Backup for Files - Cannot start backup manager, even as administrator

Written By Tami Sutcliffe (Super Administrator)

Updated at March 31st, 2021

Symptoms 

When logged on as a user with administrative privileges, starting the backup manager produces error messages such as: 

  • You do not have administrative privileges, so settings cannot be stored globally for this computer (in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE). 
  • Failed to store settings within your windows user's profile: Cannot load the profiles because the settings storage is not initialized. 

Possible Causes 

On a Windows 2003 Terminal Server that is not joined to a domain, the Administrators group can indirectly be a part of the 'Guests' group. By default, the backup manager explicitly denies members of the Guests group access to the application's registry keys.

Resolution

(WARNING!!! Editing the Registry improperly can prevent your computer from booting!!!)

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Start. Run. regedit.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\(yourcompany)\(yourbrand)\Settings. Right click the Settings key and choose Permissions. Remove the two entries in the permissions list that are denying access (should be the Guests group entry and the ANONYMOUS LOGON entry). Save changes.
  3. Start the backup manager. Go to the Options page. Advanced tab. Uncheck the 'Use Secure ACLs' and then save changes.