[GUIDE] Not able to write to users Documents folder from a program (for example Zaccaria won't save settings)

[Mike_da_Spike]

After reinstalling my cabinet, I had strange issue with Zaccaria.
Zaccaria didn't want to save the settings, as I setup in the program.
With procmon I get access denies on c:\users\Mikedaspike\Documents\Zaccaria_Pinball folder.
Although the ACL's where set to full control to the user and for SYSTEM, the app was not able to write.
Adding the files from my other machine, looks like it could read it

After adding a new controller (Virtuapin controller died and replace by a KL25Z), I had the same issue.
Trying to save the config results in :

 

 

This is caused by Windows 10 Controlled folder access.

Controlled folder access is to protect files against threats like ransomware.
maybe I enabled it (or was enabled automaticlly after fresh install).

How to Fix this  ?

Open from your Windows the settings screen 

Click on Updates & Security

Click Windows Security

 

click Virus & threat protection

Scroll down to Ransomware Protection and click Manage ransomware Protection

Here you can control the Controlled folder access
I would not recomment to turn this feauture off !!! 

Click on the  Allow an app Through Controlled Folder access

click on + Add an allowed app

in the  Recently blocked appsyou see the apps that tries recently to save something
Or click on browse apps

In my case, I added th ePinscapeConfig tool

And manually added the Zaccaria pinball (and steam) as well :


This allows to run the apps correctly

 

 

[Mike_da_Spike]

Bought new PC parts, and installed windows 11.
My Pinscape controller works fine, but Zaccaria from Steam still has the same issue as when I installed Windows 10 from scratch.
So here some screenshots to do the same for Windows 11

Right click on your Windows 11  start button and select Settings

 

From the settings menu , select 'Privacy & security'

From the right pane, select 'Windows security'

Select the 'Virus & threat protection'

Scroll down to 'Ransomware Protection' and click 'Manage ransomware Protection'

Toggle the Controlled folder access to ON

If you still got UAC enabled, you will receive the following UAC message and click 'Yes'

Click on the 'Allow an app Through Controlled Folder access'

click on '+ Add an allowed app'

Select 'Browse all apps'

Navigate to your folder, highlight the executable file and select 'Open'

ZaccariaPinball.exe is now added and can write to the users documents directory