'The system cannot find the file specified' Windows error
Jul 09, 2025 am 02:07 AMWhen encountering the error "The system cannot find the file specified", you should first check whether the file path exists or spelling errors, then check whether the permissions are insufficient, then confirm whether the environment variables or registry configuration is correct, and finally consider system files or driver issues. 1. Check whether the path exists and whether the spelling is correct, especially the manually entered path or the target path of the shortcut. It is recommended to move the file to a simple English path to test; 2. If the file exists but cannot be accessed, it may be insufficient permissions. You can check the user permissions in the security tag, or try to run the program as an administrator, and use the icacls command to obtain permissions; 3. If it is a development tool, script or third-party software problem, you need to check whether the environment variables such as PATH and Java_HOME are set correctly, use Process Monitor to track file access, and confirm whether the script call method is correct; 4. If there is no problem with the above, it may be that the system file is corrupt, the hard disk is bad, or the driver is incompatible, you can run sfc /scannow to check the system file, use chkdsk to check disk errors, and update or reinstall the disk driver.
When you double-click a file or run a program, the error message "The system cannot find the file specified" suddenly pops up. This is usually not as simple as the file being deleted. It may be caused by path problems, permission settings, system configuration abnormalities, etc.

1. The most common reason: the file path does not exist or is spelled wrongly
The most direct reason for this problem is that the system cannot find the file path you want to access. for example:

- The file has been moved or deleted
- The path contains Chinese or special characters, resulting in recognition failure
- The path to the program call is written incorrectly (such as development tools, scripts)
Solve Suggestions:
- Check if the path is complete and correct, especially the path entered manually
- If it is a shortcut, right-click to view the "target" path in the property, right?
- Try to put the file in a simple English path, such as
C:The system cannot find the file specified Windows errorTestThe system cannot find the file specified Windows error
, and then run it.
2. Insufficient permissions lead to inability to access the folder
Sometimes the file clearly exists but you do not have access permissions, and this prompt will also appear. This situation is more common when accessing protected system directories or encrypted folders.

Solution:
- Right-click the file or folder → Properties → Security tab to see if the current user has "read" permission
- If not, try running the Explorer or related program as an administrator
- Or use the command prompt to run
icacls "文件路徑" /grant administrators:F
to obtain permissions (remember to replace the actual path)
3. Error in environment variables or registry configuration
If you are running certain development tools, batch scripts, or third-party software, it may be because they rely on an incorrect configuration of environment variables or registry keys.
Stroke thoughts:
- Check whether the environment variables required by the program are set correctly (such as Java_HOME, PATH)
- Use the Process Monitor tool to track which files are attempted to access when the program starts, and see which link is interrupted
- If it is a script written by yourself, check whether the method of calling the external program is correct, such as using the wrong startup method or parameter format
4. System file corruption or driver problems
Although it is not very common, such errors may also occur if the system files are corrupted, the hard drive is broken, or some drivers are incompatible.
You can try these operations:
- Run the system file check tool: Open the command prompt as an administrator and enter
sfc /scannow
- Update or reinstall disk drivers
- Check hard disk errors:
chkdsk C: /f
(C is your system disk and may need to restart before execution)
Basically these common possibilities. In most cases, it is a problem with paths or permissions. Just start with a simple investigation.
The above is the detailed content of 'The system cannot find the file specified' Windows error. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Hot AI Tools

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Clothoff.io
AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap
Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor

SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use

Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Hot Topics

Stellar Blade save file location on Windows PC: where to find it, how to back up your game data, and what to do if the save files are missing or the game is not saving. This MiniTool guide provides detailed instructions and solutions.Quick Navigation

Many users encountered installation issues and some unexpected problems after applying the Windows 11 update KB5060829. If you're facing similar difficulties, don't panic. This MiniTool guide presents the most effective fixes to resolve KB5060829 not

Are you urgently looking for effective solutions to fix the Dune: Awakening black screen issue on Windows? You’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide from MiniTool presents several practical and reliable methods to address this frustrating p

KB5060999 What are the update contents of Windows 11 23H2? How to download? What to do if the update fails? This article will be described in detail and provides a solution to the failure of KB5060999 installation. Quick Navigation :- Windows 11 23H2 KB5060999 Updated Content - KB5060999 Reason for installation failure - Solve the problem that KB506099 cannot be installed - Summary of Windows 11 23H2 KB5060999 Update KB5060999 is a cumulative security update for Windows 11 released by Microsoft on June 10, 2025

Microsoft has released Windows 10 KB5061087 for 22H2 to fix some issues. From this post on MiniTool, learn how to install this preview optional update on your PC. Also, you can know what to do if KB5061087 fails to install via Windows Update.Quick Na

Is Stellar Blade crashing or failing to launch on your PC? Do not worry. This guide from MiniTool Software provides you with a couple of effective solutions to help you fix the issue and get the game running smoothly.Quick Navigation :- Stellar Blade

When the Windows Security Center is blank or the function is missing, you can follow the following steps to check: 1. Confirm whether the system version supports full functions, some functions of the Home Edition are limited, and the Professional Edition and above are more complete; 2. Restart the SecurityHealthService service to ensure that its startup type is set to automatic; 3. Check and uninstall third-party security software that may conflict; 4. Run the sfc/scannow and DISM commands to repair system files; 5. Try to reset or reinstall the Windows Security Center application, and contact Microsoft support if necessary.

What should you do if the Dune Awakening Controller fails to function? What causes this issue? This MiniTool article provides a comprehensive explanation and guides you through resolving this frustrating problem.Quick Navigation :- Dune Awakening Con
