I get the "SC OpenService Failed Access is denied" error when using an sc config command.

Question

I am already running cmd.exe with the highest privilege. Why am I still denied access?

Other commands like sc queryex works just fine.

I have not tried using the sc config on other services yet. Didn't want to mess too much with things when I don't yet know what's going on.

I am running Windows Version 6.3.9600 (Windows 8.1)

Solution

The Task Scheduler is an essential system component and as such is protected from some manipulations.

I do not understand why it is necessary to configure it for auto-start. It should already be set this way. The fact that you are having troubles configuring it means that it is already running.

If you are just practicing on using the sc config command, I suggest trying it on a less important service. Verify by opening the Services applet, right-click the service and check that not all actions are grayed-out.

Although not recommended, this thread has an answer on how to disable such a service so it may be configured. I do not recommend it, as Windows boot might malfunction.

Comments

[Daniel B]

Although probably not applicable here, some applications lock the service manager. Process Explorer is one such application. I don't know what operations this interferes with, aside from service creation and deletion.

[harrymc]

One problem : The Task Scheduler cannot be stopped - if you right-click it in the Services applet you will see that all actions are grayed-out.