How to fix “The access code is invalid. [ERROR_INVALID_ACCESS (0xC)]” – Error Code 12

Overview

In this article, we’ll focus on resolving the issue described as: “The access code is invalid. [ERROR_INVALID_ACCESS (0xC)]”. This error, identified by the error code Error Code 12, can impede your system’s performance, and here’s how you can fix it.

Identifying the Problem

Error Code 12 falls under the “Access Denied” category, indicating that a request was made to access a resource or perform an operation that the user or system is not authorized to perform. It can occur in a variety of situations, such as:

• Attempting to access a file or folder without the necessary permissions
• Trying to execute a program that requires elevated privileges
• Accessing a network resource that is not accessible from the current location

How to Fix “The access code is invalid. [ERROR_INVALID_ACCESS (0xC)]”

Solution 1: Check File and Folder Permissions

• Right-click the file or folder experiencing the issue and select “Properties”.
• Navigate to the “Security” tab.
• Verify that the current user has the necessary permissions (e.g., Read, Write, Modify) for the file or folder.
• If needed, grant the required permissions and save the changes.

Solution 2: Run the Program as Administrator

• Right-click the program’s executable file and select “Run as Administrator”.
• This will elevate the program’s privileges, allowing it to access resources that may have been restricted for standard users.

Solution 3: Disable Antivirus Software

• Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with system operations.
• Temporarily disable antivirus software and try accessing the file or folder again.
• If the issue is resolved, re-enable antivirus software and exclude the affected file or folder from scanning.

Solution 4: Check Network Settings

• Ensure that the network connection is stable and the firewall is not blocking access to the resource.
• Check if the resource is accessible from other devices on the network.
• If necessary, adjust firewall settings or network configurations to allow access.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Solution 5: Use the SubInACL Tool

• Download the SubInACL tool from Microsoft.
• Open an elevated Command Prompt and navigate to the directory where the SubInACL tool is located.
• Run the following command: subinacl /subkeyreg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options /grant=everyone=f
• This will grant everyone full control permissions to the Image File Execution Options registry key.

Solution 6: Use Process Monitor

• Download and install Process Monitor from Microsoft.
• Run Process Monitor and filter by the process experiencing the issue.
• Check the “Operation” column for any “Access Denied” entries.
• Review the “Path” and “Access” columns to identify the specific file or resource being accessed and the type of access being attempted.

Conclusion

Error Code 12 can be a frustrating issue, but by following the solutions outlined above, you should be able to resolve it effectively. Remember to check file and folder permissions, run programs as administrator, disable antivirus software, check network settings, and consider advanced troubleshooting methods if needed. By ensuring proper permissions and configurations, you can maintain the integrity and smooth operation of your system.