Discussion on How to take Ownership of a File in Windows Vista

August 3, 2010: 12:15 pm
Respected authorities: Tremendous effort ! Most appreciated... Regards

July 27, 2010: 12:30 pm
Hi, I've tried endlessly to take ownership of the proof.en file but it keeps prompting that the "system cannot find the file specified". I've noticed several people had the same issue so I hope that by writing I can get it resolved. Thanks in advance. C:\Users\Admin>(takeown /f C:ProgramFilesCommonFilesMicrosoftSharedOFFICE12Offic eSetupControllerProof.en) ERROR: The system cannot find the file specified. C:\Users\Admin>

July 19, 2010: 5:33 pm
how do i remove the permission now ??? ii need help !!!

July 19, 2010: 4:45 pm
ok so i am stuck on step 4. i kept on typing takeown/f but still getting a message saying its invalid. Need Help Please!

July 13, 2010: 10:29 pm
Thanks Altaf, you are a savior. Whatever you said worked great for me:) thank u so much

July 10, 2010: 5:40 am
How to install external EDGE modem M-2G3 (2.75g) in windows 7 ?

July 8, 2010: 8:51 am
In Vista If you are trying to own the Proof.xml for Microsoft office, then no need to go through all the above steps to own the file..... just right click on Proof.xml and go to 'properties' and select the 'security' tab and click on 'edit'. and grant full access to all the Groups and Usernames. You should now be able to modify the Proof.xml It worked for me!!

July 8, 2010: 4:18 am
great Says: June 14th, 2009 at 10:37 am Hi all, copy the proof.xml file from proof.en folder to the desktop and then change that file content to neverinstalled. once done replace the proof.xml file in proof.en folder with the altered file in desktop. It works. look fwd for replies. ------------------ Worked for me too! (after trying the command prompt, but failed) thnx great! =)

June 15, 2010: 12:44 am
I type in the takedown /f and put the file after, but it says 'takedown' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable file or batch file. can someone please help? thanks

June 2, 2010: 4:20 pm
After a little struggle I have taken ownership of the file in Windows7. But i am still unable to save the file and getting access denied!! Any suggestions?

May 30, 2010: 4:10 pm
wowwww hahahahha hohohoh it is also working on window7 64bit...i did it... thnx dude...

May 30, 2010: 12:54 pm
C:\Windows\system32>takeown /f c:\program files\common files\microsoft shared\OF FICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'files\common'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. how to deal with this error to get pwnership. i have tried typing as well copy paste but same error

May 24, 2010: 4:22 am
Why go through all this when there is an easier way? Right click the folder, go down to properties, click the "security" tab, select your user name from the top menu, click "edit", select all of the white check boxes, click "apply", click "ok". This should allow you to have full access and control over the folder and all items contained within. You may also want to change the folder from "read only". (Can be done on the "General" tab of the folder properties). Hope this helps everyone. -DL

May 19, 2010: 3:47 pm
i was trying by reading every single comment i was able to change the always to NEVER Even though office 2007 is asking me to have the product key... i am trying since 2 hrs

May 18, 2010: 3:11 am
Tried to take ownership to change the Proof.XML file. My input was "takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML" and it comes up with: "ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'Files/Common'. Type TAKEOWN /? for usage Some help? =]

May 17, 2010: 7:49 pm
dude this doesn't work this is crazy what in the world is this I can't get this to work to save my life. ooooooooooh help I need the right answers

May 11, 2010: 2:05 am
Hi, im looking for the way to avoid the product key window, each time i open Office 2007 (vista). Does someone know about something about that? please. Or someone has the key product or something? Thanks.

May 5, 2010: 12:34 pm
Hi there..Is there any other way to hack for Microsoft Office 2007 with product key?? For ur info, my trial period already expired and it always prompt to convert with product key... Please help me

May 4, 2010: 6:12 pm
Hey, i have the same problem as Ryan: # Commenter Ryan Says: June 6th, 2009 at 12:21 am This is what I typed in TAKEOWN /F C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en And it says Error: Invalid argument/option - ‘Files/Common’ . What am I doing wrong? Please help

April 27, 2010: 6:15 pm
I type in takeown C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en and i get a message that says ERROR: Invalid argument\option - 'Files'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" FOR usage can you tell me what to do please

April 27, 2010: 5:44 pm
hi i tried taking ownership and i got “was unexpected at this time” what am i doing wrong plz help this is exactley what i typed (takeown /f C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en)thank you

April 7, 2010: 1:50 pm
Thank you so much! This worked out great!!! :D

April 3, 2010: 11:14 am
for those of you that it worked for can you help me take over this file right here, if you have windows vista can you do it on you computer and copy and paste everything you typed on here thanks it would be alot of help C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en

March 29, 2010: 12:21 am
Hey guys, I want to know how I am able to remove permission to keep file secure

March 24, 2010: 9:58 am
Hi every one, the easy one is the editing by copying the file proof.xml to desktop, then replace it backin the original location. this is easy and guaranteed!

