Get-acl on system file not working

PowerShell Help
1

Hello, I’m trying to do a

get-acl c:\windows\system32\winload.exe

but it’s returning with

Get-Acl : Cannot find path 'C:\Windows\system32\winload.exe' because it does not exist.
At line:1 char:8
+ Get-Acl <<<<  C:\Windows\system32\winload.exe
    + CategoryInfo          : ObjectNotFound: (:) [Get-Acl], ItemNotFoundException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : GetAcl_PathNotFound_Exception,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.GetAclCommand

The file does certainly exist in that location, i’m not sure why it’s not working. I am also not able to do a test-path to it

2

verify the file exist. is the file hidden?

3

Verified file does exist, I am looking at it in through explorer.

I have unchecked show hidden files/show protected system files

Tested on my windows 7 VM

4

Just tested this on Windows 2008 R2 without any issue…peculiar…I’ll just assume my VM is acting up…thanks Mark for your help!

5

What is the version of your powershell?

6

v2, but after trying the exact command on co-worker’s win7 VM it works just fine…

I’m assuming it’s my VM as it’s doing a few odd things with powershell and get-acl

7

Try putting the path in quotes:
get-acl “c:\windows\system32\winload.exe”

Try this so you can read the full output.
get-acl “c:\windows\system32\winload.exe” | Format-Table -Wrap -AutoSize

8

Verify if your file in this location exactly:

  • test if it located in C:\Windows\SysWOW64 if you run x32 PS version

  • test if it exists when you run PS in admin mode
    user mode explorer can show that your file in
    C:\Windows\system32
    but actually it located in
    C:\Users%username%\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows\system32