Changing System 32 File attributes on vista

I have a laptop that is running Windows Vista Home Premium and is having serious issues. I cannot access control panel or computer properties. I get messages saying my vista is not validated. When I try to validate it, it doesn't work. I tried running the licensing service and it still wouldn't validate. I found a thread that said you need to change the system 32 file to read/write by going to properties and un checking the read only box. When I do this I get an error saying access denied. I can ignore all and it will go through the process but when i re open the properties it changes back to read only. I unlocked the hidden admin account on vista and used that as well but it still wouldn't work. Any help is greatly appreciated!