Fred,

I will address several of your points too.

1. Placing your “security eggs in one basket” is risky but as i have said i use Norton 2011 ( 360 before) and Malwarebytes… So far a year into this experiment with Vista, and a few months with “7” …”no problemo”

I did a quick google search. Will just point out some situations where NIS seems to have failed:

How do I delete the infected files that Norton AntiVirus won’t?
My Norton anti-virus has been infected! What do I do?
NIS11 should be suspended

NIS is a security app, it will fail, like all will fail. Your experience is just that, yours. Other people use different apps, have different habits. Pretending your experience subsumes all there is…

2. Yes, and so far Nortons updates… have not caused any problems with Vista or “7” Can’t say that for the “fully patched “… Vista and “7” So i would rather be in “Symantecs Grip” Than have my OS bloated out with MS patches… Have that data too.

I am sorry, are you comparing a security app with an OS? Are you that desperate to bash MS?

3. Once again …i never said that i don’t patch or update security…. I said that i don’t use “MS” Security or Updates… Think i called them “PU’s”. And all i say is to “think about it” and decide for themselves. Instead of listening to the patch , patch, unending drone. Answer me this … If you OS is working (all software up ) to what benefit is there by applying a patch or update ( not talk’in security)

I am glad you stated that. Anyone who read your reply to Willy CanAm could understand otherwise. Security patches don’t really fix something that you could be seen not working… or if you saw it, that would be a very bad sign.

4. Yes as a “moderator” ( probably for not much longer) I’m sure people are aghast that i am always poking a stick at the “sacred cow”.. but to my credit i have based my opinions on actual facts … IE: i have actually done this, and continue to experiment with my OS’s… things most would consider “crazy” and would be afraid to try.

Having been there, I do think posting as moderator is not the same thing as posting as a regular user, because your opinions do carry more weight and will impact on the image of the organization you moderate for – both positively and negatively.

Regarding facts, considering the millions of Windows users, do you really think your experience is representative enough to think your facts would be applicable for every Windows user? Also, in the name of an unbiased opinion, have you ever used MSE with your PC, the same way you use NIS and found MSE to fail in anyway? If not, Fred, how can you state that your facts prove anything, except that NIS suits your habits?

Also, I have no sacred cows. What it seems to me is that you don’t like Microsoft. That is your problem, but you could really post facts instead of opinions, regarding MSE. Maybe that would make me think that you can really base your opinion of MSE on facts, past the tired and tiring MS bashing stance.

Regards

Rui

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Just a different take on your problem.

You said it took 4-5 hours to install windows 7. I put this on a very old test machine amd 1600 with 514 mb memory and its not even supposed to work It took about 1 hour to install . Could you have a sudden memory failure in one module. If you did a system defrag how long would it take . Remember installing windows taxing memory a lot and your 4-5 hours raises flags.

Bob

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I would be interested to hear other responses. The one thing that may differ is that I was doing a re-install of Windows 7 over an existing install. I think (although I don’t KNOW) that it probably backed everything up and then moved everything back since I didn’t need to reinstall any applications or documents.

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I had the same problem on my vista 32 bit lenovo G530 laptop

when i tried to start some exe file, there is no response and there is consent.exe shown in the task list
When i logout or shutdown, error message “Too many other files are in use by 16-bit programs. Quit one or more 16-bit programs, or increase the file value in the FILES command in your Config.sys file.”

I have to reboot to start some programs i need to run. they are definitely not 16 bit programs

There is one answer here. i followed his path and cleaned a trojan horse backdoor.generic13.pwr and a virus worm/autorun.ic
http://www.vistaheads.com/forums/microsoft-public-windows-vista-general/342084-consent-exe.html
I fixed an annoying screensaver popup ad. but i still have this problem

next,
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals
I used autoruns, reduce the active process number from 130 to 70. the problem has been gone in the next reboot.(but the problem could show up before if i let the computer up for a while. I am not sure) i had to start some extra program in the bootup. now process# is about 90. and I am having program again.

very frustrated. this lenovo laptop has been running fine for more than 1 year. i got this problem about 3 weeks ago. I bought another lenovo win7 64 bit laptop. and i am seeing the error message too “Too many other files are in use by 16-bit programs.” but haven’t seen the consent.exe in the task manager yet.

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You could try disabling McAfee then trying to open the cmd window as admin. If it works then I would get rid of McAfee and replace it with the free MSE which uses far less resources.

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