March 21, 2010: 6:47 am
Just take the easy option of copying and pasting the proof file. This worked fine for me on Vista with office 2007 Professional.

March 18, 2010: 4:51 am
Works for me thanks :)

March 15, 2010: 12:31 am
the product key is DDY79-433JV-2RXGX-MQFQP-PFDH8

March 14, 2010: 6:33 pm
hey ok for everyone asking the question what "ERROR: Invalid argument/option - ‘menu\programs\microsoft’. Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage" means basically all you have to do is put quotation marks around the filepath for ex: takeown /f "C:windows\system32\Bubbles.scr" if you don't put those quotation marks the computer won't allow you to take ownership.

March 13, 2010: 11:01 am
when I'm taking ownwership of a file at: c:\program files\common files\.... te system says that "files\common" is not a valid command

March 11, 2010: 10:10 am
this doesn’t work i can’t get it to work so i can use microsoft office. it says not recognized as an internal or external command. pls help

March 8, 2010: 4:08 am
Hello, I have problem about that: once type takeown /f filepath (takeown /f c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr). Administrator: Command Prompt says following: ERROR: Invalid argument/option - '(takeown' . Type TAKEOWN /? for usage. But If I type that it will bring up same error. ???

March 5, 2010: 8:36 pm
Men this shit doesn't work. Advise here are bullshit.i tried it , Fake

March 2, 2010: 2:35 pm
hi, when i go on the accessories there is no command prompt, and mine is a Vista, how do i fix this??

March 1, 2010: 3:08 pm
guys just cut the Proof.XML paste it in desktop then open in notepad change alwaysinstalled to never installed then paste it back to the same location then your microsoft office 2007 is activated it will never ask for licensed key there you go......

February 28, 2010: 12:21 am
No mapping between account names and security ID's was done. Successfully processed 0 files; failed processing 1 files. When I get this right how do I remove permissions to keep the file safe? Help please!

February 24, 2010: 1:44 pm
hey when i put the woeds it saids no mapping between acount names and security IDs was done. succesfully processed 0 files; failed processing 1 files what is that mean reply please

February 24, 2010: 1:04 pm
I read through all these options, and the easiest one ended up working! Just right click the file (in my case it was the proof.en file as I was trying to hack office), and then hit properties and then for users, edit it so that your user name has full rights. then, in my case, i changed the "always" to "never" and i was able to save and now am never asked for my product key :)

February 17, 2010: 8:02 pm
its easier if you navigate through the command prompt into the folder which contains proof.en... remember command promt will abbreviate files and folder to a maximum of 8 letters... for example if you have two folders named "hellopeople" and "hellopeeps" they would abbreviate to "hellop~1" and "hellop~2" same goes for files... commandpromt.exe would be "command~1.exe"

February 17, 2010: 4:15 am
how to remove permission to secure file?? please help!!

February 15, 2010: 10:49 am
Legends.. Know feic all bout computers but know got free microsoft office..Cheers all

February 13, 2010: 8:33 pm
This is what I typed in dos TAKEOWN /F C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en\proof.xml And it says Error: Invalid argument/option - ‘Files/Common’ . What am I doing wrong?

February 13, 2010: 11:37 am
This is what I typed in TAKEOWN /F C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en And it says Error: Invalid argument/option - ‘Files/Common’ . What am I doing wrong?

February 13, 2010: 11:36 am
It says error invalid arguement/option

February 10, 2010: 12:24 pm
I seem to be having the same problem as a few people here. I'm trying to take ownership of the Proof.xml file and I have copied the file path exactly a few times but it doesn't seem to work, would you be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong? Thanks

February 8, 2010: 6:46 am
I followed the advice of copying the file to desktop to alter it then copying it back again, but it still didn't work. I had to remove the product Key first by following these instructions below ...I then copied the PROOF file to desktop, editted it and copy it back. It works now! Hope this helps.. 1.Close all Microsoft Office applications. 2.Run Register Editor by clicking on Start -> Run, and then type “regedit” in the Open box and press Enter key. 3.Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Registration Note that inside the registry key, there should be another subkey that resembles the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Registration\{90120000-0030-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Registration\{91120000-0011-0000-0000-0000000FF1CE 4.If there is more than one registry entries or subkeys that reference Microsoft 12.0 registration, open up each subkey, and then identify the product by the ProductName value data until you locate the subkey for the product which you want to remove the existing product license key. For example: ProductName=Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2007 ProductName=Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 5.Once found the correct registry subkey, delete the following values: DigitalProductID ProductID 6.Close Registry Editor.

