sn.exe fails with Access Denied error message

Question

I get an Access is Denied error message when I use the strong name tool to create a new key to sign a .NET assembly. This works just fine on a Windows XP machine but it does not work on my Vista machine.

PS C:\users\brian\Dev\Projects\BELib\BELib> sn -k keypair.snk

Microsoft (R) .NET Framework Strong Name Utility  Version 3.5.21022.8
Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.

Failed to generate a strong name key pair -- Access is denied.

What causes this problem and how can I fix it?

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Are you running your PowerShell or Command Prompt as an Administrator? I found this to be the first place to look until you get used to User Access Control or by turning User Access Control off.

Yes I have tried running PS and the regular command prompt as administrator. The same error message comes up.

Answer 1

Yes I have tried running PS and the regular command prompt as administrator. The same error message comes up.

Another possible solution could be that you need to give your user account access to the key container located at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\MachineKeys