It is often that we come across certain errors that we have no idea about. These errors can not only be frustrating but also affect our productivity. One of these is the System Cannot Find the File Specified error.
This error usually arises while transferring files, creating a backup or installing software. Worry not, we are going to discuss some solutions that will help you fix the issue. Let’s begin.
Use CHKDSK Command to Check BAD Sector of HDD
If you are encountering the System Cannot Find the File Specified issue, it might be that a bad sector exists in the hard drive. So you will need the CHKDSK command to troubleshoot the issue.
- Launch Start Menu and Search CMD.
- Right-click and choose Run as Administrator.
- Type CHKDSK and hit Enter.
- Check for any bad sectors and repair them.
Verify Disk Partition
The System Cannot Find the File Specified issue can also arise while transferring files from an inactive partition of the hard drive. As a result, your disk partition should be in an active state.
- Press and hold (Windows+R) run and type diskmgmt.msc.
- Right-click on the partition and select Mark Partition as Active.
- Process only after reading the instructions.
Make sure that you should only mark a partition as active if it contains a functional operating system. If it doesn’t, your computer may stop working.
Format External Drive or USB Drive
In some cases, you might observe that you won’t have any issues while transferring files to an internal hard drive but while transferring the files to an external hard drive or USB, you might get the system cannot find the file specified error.
- Navigate to Start Menu and Search CMD.
- Right-click on CMD and select Run As Administrator.
- Type diskpart and hit Enter.
- Type listvolume and hit Enter.
- Select the external drive using selectvolume and hit Enter.
- Type format fs=ntfs or fat32 quick.
Restart Windows Backup Services
Windows backup services help Windows perform restore and backup operations. However, these backup services can also sometimes contribute to the system cannot find the file specified issue.
To restart the backup services, follow these steps:
- Press (Windows + R).
- Type services.msc and hit Enter.
- Scroll down, locate Windows Backup, right-click it and select Start.
Check for the Window Latest Update
Some users have also found a cure in updating their Windows. Windows Updates can solve the system cannot find the file specified issue along with many others. To check for the latest Windows Updates, click the Windows button and visit Settings. Click on Update and Security. Then, click Check for updates. Install updates if there are any and restart your computer.
Check Permission of Files and Folder
If you are still getting the system cannot find the file specified issue, you might want to check the permission of files and folders. Sometimes, accessing certain devices may also cause the issue. In this case, you will need to check in with your System Administrator as your Antivirus may have some privacy policy restricting file or device access.
