Member Avatar for sneekula

On Windows7 I am trying to read file
C:\programdata\microsoft\application virtualization client\SoftGrid Client\sftfs.fsd
using a Python program, but I get a PermissionError.

How do I get permission?

Why does folder programdata not show in the Microsoft file manager/explorer?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by RobertHDD

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Generated

As found, that ProgramData location is intentionally hidden by Windows; that’s why Explorer didn’t show it. The PermissionError when your Python script tries to open sftfs.fsd usually means one of two things: your account/process lacks read access to the file, or the file is held open exclusively by the virtual‑client service (SoftGrid/App‑V) and Windows blocks other readers.

Quick checks and safe first steps

  • Open the ProgramData folder directly (type %PROGRAMDATA% into the Run box) so you can see the exact path.
  • Run the script from an elevated prompt (start an Administrator cmd or run Python “as administrator”) to see whether it’s an ACL problem or a lock.
  • Use a tiny test to reproduce and capture the exception:
path = r"C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Application Virtualization Client\SoftGrid Client\sftfs.fsd"
try:
    with open(path, "rb") as f:
        print("Opened OK, first 1024 bytes:", len(f.read(1024)))
except PermissionError as e:
    print("PermissionError:", e)

If elevation doesn’t help

  • Inspect the file ACLs (run as admin): 
    icacls "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Application Virtualization Client\SoftGrid Client\sftfs.fsd"
  • To grant read just to your user (only if you understand the risk): 
    icacls "C:\...\sftfs.fsd" /grant "%USERNAME%:(R)"

    If the file is locked by the service, stop the specific Application Virtualization/SoftGrid service temporarily (Services.msc) or use a shadow copy technique to get a readable copy. Use Sysinternals Process Explorer or Handle to find the process holding the handle before stopping anything.

Cautions

  • ’s warning is valid: changing ownership or sweeping permissions on system folders can break things. Back up first, limit permission changes to the single file, and prefer copying the file to a safe folder and working on the copy rather than altering system ACLs.

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for RobertHDD

right click on the file or folder go down to properties click security and it should have change permissions I dont know though last time I did that It locked my HDD and I couldnt boot

Member Avatar for sneekula

Tough to do if the folder does not even show up.

Member Avatar for RobertHDD

Oh ok

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

It's a hidden folder. You have to enable "Show Hidden Folders, Files and Drives" in folder view.

Member Avatar for sneekula

What is folder view?

Got into it using help.

Edited by sneekula
Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

In an Explorer window

Organize >- Folder and Search Options

Click on the View tab.

Member Avatar for sneekula

Thank you! Just a little MS game of hide and seek?

Member Avatar for RobertHDD

I like messing around with hide and seek when finding something

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