Permission issues

This type of issue, where the user has read and write permissions visible on the “Security” tab but encounters an “Access Denied” error during directory read and write operations in Python, is usually related to one or more of the following factors:

1. Insufficient Privileges

Even though the user has permissions, the Python process may be running without the necessary privileges.

Solution:

Run the Python script as administrator:

• On Windows, right-click on the terminal or editor (like VS Code) and choose “Run as administrator.”

2. Protected Path or Directory

Some system directories have additional restrictions (such as C:\Program Files, C:\Windows, or other users’ folders), even with explicit permissions granted.

Solution:

Test reading/writing to a directory like C:\Users\YourUser\Documents\ to confirm if the issue is with the specific location.

3. Antivirus or Security Software Blocking

Some antivirus software might block scripts that attempt to access files or directories considered “sensitive.”

Solution:

Temporarily disable the antivirus or add exceptions for Python and the script you’re running.

4. UAC Virtualization or Permission Inheritance

Permission inheritance might cause inconsistency between what’s displayed in the GUI and what’s actually applied to the process.

Solution:

• Check for any denied permissions higher up (e.g., explicit Deny entries).
• In the folder properties, go to “Security > Advanced” and review inheritance settings.

5. Python Code or Specific Access Issues

If using open(), os.listdir(), shutil.copy(), etc., ensure:

• The path exists (os.path.exists() can help).
• The script is not trying to open an exclusively locked file.

Simple test example:

import os

try:

    with open('C:\Users\YourUser\Documents\test.txt', 'w') as f:

        f.write('Write test')

    print("Write successful.")

except Exception as e:

    print(f"Error: {e}")

You're not trying to build a web site are you? I'm not familiar with Python, but the words "Server Launcher" caught my eye. What is it launching? If you are compiling a GUI or command line executable, then it will run in the context of the user account. A web site would be hosted by IIS or Apache and the "user" that is trying to access the file might be the IUSR account.

Trace the error with Process Monitor.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/procmon

Add a filter to trace activity to the C:\Users folder.

Look for an Access Denied event to your folder. Double click on the event and note what process and user account it is executing as. Is it what you expect?