How to Fix the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” Error?

In Windows, the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” error is received whenever a user attempts to modify permissions on a folder or file.

Most often, this error occurs when permissions are improper, or the file permissions have been corrupted.

There are a number of problems that can cause frustration, but fortunately, they can be fixed. However, in this article, we will explain to you how you can easily fix this problem without any hassle.

What is the meaning of the “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” Error?

In Microsoft Windows operating systems, the error “Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container” refers to permissions errors.

The problem occurs when a user attempts to modify permissions or ownership of a folder or its contents, but the system cannot apply the changed permissions or ownership to the entire folder.

What are the Causes of this Error?

System failure indicates that the specified container (folder) cannot enumerate (list) the objects (files and subfolders).

This enumeration is required by the system for the permissions or ownership settings to be applied to all objects within a folder.

Moreover, a variety of factors can contribute to the problem, but these are often among the most common:

1. Insufficient Permissions: No permissions are assigned to this user account to modify this folder or file.
2. Corrupted File Permissions: If the folder or file’s permissions are corrupted, the system cannot list it or modify it properly.
3. Inherited Permissions Issues: Conflicts and errors can occur due to inherited permissions from parent folders.

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How do you troubleshoot failed to enumerate objects in the container error?

This issue can be resolved conveniently and easily thanks to a few simple steps. Then, you will be able to assign user permissions easily to a folder by tweaking the Windows settings. I’d like to show you some of them.

Fix 1: Set your account as administrator

In most cases, the error occurs because the user’s account is not set up as an administrator. Here’s how you can make it one:

1. In the Windows search field, type cmd.
2. Using the right-click menu, select Run as administrator in the Command Prompt window.
3. You should click Yes when User Account Control asks you if you wish to allow changes.
4. Here is the command to paste in the new window: net user administrator /active:yes

5. Then, hit Enter key.

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Fix 2: Take Ownership (Via Properties Window)

This error prevents you from accessing specific folders. To prevent this, you can take ownership as follows:

1. If you are unable to access a folder, right-click on it and select Properties.

2. On the Security tab, click Advanced.

3. Click Change under Owner.

4. Afterward, in the Select User or Group section, type in your username or Administrator and click Check names.

5. On the next screen, select your account and click OK.
6. You can mark those checkboxes to replace the owner on subcontainers and objects as well as replace the permission entries for child objects with permission entries from this object.
7. Tap on Apply, and then OK.

8. To edit permissions on the folder, go to Properties > Security tab, and under Permission, select Edit.
9. If you are using a group (for example, the User group), select Full Control.
10. Click Apply and OK.
11. Reopen the Properties window for the problematic folder and click the Security tab.
12. On the list, you should see Everyone present. It should be included if it isn’t already.
13. Scroll down and click Advanced.
14. In the Permission entries section, click Add (or click first).
15. In the Principal section, click Select a principal.
16. Enter Everyone in the field, click Check names, and then click OK.
17. If the problem persists, close all the windows and try again.

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Fix 3: Take Ownership (Using CMD)

It may work if you use an elevated Command Prompt instead of the method above.

Using the same method as before, open Command Prompt as administrator.

You will need to copy and paste each of these commands into the Command Prompt and then press Enter each time:

(Please replace FOLDER PATH with the path you are trying to access. It may be look like this: C:\ or G:\Documents – you can find the path in File Explorer’s address bar.

takeown /F X:\FOLDER PATH
takeown /F X:\FOLDER PATH /r /d y
icacls X:\FOLDER PATH /grant Administrators:F
icacls X:\FOLDER PATH /grant Administrators:F /t

You can now close the Command Prompt.

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Fix 4: Suppress Warnings

When you access the User Account Control Settings, you can disable the notification option, which will enable you to change folder permissions without seeing any pop-up or notification. Follow these steps to change folder permissions using this method:

1. Go to the Start menu and search for UAC in the search bar. In the search result, click Change User Account Control Settings.
2. In this section, you will find a slider. Slide the slider to Never notify. Once you’ve finished, click OK. Press Yes if a permission dialog box appears.

Once this is done, restart your computer. Make sure folder permissions are set once the computer is restarted.

Using this method, you’ll be able to assign permissions to the folder very quickly.

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Fix 5: Disable Inheritance

It is possible for parent folder permissions to cause conflicts with child folder permissions. It can be helpful to disable inheritance and convert inherited permissions to explicit permissions.

1. Initially, right-click on the folder or file and select “Properties.”
2. Go to the “Security” tab.
3. Select “Advanced”.
4. To disable inheritance, click on “Disable inheritance” in the Advanced Security Settings window.
5. If prompted, select “This object’s inherited permissions are converted into explicit permissions.”
6. For the changes to take effect, click “Apply” and then “OK“.

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Fix 6: Use Third-Party Software

Third-party software can be used to manage file permissions if manual methods do not work or are too complex. TakeOwnershipEx and NTFS Permissions Tools simplify the takeover and permission changes process.

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Fix 7: Reinstall Windows

If all else fails and you continue to experience permission issues, you might need to reinstall Windows.

The use of this troubleshoot method should only be considered after trying all other methods unsuccessfully.

1. If you plan to reinstall Windows, make sure to back up all critical data to an external hard drive or a cloud service before you do so.
2. Windows installation files can be created with the Windows Media Creation Tool.
3. Using the Windows installation media, boot up and follow the on-screen instructions. This will help you to reinstall the operating system.
4. If you have backed up your data, you can restore it after reinstalling Windows.

So, that’s all we have for you on how to troubleshoot the Failed to Enumerate Objects in the Container issue. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We hope it has been helpful. Please comment below if you would like more information.