Windows 10 allows you to share your files and folders over the LAN. It also empowers the user to secure the file so as it can not be deleted or get lost easily, by imposing grant permission to authorized access.
The “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error arises when as an administrator you intend to change the permission settings for others to access the folder.
The problem might appear quite tough to deal with but that’s not it is!
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What Is ‘Failed To Enumerate Objects In The Container’ Error?
The “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error is primarily a consequence of a conflict of permissions.
This error is quite prevalent in Windows 10. The shared content (file or folder) many times requires permission to access. While trying to change the permissions and failing to do so causes you to see the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error.
However, the two preliminary causes of this “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error are a disagreement over permissions and incorrect configuration.
How To Fix ‘Failed To Enumerate Objects In The Container’ Error in Windows 10?
In this article, I’ll show you how to fix this problem.
Though there are several methods available to approach the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” problem.
We as always been intended to present you with the most effective and best solution, in detail.
Even those who don’t have much hands-on over Windows 10 can very efficiently apply these methods; after going through the article.
Note:- The methods we will brief about requires an administrator account to implement them.
1. Change Folder/File Ownership
This is a very straightforward way to fix the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error.
This method of changing folder profile ownership is highly recommended by many Windows 10 users as well as Microsoft itself.
Let’s troubleshoot the glitch with our first and by far the most effective method:
Step 1: Select the target folder or file. Right-click on it.
Step 2: On the selection menu; choose Properties.
Step 3: On the next window, click on the Security tab. Then, navigate to the Advanced button at the bottom right corner.
Step 4: In the Advanced Security Settings, click on the Change link in the owner section.
Step 5: In the next pop-up box, enter your Windows user name under the table Enter the object name to select.
Step 6: Now click on the Check Names button. If the name gets underlined, then proceed to click OK.
Else hit the Advanced button.
Step7: Next, click on Find Now. You will see a list of names.
Choose one and click OK to continue.
Step 8: Go back to the Advanced Security Settings window.
In this panel, now check to ‘Replace owner on sub containers and objects’ and ‘Replace all child objects entries with inheritance permission entries for this object’.
Step9: Click Apply.
Step10: Click on the Add button.
Step11: Then, hit the ‘Select a Principal’ link.
Step12: In the box ‘Enter the object name to select’, write: “Everyone“.
Then, click on the ‘Check Names’ button.
Step 13: Click OK and close the windows.
Check out if the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error has been fixed by attempting to modify the permission for the target file or folder.
2. Disable User Account Control
Though the above method has very high efficacy to resolve the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error.
However, you can try out this approach provided the above method doesn’t work for you.
By changing the UAC settings, you enable your device to suppress the warning and thus can change the ownership easily.
Note:- To execute the action, you need to log in as administrator.
Step 1: Search ‘Change User Control Settings‘ in the search box.
You can launch the search bar using the key combination Windows & S.
Step 2: Scroll down the slider down to “Never Notify“. And, click OK to modify UAC settings.
Step 3: Reboot your system and try changing the permission for the affected file or folder.
If the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error is still prevalent, retry the first method.
3. Run CMD As Administrator
You can even utilize a couple of commands to eradicate this “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error using the command prompt in Windows 10.
Step 1: Press the keys Windows & R to launch the Run panel.
Step 2: Type cmd and use the key combination “Shift+Ctrl+Enter” to run CMD as administrator.
Step 3: Execute these commands in the CMD window:
i. takedown/F X:\Folder_Location
ii. takedown/F X:\Folder_Location /r/dy
iii. icacls X:\Folder_Location/grant Administrator:F
iv. icacls X:\Folder_Location/grant Administrator:F /t
Replace Folder_Location with the path of the target folder (eg C: Users\Neeraj\Photos\Family).
To find out the path of the affected file or folder, right-click on it. Go to Properties. Copy the folder address in the Location row.
4. Boot Windows In Safe Mode
If all the above ways fail to get you rid of the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error, then as a last resort give it a shot!
Step 1: Shut down your PC. Then hold the power key to turn it on.
As soon as Windows 10 starts, turn it down again.
Keep repeating the process until you enter winRE.
Step 2: In the winRE interface, you could see the “Choose an option” page.
In this navigate through Troubleshoot >> Advanced Options >> Startup Settings >> Restart.
Step 3: Your PC will restart automatically.
And, in the next booting process, you will find a list of options. Choose Option 5 to enter Safe Mode.
And, then re-attempt the first method.
Conclusion
Modifying permissions and ownership of files and folders can also put your system at the risk of malware and phishing attacks.
Therefore, follow the mentioned instructions religiously to avoid modifying files that shouldn’t be.
And always make sure that there’s a necessity to alter the ownership before proceeding.
We hope that this little service of ours would have been fruitful to you.
Don’t forget to draw your comments and share your experience if you find the detailed guide useful in rectifying the “failed to enumerate objects in the container” error.
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