Windows NT Explorer Reports "The Parameter Is Incorrect" (250318)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition SP5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition SP6
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP6
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP6a
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP6
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP6a
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP6
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP6a
This article was previously published under Q250318

SYMPTOMS

Windows NT Explorer may generate a "The parameter is incorrect" error message when you attempt to view permissions on a folder after you use Cacls.exe with the /G switch to edit permissions.

CAUSE

The Windows NT Explorer Access Control List (ACL) editor generates an error message if any generic permissions, such as GENERIC_READ, GENERIC_WRITE, or GENERIC_EXECUTE are also present when the GENERIC_ALL permission is set.

RESOLUTION

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English-language version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later: 
   Date         Time     Size      File name    Platform
   -----------------------------------------------------
   01/04/2000   07:47p   419,088   Netui1.dll   Alpha
   01/04/2000   07:55p   226,064   Netui1.dll   I386

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the /P switch in place of the /G switch. This replaces the permissions, but removes any inherited permissions.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

If you are setting GENERIC_ALL access, the Windows NT Explorer ACL editor should determine whether GENERIC_READ, GENERIC_WRITE, or GENERIC_EXECUTE permissions are already present, and if so, turn off those bits.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/26/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbbug kbfix KB250318
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