MOBI to EPUB Conversion Failure

[ralphjab]

When I attempt to convert a MOBI formatted book to EPUB the conversion fails.

At the end of the Conversion Error generated I see the following error message:

WindowsError: [Error 5] Access is denied: u'C:\\Users\\ralph\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\calibre_ ndigoh\\tukwqm_plumber'

Any suggestions on how to overcome this problem?

[kovidgoyal]

Something on your computer is preventing calibre from accessing its own temporary files. Most
likely the permissions on your Temp folder are incorrect. Go to the folder
C:\\Users\\USERNAME\\AppData\\Local\\Temp in Windows Explorer and then
right click on the Temp folder, select Properties and go to
the Security tab. Make sure that your user account has full control
for this folder.

Alternately, you can run calibre as Administrator, but doing so will cause
some functionality, such as drag and drop to not work.

Finally, some users have reported that disabling UAC fixes the problem.

[ralphjab]

Some feedback:
1. Checked the Properties of the Temp folder and I have full control
2. Ran Calibre "as Administrator" and had no problem to convert MOBI to EPUB
3. Will try later to see if disabling UAC fixes the problem and will report results another time.

Thank you for your guidance.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by ralphjab

Some feedback:
1. Checked the Properties of the Temp folder and I have full control

@ralphjab - who Owns the Temp folder, and are you an Administrator ?

BR

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ralphjab

Some feedback:
1. Checked the Properties of the Temp folder and I have full control
2. Ran Calibre "as Administrator" and had no problem to convert MOBI to EPUB
3. Will try later to see if disabling UAC fixes the problem and will report results another time.

Thank you for your guidance.

You don't have full permission since you have to run Calibre in Administrator mode. I suggest you look again as you've missed something there.

[ralphjab]

JSWolf,

Based on the Permissions window I see, I do have "Full Control" on the "Temp" folder.

I captured an image of the Permissions window but can't figure out how to attach this image.......if I were to post it to Google+ how do I allow you sole access??

[ralphjab]

BetterRed,

Yes, I am an Administrator.

Unsure how to check for the folder's owner.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ralphjab

JSWolf,

Based on the Permissions window I see, I do have "Full Control" on the "Temp" folder.

I captured an image of the Permissions window but can't figure out how to attach this image.......if I were to post it to Google+ how do I allow you sole access??

Just attach the image to a new message.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by ralphjab

BetterRed,

Yes, I am an Administrator.

Unsure how to check for the folder's owner.

on a modern OS, being an Administrator means you can authorize certain changes, not that you automatically waive user/ownership restrictions, as W9x did (to the glee of malware suppliers).

[ralphjab]

When I attempt to attach an image it asks for a URL.

The image is saved on my local machine.......what should I do????

[JSWolf]

Attach the image as a file. You want advanced mode and then manage attachments.

But you are missing something because there's no way Calibre would have a permission error unless the permission was incorrect.

[ralphjab]

JS Wolf,

The attached file will show you why I said I had "Full Control" of the Temp folder.........am I misinterpreting what I see?

[JSWolf]

What does it show under SYSTEM? Also, I have another entry called Everyone that also gives full permission. Also, if your account is an administrator account, try setting up an Administrators entry to give full permission.

Another thing to do is remove all those Account Unknown entries and any other accounts not being used there.

Yes, it does look like it might be correct. But give it a go like I have things and see how it works.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by ralphjab

BetterRed,

Yes, I am an Administrator.

Unsure how to check for the folder's owner.

Have a look at your home directory (that's probably c:/Users/«yourusername») Properties->Security(sheet)->Advanced(button)->Owner (tab)

Here it shows the current owner and the list of possible owners.

Typically it would be you as Administrator, if you ever change permission or owner settings on a folder you need to consider whether you want subordinate folders and files to inherit the same settings as the folder.

For personal use computers you probably do, which means you will need to check the boxes that force the settings onto to the subordinate folders and files - but the default for the check boxes is unchecked.

Originally Posted by RANT!!!

I'm always ing at MS over this issue, I know I'm but... They should have been last century for imposing a security model that was designed for big corps running big iron onto consumers.

Its a bit like saying you can only have a Mack truck. The fact that you don't have an appropriate driving license and that it won't fit into your garage is irrelevant - watch out for that low bridge - oh, gosh you just got decapitated

BR

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by ralphjab

JS Wolf,

The attached file will show you why I said I had "Full Control" of the Temp folder.........am I misinterpreting what I see?

@ralphjab, I just spotted you screen post

Those unknown accounts have identifiers that are normally found within a corporate environment. Is your computer on a corporate network, if not what's the provenance of the Windows license. If you're on a corporate network get your IT security guys to 'fix' it.

If everything is kosher then - I have a vague recollection of reading something that suggested rootkit viruses mess with user accounts in this way. Rootkit viruses are said to be hard to get rid of - I've never seen one so I don't know if that's true. I suggest you make some enquiries at Wilders Security Forums or the Windows (XP/Vista/7/8) forum.

You could try removing those unknown accounts, before doing as I suggested in my previous entry - if they come back then that could add evidence to the rootkit infection theory.

Also - the screen shot you posted is an abridged view of the Windows Security Settings.

That's MS's paltry effort to hide the complexities about which I just just ranted.

IMO it's better to try to wrap your head around the full story in the Advanced section.

There's a comprehensive CHM file behind the blue links you see on the various dialogues, its hard going but... its better than anything else of which I'm aware.

BR