There could be several reasons why you are experiencing "access is denied" when trying to use the VirusTotal (VT) feature in Process Explorer. Here are a few possible explanations:
1. User Account Control (UAC): If you're running Process Explorer without administrative privileges, it may not have sufficient permissions to access the necessary resources. Try running Process Explorer as an administrator by right-clicking on the executable and selecting "Run as administrator."
2. Antivirus or Firewall Restrictions: Some antivirus or firewall software may block Process Explorer's access to the internet or specific resources required for the VT feature. Check your antivirus or firewall settings to ensure that Process Explorer is allowed to connect to the internet.
3. Internet Connection Issues: If you're experiencing connectivity problems, Process Explorer may not be able to establish a connection to the VirusTotal servers. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and try again.
4. VirusTotal API Key: Process Explorer requires a valid VirusTotal API key to retrieve scan results. If you haven't entered your API key or if it's invalid or expired, you may encounter "access is denied" errors. Double-check that you have entered a correct and up-to-date API key in the Process Explorer settings.
5. VirusTotal Rate Limit: VirusTotal imposes rate limits on API requests to prevent abuse. If you exceed the rate limit, you may be temporarily denied access. Wait for some time and try again later.
6. VirusTotal Changes: VirusTotal periodically updates its API and terms of service. It's possible that there have been changes that affect Process Explorer's ability to retrieve scan results. Make sure you're using the latest version of Process Explorer and check the Sysinternals forum or VirusTotal website for any relevant updates or announcements.
If none of these suggestions resolve the issue, consider posting your question on the Sysinternals forum or contacting the Process Explorer support team for further assistance.