"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when trying to run program

 Symptoms

When you try to install, update or start a program or a file, you receive the following error message:

Error: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item

Cause

refer to the article: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file" error when you try to install, update or start a program or file

Resolution

Method 1: Check to see if you have permission to open the file

Note Make sure you are an Administrator or you are part of the Domain Admins group if you are in a domain.

Permissions are rules associated with files that determine if you can access the file and what you can do with it. To check the permission of the file or folder, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the file or folder, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Security tab.
3. Under Group or User names, click your name to see the permissions you have. (The screen shot for this step is listed below).
   
4. Click Edit, and then click to check the check boxes for the permissions that you need, and then click OK. (The screen shot for this step is listed below).
   

Method 2: Check to see if your antivirus software is blocking the file

You can check to see if your antivirus software is blocking a file by temporarily disabling it, and then trying to open the file. If you have to temporarily disable your antivirus software, you should re-enable it as soon as you are done. If you’re connected to the Internet while your antivirus software is disabled, your PC is vulnerable to attacks.