Are you unable to access your Windows XP Control Panel after removing viruses and/or malware? I recently had this happen on a client’s PC and it presented a message that said “This operation has been canceled due to restrictions in effect on the computer. Please contact your System Administrator.”

I was logged in as the computer administrator and I still got that message so I knew that there was another problem. After much searching and reading tons of “solutions” I found that many of them were simply impossible because the necessary registry entries were not there. I finally found the answer and I want to share it with you.

1. Download Trojan Remover.
2. Install Trojan Remover and when prompted, put check-marks in the boxes marked “Check for Updates? (You must be connected to the Internet)” and “Run Trojan Remover after setup is completed”.
3. The Update program will run and alert you to any updates that are available. Choose “Update”.
4. That program will close and the full program will open.
5. You haven’t purchased the full version yet so just click “Continue” then click “Scan”.
6. The program will now remove any Trojans that it finds as well as check registry entries. One of the registry entries will be the one that has been blocking your access to the control panel.
7. When it finds a problem, choose the default option and continue.

After the scan has completed, reboot your computer and you should have access to your control panel again.

Thanks for reading! If this has helped you, send me a comment saying so.
Tim Biden

Biden PC is a Computer Network Consulting Company.

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1. Mike Says:
   February 16th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

   Hey thanks for sharing this! I just ran into this, and followed your directions, and now I’m back with a Control Panel!

   Mike’s last blog post..How to Make a CD or DVD automatically play when inserted into a drive.

2. lonagcio Says:
   March 9th, 2009 at 5:55 am

   Hey> I like the tip, as i have come across this problem before> I fixwd the problem with a bit more effort, but i’m glad there is one program that can do the job. Thanks

3. Brisbane Computer Rental Says:
   March 10th, 2009 at 3:10 am

   Hello, Thanks for posting this info. I have a current problem regarding accessing my control panel, add or remove programs. This fixed the problem. Thanks so much!