Fix-It Utilities Make your PC run like new! Includes Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, hardware diagnostics, registry fixer, and more!
RadarSync Ensures you have the latest drivers and software updates to make your PC run better and safer.
filename
Windows cannot access the specified device,...
Description
You do not have sufficient permissions to access or run the file. If a stand-alone system, it may be caused by a program update (Anti-Virus programs in particular). For servers, it may be an overly aggressive settings (or buggy) IE Enhanced Security Component.
Sample Dialog
Dialog may appear differently depending on XP style options and where it occurs.
Key Facts
Full Title
filename
Body Text
Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.
If the system had been working fine, but the problem started to occur right after some change such as installation of new application, driver or hardware, try reverting the system to the prior state to see if the problem goes away.
For removal of an application (Windows 7):
Click on Start, Control Panel, then under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Select the software to uninstall and select Uninstall. Note that the "Uninstall" option does not appear until you select a program.
For removal of an application (Windows Vista):
Click on Start, Control Panel, then Programs and Features.
Select the software to uninstall and select Uninstall.
For removal of an application (Windows XP):
Click on Start, Control Panel, then Add or Remove Programs.
Select the software to uninstall and select Remove.
To disable a driver:
Bring up the system information dialog:
On the keyboard, press the Windows key + Pause/Break.
or
Select Start, right click Computer and on the drop-down, select Properties.
Click on the left side option Advanced system settings(Windows 7/Vista only).
In System Properties, select the Hardware tab, then click on Device Manager button.
Find the hardware/driver of interest (you may need to expand a choice at the "plus" graphic) and double click the choice.
Select the Driver tab. Here you can perform a number of actions such as update the driver, roll Back the driver to an older version, disable or uninstall the driver.
Click OK to exit, then close the Device Manager and other previously opened dialogs.
FaultWire Staff Posted: 5-Oct-2008
Disable Anti-Virus
7
Disable your Anti-Virus product and retest. If this is the cause, check with your Anti-Virus vendor for an update to fix the product bug.
FaultWire Staff Posted: 6-Nov-2009
Remove Server Component
6
For servers only, you can remove the IE Enhanced Security Component (which does reduce security somewhat). This component can block access, even outside of IE. To remove this:
Select Start, Control Panel, and choose Add/Remove Programs.
Select Add/Remove Windows components in the left pane.
Uninstall the IE Enhanced Security Component.
FaultWire Staff Posted: 6-Nov-2009
Restore From Backup or Image
5
If you know the hardware is good and you have a current backup or image of the drive, you could reformat the hard drive and start over. This is often the last resort when all else fails, as you will often lose your latest settings and important data. If you have a spare drive, it may be worth it to install the drive in place of the first drive and do a fresh install of Windows. This will help confirm if this is a hardware or software issue (unless the original system drive is the source of the problem).
FaultWire Staff Posted: 5-Oct-2008
Forum Help
Check out what others say about this issue and review or add your own comments and solutions!
While we believe this information up to date and accurate, FAQware is not responsible for any inaccuracies. If you find something that is out of date or inaccurate, please let us know at
so we can correct it.