February 4, 2010: 7:35 pm
would not work need help i get this msg C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en ERROR: invalid argument/option - 'files\common' . typ "taeown /? for usage please help

February 4, 2010: 4:22 pm
just enter DDY79-433JV-2RXGX-MQFQP-PFDH8 incredibly easy actually tried every other solution from the top down to hers and it worked perfectly 9000 internets to kelly

February 2, 2010: 5:22 am
Please help I'm Tring to own file C:\Progam Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML but it keeps saying ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'Files\Common' Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage What sould I do.

February 1, 2010: 5:39 pm
How do you remove the takeown permissions to secure the file?

February 1, 2010: 1:44 pm
Hi all, anybody still struggling follow these steps... 1) Copy the proof.xml file from proof.en folder to the desktop 2) Change the file content from to 3)Copy the file from the desktop back into the original folder (proof.en) and delete the old proof document from the folder. This worked for me :)

January 27, 2010: 6:30 am
This doesn't work for file path D:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML Need help.

January 26, 2010: 12:24 pm
Hey I tried to do this to change the proof.xml for microsoft 07 but I'm unsure what to take ownership of.. is it the proof file or microsoft office.. please advise I have been unsuccessful :(

January 18, 2010: 11:39 pm
I am trying to get my Office 2007 to work after the Trial Period Expired. I went to change "Always" to "neverinstalled" and I could not, so now I am trying to take Ownership of a File in Windows Vista, and I am down to the last Step, but when I try and input my User Name in place of shamanstears, which is christy:f, it gives me an Error Message "Invalid Parameter "christy:f". What do I do now, Please Help

January 18, 2010: 12:38 am
Hey all who are trying to use WORD 07!! Forget the command prompt! Just right click on the "proof.en" file and go to properties. Then set go the the security tab and set the user settings to allow for all the users! Then go and modify the document as described! You're golden!!!

January 17, 2010: 3:24 pm
When I do the copy and paste jig, it worked. But one problem. Office still asked me to activate my software. I did "over the internet," and it said my product key wasn't valid. I have put in a product key before, but I don't think the two are related. Is there a way to disable to required activation, or another workaround?

January 17, 2010: 3:11 pm
Hello. I came here from the link to the "MSO2007 product key" page, and I attempted to do what you said in this page. When I do, I receive the following error: ERROR: invalid argument/option - '(takeown'. type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. What I had previously inputted was the following: takeown /f filepath (takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\...\Proof.en) The ellipsis is obviously filled with other stuff. But that is my error, and I was wondering if it is my mistake, or something else. Many thanks.

January 13, 2010: 5:45 pm
hello, I was able to grant myself permission to proof.xml for microsoft. How do I remove the permission back?

January 12, 2010: 3:52 pm
it works if you open, Notepad ran as admin, then from notepad open proof.en, change the lines, then click file\save. end of story

January 12, 2010: 9:41 am
I having problems with this I cant get this to work it repeatedly says invalid/argument option......what exactly am i supposed to do with this..

January 12, 2010: 2:12 am
I'm having the same issue for office 07... error:invalid argument/option-takeown. Help please!

January 11, 2010: 10:31 pm
trying to take ownership of windows 7 I have gone into command prompt administrator and typed the following: takeown /f C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Microsoft Office\Microsoft Office Excel 2007.lnk It then comes up with this.. ERROR: Invalid argument/option - ‘menu\programs\microsoft’. Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage. Do you know what this means??

January 5, 2010: 12:36 am
Hey I typed everything In correctly but it says it cannot find the file. What's up with that. any advice would be great. But thanks for the help so far. Hope to hear from ya. Milkdud

January 2, 2010: 12:25 am
I'm typing this in to the prompt and am getting an error message... Can someone please help me?!?!?!?! I'm trying to get Microsoft Office 2007 to work without a code... Thanks for the help!!!! (takeown /f C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en)

December 29, 2009: 8:11 am
it still says that i am using the trial versions ive changed everything i did it the way advised instead of the original and it said it all worked and then went on it and its still not working properly please help

December 14, 2009: 9:57 am
I SPENT SO LONG TRYING ALL THESE DIFFERENT WAYS AND AFTER ALL OF THEM MOST OF THE FUNCTIONS IN WORD WERE STILL NOT ACCESSIBLE CANT BELIEVE THAT TYPING IN DDY79-433JV-2RXGX-MQFQP-PFDH8 AS THE PRODCUT KEY REALLY DOES WORK!! SAVE YOURSELF THE STRESSS

