Steps to Resolve ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE Issue

The ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE error, represented by the value 313 (0x139), is accompanied by the message “Operation is not allowed on a file system internal file.”This specific Windows error code signifies that an operation cannot be executed on a system file.

To resolve this problem, ensure that you possess administrative rights. Additionally, confirm whether the file is currently being accessed by another process.

How can I resolve the ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE?

1. Execute the action in Safe Mode

1. Open the Start menu on your taskbar, then click on the Power icon.
2. While holding the Shift key, click on Restart.
3. Once you reach the options screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Navigate to Advanced options and click on Startup Settings.
5. Press the Restart button.
6. After your computer restarts, press the number 4 on your keyboard to choose the Safe Mode option.
7. Now, attempt the action that initiated the ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE error.

2. Acquire ownership of the file

1. Click the Start button, type cmd in the search box, and select Run as administrator in the results.
2. Input one of the following commands, ensuring to replace the path with the actual location of your file:
   • takeown /f "C:\path\to\file"&& icacls "C:\path\to\file"/grant administrators:F
3. Try executing the operation on the system file that triggered the error.

3. Temporarily disable System Protection

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Within the System Properties window, navigate to the System Protection tab.
3. Under the Protection Settings section, select your desired drive (typically the C: drive) and click on Configure below.
4. In the new dialog, choose the option labeled Disable system protection.
5. Click Apply and then OK to confirm your adjustments.
6. A confirmation message will appear; click Yes to proceed with disabling system protection.
7. Now attempt the operation you were performing before you encountered the ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE.

If the ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE arises from an application requesting permissions, verify that the application is legitimate. If everything checks out, try running the application as an administrator to avoid this issue.

We hope the offered solutions assist you in resolving the ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED_ON_SYSTEM_FILE problem on Windows.

Feel free to ask any further questions or provide suggestions using the comments section below.