Access Denied error when installing Hotboxes


Some users have reported issues on first launch of Extension pack, where it fails to install the Extension Pack Default Hotboxes.


If you are experiencing a Access Denied error like the one below on startup follow the workarounds  below.


[WinError 5] Access is denied. : 'C:/Users/USRNAME/.mari/TheFoundry/Hotboxes/EP_SteadyStroke\Hotbox_Buttons.json'




  1. On WIndows go to the START Menu

  2. Type in Mari .. (full Mari Version Name)

  3. EIther right Mouse click "Run As Administrator" or choose "Run as Administrator from the right pane of the Start Menu 



    You do not need to run Mari every time in administrator mode. Just once to install the hotboxes.



  1. Locate the Installation Directory of Mari Extension Pack e.g


      • WINDOWS:  MyDocuments / Mari / Scripts /
      • MAC: UserDirectory / Mari / Scripts /
      • Linux: UserDirectory / Mari / Scripts /


.. or a custom location you installed it to


  1. Locate the Resources/Hotboxes Folder inside the Extension Pack Install Directory e.g. 

      • WINDOWS:  MyDocuments / Mari / Scripts / MariExtensionPack_6R1_forMari6  / Resources / Hotboxes
      • MAC: UserDirectory / Mari / Scripts / MariExtensionPack_6R1_forMari6 / Resources / Hotboxes
      • Linux: UserDirectory / Mari / Scripts / MariExtensionPack_6R1_forMari6 / Resources / Hotboxes

  1. Copy (Ctrl+C) the entire contents of the "Hotboxes" Folder



  2. Locate the Mari User Settings directory.

    If you are unsure, refer to the original "Access Denied" Error. 

    [WinError 5] Access is denied. : 'C:/Users/USRNAME/.mari/TheFoundry/Hotboxes/EP_SteadyStroke\Hotbox_Buttons.json'

If the error above you can see it would be located at  C:/Users/USRNAME/.mari/TheFoundry


  1. Check if you have a 'Hotboxes" Folder e.g. 'C:/Users/USRNAME/.mari/TheFoundry/Hotboxes.

    If you do not have such a Folder, create one. Ensure correct naming "Hotboxes" (Plural, capital H)

  2. Paste (Ctrl+V) the folders copied in step 3) into the folder and restart Mari.