"Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file"

Zsolt · 07-02-2008

How can I fix this problem

Charlie42 · 07-02-2008

What are you trying to access, and from where?

This message usually pops up when you are trying to open a file or program
that has been deleted, renamed or moved to another folder. Try to search for
it.

Zsolt · 08-02-2008

I tried to install a programme from a CD, and the access was denied
regardless I have administrator privileges on this computer. Moreover, I
tried to uninstall programmes and it refused to uninstall it saying I may not
have appropriate authority to do this.

I tried to create another user account with administrator rights but it did
not work.

I tried to repair the registry, shortcuts, rid off spywares, viruses nothing
helped.

Later I tried to use system restore to go back with couple of days, but
Windows System Restore was not able to do the job for unspecified reason
despite the fact that I tried several restore points.

Finally, I used Iolo System Mechanic 7 (was already installed on my
computer) and was able to rid off the problem, but it created some others.
For instance, I cannot uninstall a programme called Franklin Covey Plan Plus,
because it is asking for a file called "Franklin Covey Plan Plus for
OUtluk.msi" but this file does not exist on the installation disk. The
installation software unable to install or reinstall or repair the programme.

A day later, my iPAQ was not recognised by the computer. So, I do not know
whether I solved a problem and have to reinstall some older programmes or I
will have more supreses in the future.

I wrote that Windows Vista Reinstall can help, but I have an HP computer
coming with preinstalled windows with system recovery drive, without a
separate windows OS CD or DVD.

What do you think?

1, whether I solved the problem or the computer became to labile (however,
Iolo did not highlight any problems)

2, How can I uninstall the Plan Plus and reinstall it again?

3, Is it necessary to do the full system recovery?

thank you for your help

Charlie42 · 10-02-2008

Windows usually recognizes installers right away. You can try to take
ownership of the file, like Zsolt suggested, or force the installer to run
as admin by right clicking it and select "Run as administrator" from the
context menu.

I do not think it is likely that the privileges issues are caused by malware
or registry errors. Scanning does not do any harm, of course.

When you make a lot of back-and-forth changes to the OS, System Restore may
not be able to use the restore points. I think that is what has happened to
you.

Manipulating the registry is a risky exercise, and registry cleaners can do
a lot more harm than they do good. You may have inadvertently deleted
entries that are needed by the system, it is hard for me to say. If you
remembered to back up the registry first, now is a good time to restore the
keys from the back up. Likewise, there may be issues with the system files
as well.

Questions about third party software are generally best directed to the
third party's support site. If the .msi file is missing, there is really not
much to do, except to try to get hold of another copy. Perhaps Franklin
support may be able to help you.

Try to download and reinstall the drivers and software from HP's support
pages. Remember to uninstall first.

Tools like Windows Cleanup Utility and CCleaner may be of help.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301
http://www.ccleaner.com/

It may be. But before you resort to a system recovery or reinstall, try the
System File Checker tool first. Here is how to use it:

Open up a command prompt (Accessories menu), run as administrator. At the
command line, type:

sfc /verifyonly

This scans the file system for errors and reports back. In case of errors,
type:

sfc /scannow

This rescans and repairs. For further help with the tool, type:

sfc /?

In case the registry has been corrupted, you have to rebuild it. Restart
your computer using the Last Known Good Configuration (at boot, hit F8 until
you are presented with this alternative). This may very well not solve your
problems, in which case you have to do a startup repair.

About the installation disk: OEM computers usually have a piece of
manufacturer software that will let you burn installation disks from the
contents of the hidden system partition. I think HP calls it Recovery Disk
Creator.

Use Last Known Good Configuration:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...3621d1033.mspx

Startup Repair FAQ:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...f3f351033.mspx