December 10, 2009: 10:57 am
Hi Partho, i'm having problems taking ownership of the Proof file i type takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ i mean the file path i do it in the c:\windows\system32 mode i don't know how to get to c:\users\username and then try to take ownership hope this makes my problem clear. pls can you help thanks Allwyn

December 9, 2009: 9:42 pm
SOLUTION IT WORKS!! READ AND FOLLOW THIS TUTORIAL: If you're trying to use this with the file "proof.en" so that you can crack Microsoft Office do the following: Go to C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en Cut the Proof.xml file. Now go to C:\Users\ , and paste the proof.xml file there. Now go to CMD prompt, run it as administrator (right click "run as administrator") and type the following: takeown /f proof.xml TADAH ! You now own the file, now just do as the other tutorial says, open the proof.xml file with notepad and rewrite "AlwaysInstalled" to "neverInstalled". OBS: Remenber to MOVE THE FILE TO ITS ORIGINAL LOCATION Now you can use Microsoft Office Word 2007 as long as you want.

December 8, 2009: 11:57 am
Follow kerrylin's post, about 20 posts below this. It worked for me.

December 6, 2009: 4:13 am
Hi Bro, I made all 4 steps I saved proof.xml (changed the Always to never) to my documents then copied that file to replace proof.xml in Ofiice12 folder but its still not working i m not able to use word,excel,powerpoint. What to do.?? Plz help me Thanks...

December 2, 2009: 6:28 am
Hey all, so i simply just copied the xml file to the desk top and changed it then copied it back. but afterwards when i went to open my microsoft word i am still not allowed to use anything. i can just look at it. any suggestions?

December 1, 2009: 8:23 am
i find that if it doesnt work then you cut the proof.en file and paste it in C:/ so you will have C:/Proof.en once you have followed the stept above then you cut and paste it back ino the original file then it works

November 28, 2009: 11:44 pm
OMG! I succeeded! Follow Cryptophix then Kerrilynn, it works! I'm using Win7.

November 27, 2009: 5:41 pm
I had the same error as most have. What I did was went into the properties for the XML file, Security, then advanced, edit then gave myself FULL ACCESS to the file. Once I did that it allowed me to save over the existing Proof file. Once I did that Office opens now without asking for a key and I have full access.

November 27, 2009: 4:51 pm
Hey, I'm getting the exact same problem as everyone else... I've typed in what I think is the right filepath, but it keeps giving me the message that it either can't find the file path specified or that ERROR: Invalid argument/option - ‘menu\programs\microsoft’. Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage. Is there any way you can help me? Thanks so much!

November 25, 2009: 3:20 pm
How do you remove the takeown permissions to secure the file?

November 22, 2009: 6:24 pm
It still says i need permission and i did everything succesfully, im confussed.

November 21, 2009: 9:12 pm
If you have read this far and it still isn't working, I feel bad for you because a terrible example was used that didn't involve case or space sensitivity. Follow this and it will work for you as it has worked for me. This is so much easier than it was made out to be. As someone else suggested, move the file to your desktop. Then right click and view properties to get the location. Now once you are in the command prompt, press this exactly: cd.. (enter) cd.. (enter) until all you see is the original c prompt. You will need to type it case and space sensitive ending with \Proof.XML then follow the normal directions. It will then have you make sure you have closed everything out, opened and activated (online), closed and reopened MO07 before it works. And it really does work.

November 18, 2009: 12:11 am
at the command prompt i put in there what i am supposed to and it doesnt recongnize it why is that?

November 17, 2009: 2:44 pm
Using Nickels advice I managed to get past step 4, but I still keep getting error messages (the directory name is invalid) during step 5. I was able to save the proof file with the NEVER instead of the ALWAYS, but that didn't make any difference. I still got the TRIAL notice.

November 16, 2009: 2:16 pm
I am having the same problem, saying that I had an invalid argument. Is there a solution here? Like others, I am trying to get Microsoft Office going... thanks

November 15, 2009: 10:38 pm
It worked for me just save the file that's in notepad to the desktop then save it back into the folder. now the box that says "enter the product key" that always pops up everytime i open MS Word dosent pop up anymore!!! yay

November 11, 2009: 7:03 am
Guys, Just copy Proof.XML file then paste it in a new directory, modify it as they say (replace always installed by neverInstalled) the saved it. When you done, copy Proof.XML file and paste it back where it was in the first place (C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en). It worked for me and it'much easier!

