hi, i got this annoying problem when installing programs and it happens for more than 1 program. I've googled this problem but cannot find a solution.

PROBLEM:

when i install some programs (e.g. K-Lite Codec), the installation stops and an error message appears saying:

Error Creating Registry Key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\ MLS
RegCreateKeyEx failed; code 5
Access is denied

OPTIONS: Abort / Retry / Ignore

when i click IGNORE after 5 times the installation continues and completes but i get errors using the program.

the solutions i found on the internet were to enter regedit and go to the file and change the permission so it can be accessed but when i got to the file another error message appears saying:

Cannot open MLS: Error while opening key

This error also appear when i try to open alot of other keys - access denied.
It doesnt work on safe mode either. please suggest solutions - thanks

Hi shaker29,

Welcome to PCHF.

Go back to safe mode, except logon with the username "Administrator". You will need to remember the password that was assigned to this account when you first set the PC up.

Also, whilst your logged on as Administrator, go to My Computer, Control Panel, User Accounts. Make sure your account is set as "Computer Administrator" and not "Limited Account".

Hi, I went on safe mode and checked the user accounts but i am already set as administrator so its still not working - if tried to see if its a virus or spyware that is causing this but i havnt found anything.
thanks anyway - any other suggestions

Shaker, you logged on as username "Administrator" instead of your own name whilst in safe mode?

Can you also try creating a new computer administrator account, and then see if your have problems whilst logged on as that account?

Yes i did what you said and logged on as administer in safe mode.

I'll create a new account and check if it works.

I created a new account with administrator settings but the problem still arises.

My only solution would be to reinstall windows xp again but the only problem is i have a licenced windows but i dont have a legit xp CD to reinstall - is there a way to reinstall xp without the CD and keep it licenced?

Or if you have any more ideas to fix the error code 5 problem that would be good.

Thanks

OK Shaker, the only thing I can suggest is to go back to safe mode, administrator, and try and set full permissions for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software and and all subsequent keys after that. If you still get errors when setting these permissions, as administrator, you have the option to take ownership of these keys.

Whilst in Permissions window, click on Advanced, and click on the Owner tab. You can take ownership of the key from here.