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unable to rename catroot2 folder

great one 15 Reputation points
2025-12-04T20:12:12.0966667+00:00

when i try to rename the catroot2 folder either by going into folder maunally

i get a message saying more or less that the folder is in use by another program and doesnt allow it

when i try with the command prompt ( yes with admin)

i get a access denied

PS C:\Users\scoot> ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

ren : Access to the path 'C:\Windows\System32\catroot2' is denied.

At line:1 char:1

  • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  • 
    + CategoryInfo          : WriteError: (C:\Windows\System32\catroot2:String) [Rename-Item], IOException

    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : RenameItemIOError,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.RenameItemCommand

thinking theres a issue with the cryptograph service not stopping in services.msc

i try there and get error 1052

the software distribution folder was able to get renamed not sure whats causing the catroot2 to not be able

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T23:23:58.8466667+00:00

    Did you try to rename folder using Recovery environment's command prompt? Please show a photo of the rename command and the result.

    Please answer.

  2. Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T23:30:16.56+00:00

    You do not want to answer. I suppose, you do not need help in fact. Or maybe you wait for some magic.

  3. Igor Leyko 107.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T23:35:39.2366667+00:00

    I'm trying to help you. But you do not want to follow my recommendation. What is your goal?

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  4. _AW_ 64,056 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-12-06T00:41:32.6466667+00:00

    Sometimes the CryptSvc doesn't stop in time and usually it's enough to call net stop cryptsvc twice.

    Copy and paste all commands at once into an admin Command Prompt then press enter.

    net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv

    If you still don't succeed, try running the commands straight after rebooting.

  5. _AW_ 64,056 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-12-06T03:05:28.3866667+00:00

    Follow method one in the link below to boot into The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) Command Prompt.

    https://windowsreport.com/boot-to-command-prompt-windows-11/

    The Command Prompt in WinRE will point to 'X' drive. To determine which drive letter is your Windows installation, enter bcdedit

    Scroll to Windows Boot Loader and note the partition letter. It's usually C or D.

    bcdedit

    Assuming it's C type C: at the Command Prompt > press enter

    Next cd Windows\System32 press enter

    Then ren catroot2 catroot2.old press enter **make certain it's catroot2

    Close out the Command Prompt and click Continue.

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