November 9, 2009: 9:10 pm
I have done all the steps and I it says successful but then I get an error on the last part about not being able to ( no mapping between account names and security IDs was done. successfully processed:0 files; failed processing: 1 files) I have done the removing the file to the desk top and changed it and saved it and put it back and restarted my system and still not able to work on word at all what am I doing wrong I run a Vista machine

November 9, 2009: 11:26 am
hi there, i tried to take ownership for proof.xml. the error is invalid argument/option - files\common

November 3, 2009: 8:15 pm
please could you send me what i need to enter in command prompt and in the order that they need to be in and the way i need to type them i cant read the instructions as they are in similar fonts. thanks

October 29, 2009: 6:58 pm
When I type into the Adminastrator command prompt the following: C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en , It says it has an error, Why is that? Can someone PLEASE help me???

October 27, 2009: 8:01 am
It doesnt seem to work. Im trying to use Microsoft Office. what should i do?

October 25, 2009: 12:51 pm
Folled steps as prescribed and worked great... but i didn't have to get into the dos programing crap like suggested to take ownership... i simply right clicked and followed the advice below... follow the advice below, but then once in...don't click the add or remove or anything... simply click on your user name and then it will allow you to add the check mark to the boxes... was really simple. Then i saved the file to the folder and let me replace it with the new one no problem. Cheers Kerrilynn Says: June 15th, 2009 at 8:24 am If after you have successfully updated your permissions and still get the error telling you that it can’t save it…. DO THIS: (This is because you must further update the file properties.) Go back to the ‘explore’ window and right click on the “proof.xlm” document select ‘properties’ Select ‘securities’ tab, click once on ‘users’ in the “group or user names” box, click on “edit” Click on “users” once again to highlight it, then in “permission for users” box, make sure all the features have a check mark in the box by clicking on the boxes. Click on “okay” and “okay” when you are finished updating. Now when you go back to try to save the proof document in notepad it will allow the save.

October 24, 2009: 1:55 am
Tried every method to take ownership of Proof.XML, but failed. Please help. Otherwise I am not able to use Office 2007

October 22, 2009: 2:58 pm
Save yourselves alot of time and just copy the proof.xml file to your desktop. alter the allwaysinstalled part to neverinstalled and save it from the desktop. Then drag the file back to the proof.en folder. I wish I did that an hour ago!

October 14, 2009: 6:42 am
did wat you said to do to take own office but comes up wrong path when i had it on sc5reen help please

October 13, 2009: 10:17 pm
i typed in takeown /f c:\program files x86\common files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\office setup controller\proof.en\Proof.xml this doesnt work it says there is an error what am i doing wrong ?? :(

October 13, 2009: 8:50 am
thanks to Nickle. It worked =)

October 5, 2009: 1:04 pm
still cant access features because Im expired. sup?

October 3, 2009: 5:41 pm
I was able to takeownership of the file - but I'm unable to remove permission - can anyone help??

October 2, 2009: 2:05 am
That didn't work. I tried it a few times just to make sure I didn't enter it wrong. The 1st part.

October 1, 2009: 10:11 pm
THANK YOU Kerrilynn!!!!!!!! IT WORKED!!!! "If after you have successfully updated your permissions and still get the error telling you that it can’t save it…. DO THIS: (This is because you must further update the file properties.) Go back to the ‘explore’ window and right click on the “proof.xlm” document select ‘properties’ Select ‘securities’ tab, click once on ‘users’ in the “group or user names” box, click on “edit” Click on “users” once again to highlight it, then in “permission for users” box, make sure all the features have a check mark in the box by clicking on the boxes. Click on “okay” and “okay” when you are finished updating. Now when you go back to try to save the proof document in notepad it will allow the save."

October 1, 2009: 7:21 pm
Belinda... put quotes around "c:/pathname "

October 1, 2009: 2:37 pm
Haha, Nickle thank you..

September 27, 2009: 1:42 am
for those that may come to this site in the feature there a easier way to do this 1.right click on proof.xml 2. then go to security 3. click on your user name, then click edit 4. once you do that you can check the box that will give you full control.

September 24, 2009: 2:44 am
when looking how to unlock word i found a product key someone posted DDY79-433JV-2RXGX-MQFQP-PFDH8 at first didn't think it worked, then closed ms word and reopened it and it did, thanks to whoever posted this code

September 17, 2009: 8:25 am
THIS WORKED PERFECT: Copy the proof.xml file from proof.en folder to the desktop and then change that file content to neverinstalled. once done replace the proof.xml file in proof.en folder with the altered file in desktop. It works.

September 15, 2009: 2:41 pm
I cd'd to the correct directory, then typed the takeown /f Proof.XML, for example, and it worked like a charm.

September 15, 2009: 9:22 am
I have successfully modified the proof file in Windows Vista (had to take ownership), but how do I 'remove the permissions' as the instructions state? I still cannot access Word or Excel - receiving an error that Windows cannot access a file; I'm assuming it is the one I took ownership of. Help!

