Windows Defender Security Center-Controlled folder access is not allowing me to save file

[VinceB]

HiGroup:

I am having trouble saving files. I think it is caused by something within Windows Defender Security Center. I am getting pop-ups that read something like:

Virus & threat protection (line 1 of error message)
Unauthorized changes blocked (line 2)
Controlled folder access blocked C:\Program...\soffice.bin from making changes to the folder %de..\DESKTOP CALC SHE... (line 3 of error message).

This problem arises with many programs when attempting to save an edited/revised file, with Notepad being the only known exception.

The name of the blocked program varies, as does the name of the folder that contains the program. For example: soffice.bin is the name of the program and \DESKTOP CALC SHEETS is the name of the folder.

Please help! At this point I cannot accomplish any computer work if I am not able to edit and then save any file.

TNX.
VinceB

 

[Bighorn]

soffice.bin is part of LibreOffice and probably OpenOffice, goes back to the old StarOffice that both are descended from. It's in my C:\Program Files\LibreOffice\Program but the usual file association is with the .exe/executable file for the program, in this case that would probably be soffice.exe in the same location. Double-clicking the soffice.bin does not open the program while double-clicking soffice.exe does.

 

[VinceB]

How do I turn this "Controlled folder access" thingie to OFF? I saw it here briefly, but not able to relocate the toggle switch. TNX.

HiGroup:

I am having trouble saving files. I think it is caused by something within Windows Defender Security Center. I am getting pop-ups that read something like:

Virus & threat protection (line 1 of error message)
Unauthorized changes blocked (line 2)
Controlled folder access blocked C:\Program...\soffice.bin from making changes to the folder %de..\DESKTOP CALC SHE... (line 3 of error message).

This problem arises with many programs when attempting to save an edited/revised file, with Notepad being the only known exception.

The name of the blocked program varies, as does the name of the folder that contains the program. For example: soffice.bin is the name of the program and \DESKTOP CALC SHEETS is the name of the folder.

Please help! At this point I cannot accomplish any computer work if I am not able to edit and then save any file.

TNX.
VinceB

 

[Trouble]

Start Button -> Settings (gear cog) -> Update & Security -> Windows Security (left column) -> Virus & threat protection -> Virus & threat protection settings (Manage settings link) -> Controlled folder access (Manage Controlled folder access link)
"Controlled folder access" Slider ON or OFF

 

[VinceB]

Start Button -> Settings (gear cog) -> Update & Security -> Windows Security (left column) -> Virus & threat protection -> Virus & threat protection settings (Manage settings link) -> Controlled folder access (Manage Controlled folder access link)
"Controlled folder access" Slider ON or OFF

Hi Noob:
I was unable to follow your path, possibly because I am running on WIN10 (no Manage settings link nor manage Controlled folder access link).

But I did manage to stumble onto the "Controlled folder access" toggle switch under "Ransomware protection". I did not expect to find it there.

Many TNX for your reply.

 

[VinceB]

Update:

I have located the toggle switch for disabling the "Controlled folder access" function in Windows Defender Security Center. I have reset the toggle to Off, and things are now back to what I normally want. So, my initial problem is now solved.

New Question: Does Win10 Defender Security Center default with the Controlled folder access slider switch set to the On position?

If yes, that would mean that all apps/filles/folders/memory other than those produced by Microsoft would create the problem that I described below.

I don't recall ever setting that toggle switch to the On position. I cannot imagine any reason why I should want to have that toggle switch set to the On position. Can anyone give an example(s) of when it might be set to the On position? I believe that it is a global switch on to disable operation of non-MS products.

Regards,
VinceB

HiGroup:

I am having trouble saving files. I think it is caused by something within Windows Defender Security Center. I am getting pop-ups that read something like:

Virus & threat protection (line 1 of error message)
Unauthorized changes blocked (line 2)
Controlled folder access blocked C:\Program...\soffice.bin from making changes to the folder %de..\DESKTOP CALC SHE... (line 3 of error message).

This problem arises with many programs when attempting to save an edited/revised file, with Notepad being the only known exception.

The name of the blocked program varies, as does the name of the folder that contains the program. For example: soffice.bin is the name of the program and \DESKTOP CALC SHEETS is the name of the folder.

Please help! At this point I cannot accomplish any computer work if I am not able to edit and then save any file.

TNX.
VinceB

 

[Trouble]

Yep.... you wind up in the same place.

 

[dech]

Update:

I have located the toggle switch for disabling the "Controlled folder access" function in Windows Defender Security Center. I have reset the toggle to Off, and things are now back to what I normally want. So, my initial problem is now solved.

New Question: Does Win10 Defender Security Center default with the Controlled folder access slider switch set to the On position?

If yes, that would mean that all apps/filles/folders/memory other than those produced by Microsoft would create the problem that I described below.

I don't recall ever setting that toggle switch to the On position. I cannot imagine any reason why I should want to have that toggle switch set to the On position. Can anyone give an example(s) of when it might be set to the On position? I believe that it is a global switch on to disable operation of non-MS products.

Regards,
VinceB

 

[dech]

I gather that Malware could arrive disguised as an update for some App. In my case I have a list of .exe files in the Virus/Ransomware area with no explanation as to whether they are or were blocked and nothing I do seems to remove them - except for a "remove" button. Removed from what? the list, the computer?