How to Fix The System Cannot Find the File Specified Error

Are you seeing “The System Cannot Find the File Specified” error on your Windows computer? This frustrating error (often with code 0x80070002) can pop up when you’re trying to open files, install programs, or even start Windows. The good news? You can fix it in about 10 minutes using simple methods that actually work.

This error happens when Windows can’t locate a file it needs. Think of it like trying to find a book in a library, but someone moved it to a different shelf. Windows is looking in the wrong place, and we need to help it find the right path.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to fix the system cannot find the file specified in Windows 10/11 using methods that have worked for thousands of users. Let’s get your computer working properly again!

What Causes “The System Cannot Find the File Specified” Error?

Before we jump into solutions, it helps to understand why this happens. Here are the main reasons:

• Corrupted system files – Important Windows files get damaged
• Missing registry keys – Windows loses track of where things are stored
• Bad disk sectors – Parts of your hard drive become unreadable
• Incorrect file paths – Files get moved but Windows still looks in the old location
• Driver issues – Outdated or missing drivers cause communication problems
• Windows Update problems – Failed updates leave files in a broken state

The error appears in different situations:

• When accessing drives in Disk Management
• During system backups
• Installing new software or drivers
• Opening specific programs
• Deleting files (yes, even when trying to delete!)

Quick Fix #1: Restart Your Computer (30 Seconds)

I know, I know – “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” But seriously, this fixes about 20% of cases:

1. Save any open work
2. Click Start menu → Power → Restart
3. Wait for Windows to fully reload
4. Try the action that caused the error again

If this doesn’t work, move on to our more powerful solutions.

Fix #2: Run System File Checker (5 Minutes)

Windows has a built-in doctor called System File Checker (SFC). It finds and fixes corrupted files automatically.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Right-click the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin)”
2. Type this command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete (usually 5-10 minutes)
4. Restart your computer when it’s done

If SFC finds problems but can’t fix them, don’t worry – we have more solutions.

Fix #3: Use DISM to Repair Windows Image (10 Minutes)

DISM is like SFC’s big brother. It fixes deeper Windows problems. Run these commands one at a time in Admin PowerShell:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Wait for it to finish, then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This process takes about 10-15 minutes. Be patient – it’s fixing important stuff!

Fix #4: Check Your Hard Drive for Errors (15-30 Minutes)

Sometimes the system cannot find the path specified because your hard drive has bad spots. Let’s check:

1. Open Admin PowerShell again
2. Type this command (replace C: with your drive letter if different):
   chkdsk C: /f /r
3. Press Y when asked to schedule the scan
4. Restart your computer – the scan will run before Windows starts

Warning: Don’t turn off your computer during this scan! It can take 30 minutes or more for large drives.

Fix #5: Update or Reinstall Problem Drivers (10 Minutes)

Outdated drivers often cause this error. Here’s the easy way to fix them:

1. Right-click Start → Select “Device Manager”
2. Look for yellow warning signs next to any device
3. Right-click the problem device → Select “Update driver”
4. Choose “Search automatically” and let Windows find updates

If updating doesn’t work:

1. Right-click the device → “Uninstall device”
2. Check “Delete the driver software”
3. Restart your computer – Windows will reinstall the driver

Fix #6: Fix the Registry (Advanced – 10 Minutes)

The registry is like Windows’ phone book. If entries are missing, Windows can’t find files. Here’s how to fix common registry problems:

Important: Messing up the registry can break Windows. Follow these steps exactly!

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
3. Look for “RunOnce” in the list
4. If it’s missing, right-click “CurrentVersion” → New → Key → Name it “RunOnce”
5. Do the same for this location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Close Registry Editor and restart

Fix #7: Reset Windows Update Components (15 Minutes)

When Windows Update breaks, it can cause our error. Let’s reset it:

1. Open Admin PowerShell
2. Run these commands one at a time:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
3. Rename folders with these commands:
   • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
4. Start services again:
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver
5. Restart your computer

Fix #8: Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes security software blocks Windows from finding files. Try this:

1. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall:
   
   • Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security
   • Click “Firewall & network protection”
   • Turn off firewall for your active network
   • Test if the error is gone
   • Turn firewall back on! (Very important)
2. Check your antivirus:
   
   • Temporarily disable it
   • Test again
   • Re-enable it immediately

If disabling security fixes the error, add an exception for the program having problems.

Fix #9: Enable Windows Services (5 Minutes)

Some Windows services must be running. Let’s check:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter
2. Find these services and make sure they’re running:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service
   • Cryptographic Services
3. For each service:
   • Double-click it
   • Set “Startup type” to “Automatic”
   • Click “Start” if it’s stopped
   • Click “OK”

Fix #10: Use System Restore (30 Minutes)

If the error started recently, go back in time:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, press Enter
2. Click Next → Choose a restore point from before the problem started
3. Follow the wizard to restore

Your files won’t be deleted, but recently installed programs might be removed

When Specific Programs Show This Error

Visual Studio or Programming Tools

If you see this error in Visual Studio:

• Make sure your project actually built (press F7)
• Check that you created a Console Application, not a Library
• Verify all file paths in your project settings

When Deleting Files

Can’t delete a file because of this error? Try:

• Using 7-Zip to rename the file first
• Running chkdsk on that drive
• Booting in Safe Mode to delete it

During Windows Backup

For backup errors:

• Check if the backup location exists
• Make sure you have enough space
• Try a different backup location

Prevention Tips: Stop This Error from Coming Back

1. Keep Windows Updated
   
   • Go to Settings → Windows Update
   • Install all updates regularly
2. Run Disk Cleanup Monthly
   
   • Type “Disk Cleanup” in Start menu
   • Clean temporary files
3. Don’t Force Shutdown
   
   • Always use proper shutdown
   • Forced shutdowns can corrupt files
4. Use Reliable Antivirus
   
   • But don’t use multiple antivirus programs
   • They can conflict and cause errors
5. Back Up Your Data
   
   • Use Windows Backup or cloud storage
   • If something goes wrong, you won’t lose files

Still Getting the Error?

If none of these fixes work, try:

1. Check Event Viewer for more details:
   
   • Right-click Start → Event Viewer
   • Look in Windows Logs → System
   • Find red errors near the time of your problem
2. Run Windows in Safe Mode:
   
   • Hold Shift while clicking Restart
   • Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings
   • Press 4 for Safe Mode
3. Contact Microsoft Support:
   
   • They can look at your specific error
   • Visit Microsoft Support for help

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

“The System Cannot Find the File Specified” error is annoying but fixable. Start with simple solutions like restarting and running SFC scans. Work your way up to more advanced fixes like registry edits and system restore.

Remember these key steps:

• Run SFC and DISM scans first
• Check your hard drive with CHKDSK
• Update drivers and Windows
• Fix registry entries if needed
• Use System Restore as a backup plan

Most users fix this error within the first three solutions. Don’t give up if the first fix doesn’t work – one of these methods will solve your problem!