September 14, 2009: 10:02 pm
Hey guys, i have vista AND IT WORKED FOR ME. If you are useing vista, remember that you are probably in 'program files (x86)', not just 'program files'. Also remember to put (")..a parenthesis.. before and after the "c:/...proof.xml" part of the process.

September 7, 2009: 1:14 pm
Hey, If you're trying to install the new Microsoft 2007, and are having trouble with saving the poof.xml file. Here is a quick fix that will not require you to use the command prompt. 1) Find the proof.xml file 2) Move the file to desktop (make sure there isnt a proof.xml on your desktop) 3) Open the file in Notepad and change the Always to never 4)Save the file... Not Save As... Just save. 5)Open the file to make sure the change was made 6)Move the file back to its origial location 7)Enjoy =D

September 3, 2009: 9:34 am
I typed: icacls c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr /grant shamanstears:f and it appears: no mapping between account names and security IDs was done. successfully processed:0 files; failed processing: 1 files What should I type? Thank you

September 2, 2009: 3:29 am
Hey, I am having trouble with Step 4 I get the message ERROR: the current logged on user does not have ownership privileges on the file (folder)c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr if you can help that would be great Cheer

August 30, 2009: 6:17 pm
Heyy i did evritin it sed nd all i ended upp getin wasz disz; ERROR: Invalid argument/option - ‘menu\programs\microsoft’. Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage. dyu knoo wat iim duin wrong?? ii realii needa dwnload office.... can yu let me kno wat iim duin wrong asap plszz... thank yu xx

August 28, 2009: 8:23 am
IT IS EVEN EASIER THAN THIS: Copy the proof file to your desktop Edit the file as instructed from 'alwaysinstalled' to 'neverinstalled' Copy the file back to its original location AND YOU'RE GOOD TO GO :D

August 27, 2009: 11:19 pm
damn really works wht great said. try it. AWSOME

August 26, 2009: 3:59 pm
I have a vista and I copied and pasted all the things it said and pressed enter but no mesage told me I did it succesfully. You said this is an example for a screensaver. What would I put in for access to save the proof.xml folder for the free microsoft office? Thankyou.

August 26, 2009: 3:24 pm
i have the same problem as sonia except that i cant even save HELP PLEASE!!

August 24, 2009: 4:45 am
IT WORKS FOR ME! hint to make it working don't forget the " ", (eg: takeown /f "c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr" and icacls "c:\windows\system32\Bubbles.scr" /grant shamanstears:f now anybody could help me how to REMOVE the grant! and not to takeown mine thanks

August 16, 2009: 9:50 am
THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM I REALISED WAS in the example the writer showed us (readers) there were NO SPACEs in it. So when u typed c:\program files..... the space between program and files was the problem. And don't type in shamanstears- type your OWN name. Solution: quote the whole target address. For future notice, if u have an ERROR write it down, you must be RETARdED if you think there was only 1 error you can have and the solution is know.

August 14, 2009: 8:58 pm
Hello. I just really wanted to thank Great. Your advice on copying the file worked. Thank you so much! <3

August 12, 2009: 2:00 am
listen to "great" copy the file and change it in a different location! worked gret!

August 12, 2009: 1:22 am
Thank you Kevin from July 12th for the very in-depth instructions on how to successfully complete this. It really worked, and I didn't have to do all of that other stuff.

July 26, 2009: 10:53 pm
Hi there! have followed the instruction of Nickle - MS Word does not ask the product key anymore but I still cant do anything with word....arrrrrgh anyone see whats going on? Cheers

July 24, 2009: 7:29 pm
@jake I already said why its not working, you need to add quotes in your path when you have spaces, so you need to type : TAKEOWN /F "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en"

July 23, 2009: 3:32 pm
how come when I come to the icacls part (takeown command worked fine) I keep getting the error that it can't locate the file. I typed the exact pathname, it just not can't loacte it?? Please help, appreciated.

July 22, 2009: 3:31 am
this let me access microsoft office but i cant do anythink on it, -.- it opens the programs but i can edit anythink or make my own powerpoint/word etc -.-

July 19, 2009: 9:05 am
This is what I typed in TAKEOWN /F C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en And it says Error: Invalid argument/option - ‘Files/Common’ . What am I doing wrong?

July 16, 2009: 11:32 pm
I have the same probrem when i imput the information at the command prompt it says that error the systax in incorrect whats wrong can somebody please helpme...//

July 14, 2009: 4:59 pm
hey how could I "simply remove the permissions to keep the file secure." ThANK YOU GUYS. btw excellent page !

July 12, 2009: 10:43 pm
copy the proof.xml file from the proof.en folder to the desktop. once the proof.xml file is on the desktop open with notepad and replace the alwaysinstalled to neverinstalled. save it and it shouldn't give you any problems. after doing this, copy the proof.xml file that is on your desktop into the proof.en folder and replace the existing proof.xml file. at the end, you should have the edited version of prrof.xml in the proof.en folder. thanks to "great" down there.

