"Access Denied" when trying to fix problems

[RogerAF]

I got an "unexpected error trying to fix problems" message. Spybot S & D could not access the file C:\Windows\System32\..\hosts saying "Access Denied". I tried using 'My Computer' to change the properties and remove the "Hidden" from the folder and all sub-folders, but ran into the same thing. If I click on "Retry" nothing happens. If I click on "Ignore All" it seems to change everything, but opening properties again on the C:\Windows folder shows that it is still Hidden.

Does anyone know how to get around this?

Thank You,
Roger

[Zenobia]

Files being hidden shouldn't affect that.

A couple questions,they might help to find out what might be going on.(So don't just think I'm an awfully nosy person.) :D:
What operating system are you using(Windows 7,Vista,XP,Etc.)?
Do you have Zone Alarm firewall?

Could you run a 'Check for Problems' scan,and when it's done,rightclick somewhere in the results window and select Copy results to clipboard,then paste the results here?

[spybotsandra]

Hello,

That is due to an infection.
Please delete your old host file.
Where the hosts file is located depends on your Windows version.
Windows 2000/XP/NT: C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc
Windows 95/98: C:\windows\hosts

Then download a new host file on this site (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt).

Copy the whole text.
Then create a new txt file on your desktop and name it hosts without any extensions.
Then paste the text into it and store the file at the same place like mentioned above.

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps:
1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
4. After the new window appears select the View tab.
5. Put a checkmark in the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders.
6. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types.
8. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
9. Press the Apply button and then the OK button and shutdown My Computer.
10. Now your computer is configured to show all hidden files.

Or have a look at this page (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/hiddenfiles.mspx) to see how to show hidden files and folders.

Best regards
Sandra
Team Spybot