How To Fix ‘Failed To Enumerate Objects in The Container’ in Windows 10

Users of Windows 7, 8 and 10 often face an error. Generally, it occurs, while making changes to a file or folder. While modifying the permission settings for a folder, they encounter the error message “Failed to enumerate objects in the container.

Access is denied“. Access permission is an essential feature for folders. It is shared with multiple users. Particularly, if they have sensitive information to which access must be regulated.

However, one may face the error “failed to enumerate objects in the container” while changing something in the folder.

It can be either if one is not the administrator, or some incorrect changes have been made somehow to the permission settings. It will thus be impossible to access or make any changes to the file in a normal process.

Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container Error in Windows 10

When working with Windows or other operating systems, you may encounter a term called “enumerate objects,” especially when dealing with permissions or file access.

But what does this term actually mean, and what do you do if you come across the issue “Failed To Enumerate Objects in The Container”? This detailed, SEO-optimized article aims to provide comprehensive insights into the concept, common causes of errors, and solutions for resolving these issues.

What is Enumerate Objects?

Enumeration of objects refers to the process of identifying and listing individual items within a container object, be it a directory, folder, or any other form of data structure.

In the context of an operating system like Windows, this is often performed to identify files and folders within a specific directory, particularly for setting permissions or conducting file operations.

Core Reasons to Enumerate Objects:

  1. File and Folder Permissions: Understanding who has access to what in your system.
  2. Resource Management: Identifying what resources belong to which processes.
  3. Data Sorting and Organization: Simplifying complex data structures for easier management.

Causes of “Failed To Enumerate Objects in The Container” Issue

1. Insufficient Permissions:

You may not have the required permissions to view or change the permissions for a folder.

2. System File Corruption:

Corrupted system files can cause this issue by preventing the enumeration process.

3. Inherited Permissions:

Sometimes, permissions inherited from parent folders can conflict with the current folder’s permissions.

4. Malware Attacks:

Malware can modify system files and settings, leading to this error message.

5. Software Conflicts:

Another application may interfere with your ability to enumerate objects, especially if it has similar permissions.

How to Fix Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container in Windows 10

Nevertheless, there exist ways to solve Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container problem. We have provided some instructions to help you. Follow them to rectify this error.

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Solution 1: Change the Permission Settings

Following are the steps to change the permission settings:

Step 1: Once again, right-click on the folder. After that select Properties → Security → Advanced. You are in the Advanced Security Settings window.

Step 2: A new window will appear. Click on the “Add” option below the list of permission entries.

Step 3: Click on “Select a principal” in the new window.

Step 4: In the next window that will open, repeat step 5 to enter the username. Further, click on, OK.

Step 5: Back in the previous window (which appears in step 10). Check the boxes next to the permissions. It will grant full control. Following, click OK.

Step 6: In the window of step 9, check the box next to “Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object”. Then click “Apply”.  Lastly, click on, OK.

After all these steps are completed, open the folder. Lastly, check if the Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container error has been rectified.

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Solution 2: Change the Ownership

Step 1: Right-click on the folder. Then select “Properties”.

Step 2: Select the Security tab in the Properties window.

Step 3: In the Security tab, click “Advanced”.

Step 4: The Advanced Security Settings window opens. Click on the Change option. It is next to the Owner details in the upper portion of the window.

Step 5: You will see a new window opened called “Select User and Group”. Here, change the owner’s name. It can be done in two ways:

1. In the box titled “Enter the object name to select”, type the username. It is used to log into the Windows account. Then click “Check now” to find a list of matching usernames. Select the desired one. Finally, click, OK.

2. If you failed to do it firstly, there is a second way. Click “Advanced” in the “Select User and Group” window. A new window will appear. Click on “Find Now”. A list of names of all users and groups will appear. Select the intended name. Lastly, click OK.

Step 6: After selecting the username, return to the Advanced Security Settings window. Check the boxes next to “Replace owner on sub containers and objects” and “Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object”.

Step 7: Then click “Apply”. Then click on, OK.

Thus, you have successfully changed the ownership of the folder. Now change the permissions related to it.

Solution 3: What If You Are Unable to Change the Ownership

The above method should suffice in most cases. However, it is not possible to change ownership in this way. It is usually due to User Account Control (UAC) settings. So, the UAC settings must be changed to “Never Notify”. Follow the steps to do so:

Step 1: Firstly, log in as an administrator.

Step 2: Press Windows key + S. Type “User Account Control setting” in the search option.

Step 3: In the control panel, locate the slider. Drag it down to “Never Notify”. Now, click, OK.

Step 4: Reboot the computer. Check if the Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container error is rectified.

How Do I Remove “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container”?

Solution 1: Gain Ownership of the Folder

  1. Right-click the folder, go to ‘Properties’, then to the ‘Security’ tab.
  2. Click ‘Advanced’ and then ‘Change’ next to the owner’s name.
  3. Enter your user account, click ‘Check Names,’ and then ‘OK.’

Solution 2: Disable Inheritance

  1. Right-click the folder, go to ‘Properties’, then to the ‘Security’ tab.
  2. Click ‘Advanced’ and then ‘Disable Inheritance.’
  3. You can then convert inherited permissions into explicit permissions or remove them entirely.

Solution 3: Run SFC Scan

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and then follow on-screen instructions.

Solution 4: Check for Malware

  1. Run a full system scan using a reputable antivirus program.
  2. Follow the steps to remove any detected threats.

Solution 5: Update Windows

  1. Go to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update.
  2. Click ‘Check for Updates’ and install any available updates.

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Conclusion

Thus, these are the simple ways to solve the problem “Failed to enumerate objects in the container”. These steps to change the permissions and ownership make the computer vulnerable to possible security breaches or malware.

Hence, these are best avoided regarding files that don’t need to be changed. The above methods are recommended only when necessary.