July 11, 2009: 12:41 pm
Kerrilynn is a genius.. thanks a lot... the steps by Kerrilyn worked for me..

July 7, 2009: 7:02 pm
thanks alot!! it works!!! :)

July 6, 2009: 5:04 pm
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! I WORK IT OUT,,, YOU'RE A COMPUTER WIZARD!!!!! ^_^

July 3, 2009: 3:18 am
thanks alot, it's useful

July 1, 2009: 11:10 am
Nickle thank you!!!! wow you summed everything up so simply for a novice like me :D

June 29, 2009: 6:12 pm
I did all what you gus suggested (not what it says at the top) and it worked, bu I still cant type in Word, and it still asks for a product code?

June 28, 2009: 8:59 am
Sorry being a bit dumb, but I am having trouble knowing exactly what to type in the command prompt. It keeps coming up with error. Please tell me what exactly I must write.

June 27, 2009: 2:51 pm
Hi All it seems i did not have to use the permission path all i did was to go on save as then saved to desktop then copied to original folder. It propmts if you want to keep both or replace if you are the sole user of the pc then you have administrative permission

June 26, 2009: 1:56 pm
Hi - For Vista, just modify the file then save onto desktop then copy back into proof.en! As Slarty has already said - works a treat :D xxx

June 23, 2009: 8:47 pm
Hi all, For everyone that have errors like takeown /f C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Microsoft Office\Microsoft Office Excel 2007.lnk ERROR: Invalid argument/option - ‘menu\programs\microsoft’. Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage. you need to quote the path because the interpreter interpret spaces as an argument separator, so it should be something like takeown /f "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Microsoft Office\Microsoft Office Excel 2007.lnk" Also, it will fail if you type takeown /f C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en because you need to add the slashes in the path and the quotes, so it would be takeown /f "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en" You can also press tab in the command prompt and it will autocomplete with the files/folders in the current folder (and if you type something and then press tab, it will get all the files/folders starting with what you typed)

June 22, 2009: 12:59 pm
I run vista and had the same problem some of you had with taking ownership over the file. then I simply copied the proof.en file onto the desktop. modified it, saved it, and then copied it back into its original directory. Works like a treat!

June 18, 2009: 12:36 am
HAHA i found the easiest way to fix the problem you are all having. Move the proof.xml file to your desktop then in the cmd prompt type takeown /F C:\users\_______\desktop\proof.xml the __________of course is where you put your username then hit enter it will give you success then do the next step which is the icacls c:\users\__________\desktop\proof.xml /grant ____________:F then edit your file save it then move it back to the proof.en folder and BAM your done. =) remember the ______________is where you put your username thanks and good luck

June 16, 2009: 8:14 pm
When i right click command prompt..it doesnt say run as administrator :s help please..x

June 15, 2009: 7:07 pm
Hey, command prompt > administrator and typed the following: TAKEOWN /F C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en\Proof.xml It then comes up with this.. ERROR: Error: Invalid argument/option - ‘Files/Common’ . Type “TAKEOWN /?” for usage. I have tried taking out the spaces but it still doesn’t work. Could you please help. Charles

June 15, 2009: 8:24 am
If after you have successfully updated your permissions and still get the error telling you that it can't save it.... DO THIS: (This is because you must further update the file properties.) Go back to the ‘explore’ window and right click on the “proof.xlm” document select ‘properties’ Select ‘securities’ tab, click once on ‘users’ in the “group or user names” box, click on “edit” Click on “users” once again to highlight it, then in “permission for users” box, make sure all the features have a check mark in the box by clicking on the boxes. Click on “okay” and “okay” when you are finished updating. Now when you go back to try to save the proof document in notepad it will allow the save.

June 15, 2009: 7:34 am
I followed the exact directions and it does not work. Do this and it will: Once you are in the command prompt as administrator type: cd.. press enter, then cd.. press enter takes you back to the c:\prompt now type cd program files, press enter cd common files, press enter cd microsoft shared, press enter cd office12, press enter cd office setup controller, press enter takeown /f proof.en, press enter Then follow the rest of the directions...

June 15, 2009: 2:29 am
State I can not replace file. How do I fix?

June 14, 2009: 10:37 am
Hi all, copy the proof.xml file from proof.en folder to the desktop and then change that file content to neverinstalled. once done replace the proof.xml file in proof.en folder with the altered file in desktop. It works. look fwd for replies.

June 12, 2009: 7:56 pm
I found that if you change to the directory that the file is in than all you need to enter is takeown /f filename and it works no problem. At command prompt us CD command to go to directory where file is located.

