Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file.

Dec

2008

Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file.

In Windows Vista, while trying to open a file you might get the following error message: Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item. Here is a simple trick to solve this annoying error.

Right-click on the file you want to open.
Click Properties.
Under the General tab, at the end of the window you should be able to see a security option like this: Security : This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer.
Click the button Unblock.
Click Apply.

You should now be able to open the file.

Tags: trick, Vista

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9 Comments to “Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file.”

Dani M Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

I am trying to install the software for a Brother MFC A3 printer, but half way through the initial set-up I keep getting an error message which says: “Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.”
I have tried turning the computer off and restarting it but the same thing happened. I am using Windows Vista, kaspersky protection and I don’t have any viruses or usually any other problems.
Please can anyone help me? Thanks, Dani
Web Talk Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 2:01 pm

Put the software package on your computer, let’s say to a folder. Right click the icon and select ” Run as administator”.
Another thing which comes to my mind is that you are not the admin of the PC you are working on and maybe the administrator applied to limits to his users…
Dani M Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Hi thanks for replying! Yes I am the administrator, forgot to mention that.
Web Talk Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

Try this other trick: Right click on the executable and choose “Properties” and look to the bottom of the “General” tab. Here you should find an “Unblock” button provided to allow normal access to the executable.
Dani M Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

Im probably being a bit dim here but Im a pc novice, not sure what you mean by the ‘executable’. If you mean the main file Im trying to install, its not possible. The files Im intalling open automatically from an instillation disc that came with the printer! Im just trying your first suggestion though, of right clicking on the start up file on the disc in My Computer.
Dani M Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 2:26 pm

No that didn’t work either! I get the first error message come up, then I get another one saying “The PaperPort Installer doesn’t respond” and to close all applications and re-start the pc. I’ve done this twice already!! Any ideas???
Dani M Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 2:45 pm

Hi just wanted to say thanks for your help, but I’ve given up for tonight, gona call the helpline tomorrow! Dan
Web Talk Says:
March 15th, 2010 at 3:53 pm

Try this other solution.
Let me know!
Rajashekharam Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 12:36 am

Thanks
it worked for me