Windows cannot open the local policy database 1

[wallst32]

When I run secpol.msc, I get the error:

"Windows cannot open the local policy database.

An unknown error occured when attempting to open the database."

The first step I did was to delete the edb and log files from %WINDIR%\Security; didn't fix it.

Next I ran a repair, esentutl /g on secedit.sdb; didn't fix it.

Next I deleted secedit.sdb, and rebooted. It did not recreate the secedit.sdb file for me.

Next, I ran secedit.exe /refreshpolicy machine_policy /enforce; this rebuilds the secedit.sdb file, but I still can't open it.

Any suggestions? Windows 2000 SP4.

 

[wallst32]

Fixed by changing:

HKLM system CCS control LSA

LMCompat level to 4
and Restrictanon to 1

 

[Roadki11]

Seen this on a different forum, some different switches to try.

The security database is corrupted.
Run esentutl /g to check the integrity of the security database at
%windir%\Security\Database\Secedit.sdb.

If the database is corrupt:

1.. Attempt to recover it by running esentutl /r on the %windir%\Security folder.
If this fails, attempt to repair it by running with esentutl /p on %windir%\Security\Database\Secedit.sdb.
2.. After that, delete the log files in %windir%\Security.

RoadKi11

"This apparent fear reaction is typical, rather than try to solve technical problems technically, policy solutions are often chosen." - Fred Cohen