June 10, 2009: 11:07 pm
ITS TOTALLY NOT WORKING FOR ME! i need permission and i cant take ownership of microsoft word....i tried this takeown /f C:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en\ but it wont work..someone plz help me!

June 10, 2009: 6:18 am
Hey i typed my file path as takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. and i'm getting an error that says Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001] Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. C:\Users\shunta>(takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE 12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file) ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'Files\Common'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. C:\Users\shunta>\(takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFIC E12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. '\' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Users\shunta>takeown/c:\Program Files/Common Files/microsoft shared\OFFICE12/ Office Setup controller/Proof.en\Proof.XML file. ERROR: Invalid argument/option - '/c:\Program'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. C:\Users\shunta> takeown /f filepath (takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\mi crosoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file). ERROR: Invalid argument/option - '(takeown/f'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. C:\Users\shunta>takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE1 2\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'Files\Common'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. C:\Users\shunta>takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE 12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'Files\Common'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE 12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown/f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE 12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file." The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown/fc:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE1 2\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown" /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFI CE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'Files\Common'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFIC E12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta> "takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFI CE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFIC E12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta> "takeown /? f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\OF FICE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect. C:\Users\shunta>"takeown /?" for usage c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft s hared\OFFICE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. '"takeown /?"' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Users\shunta>"TAKEOWN /?" for usage /f c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsof t shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. '"TAKEOWN /?"' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Users\shunta>"TAKEOWN /?" for usage c:\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft s hared\OFFICE12\Office Setup controller\Proof.en\Proof.XML file. '"TAKEOWN /?"' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C:\Users\shunta>

June 9, 2009: 4:28 pm
Yes if step 4 and 5 not work. It will either not possible to save (if file is in original folder) or switch back to "always" (if changed outside and copied back).

June 9, 2009: 4:21 pm
I have the same Problem like Sonia. (Step 4 and 5 dont work) So it was therefore an good idea from her to take the file out of the directory, because then you can change it and then copy back in the original directory. But also then it works also not as said. Its only Kompatibility Mode. Greetings from Kambodia

June 9, 2009: 6:33 am
Hey guys the command promt came up with \common was unexpected at this time. Not too sure where to go from here. My input was. (takeown f/ c:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en)

June 6, 2009: 9:29 pm
i have the same problem too so can u help me out?

June 6, 2009: 12:29 pm
Damn I'm stuck. First of all am I supposed to stay in c:\windows\system32\? I succeeded owning the bubblescreen, but that proof.en doesn't really work. Everytime I try, it says just (weird translation here) that my argument or choser doesn't do - files\common. Please help? I might soon as well install Open Office, but I'd really like to hack this open...

June 6, 2009: 12:21 am
This is what I typed in TAKEOWN /F C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE12\Office Setup Controller\Proof.en And it says Error: Invalid argument/option - 'Files/Common' . What am I doing wrong?

June 4, 2009: 7:17 am
hi i tried taking ownership and i got "was unexpected at this time" what am i doing wrong plz help this is exactley what i typed (takeown /f C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en)thank you

June 3, 2009: 3:05 am
Hi there, I did step 4 of taking ownership and this is the message I received. shamanstears: No mapping between account names and security IDs was done. Successfully processed 0 files; Failed processing 1 files I saved proof.xml (changed the Always to never) to my documents then copied that file to replace proof.xml in Ofiice12 folder Opened Microsoft Excel and it is still prompting activation wizard. Can you please help :)

May 28, 2009: 2:42 pm
When I type into the Adminastrator command prompt the following: C:Program FilesCommon FilesMicrosoft SharedOFFICE12Office Setup ControllerProof.en , It says it has an error, Why is that? Can someone PLEASE help me???

May 28, 2009: 2:04 am
How do you remove the takeown permissions to secure the file?

May 26, 2009: 10:41 am
Hey, I have gone into command prompt administrator and typed the following: takeown /f C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Microsoft Office\Microsoft Office Excel 2007.lnk It then comes up with this.. ERROR: Invalid argument/option - 'menu\programs\microsoft'. Type "TAKEOWN /?" for usage. Do you know what this means?? I have tried taking out the spaces but it still doesn't work.

May 25, 2009: 9:35 pm
i tried to own a file and the problem that i receive is that i get a note saying that there is a file or folder directory syntax mistake what am i doing wrong? thank you for answering

May 20, 2009: 2:30 pm
Hi Bro, I try to manage the ownership to amend the proof.xml for activate the microsoft office 1007 pro. But process stop at dos mode where unable to figure out the command key. c:\users\ Mind provide me with and example. Many thanks.

May 20, 2009: 3:54 am
this doesn't work i can't get it to work so i can use microsoft office