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

[Guest]

When I try to run executables, dos prompt, regedit, control panel,
anything... I get the following message.

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

I am running XP Home, (SP2). I am an administrator user and I have tried
system restore to a previous date with no success.

I have run system restore in safe mode, it completes but does not solve the
problem.

I am using PCcillin from TrendMicro and it reports that I have no threats
found. I believe that I may have had a virus that changed something, and
though PCCillin has cleaned the virus, the problem has been left behind.

 

[Guest]

Aaron Stebner's WebLog Solving setup errors by using the SubInACL tool to
repair file and registry permissions:
http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2006/09/04/739820.aspx

 

[Gary English]

Hi Mark,

I am somewhat computer "illiterate" but I found your posts via a search.

I have the same problem trying to open any program files, Windows Updates,
etc...same message continually appears.

My system is Windows XP Home Edition.

I followed the instructions written by Aaron Stebner but when I attempt to
"run" the downloaded file SubInACL.exe, I get the following error message:

"Windows Installer - The feature you are trying to use is on a network
resource that is unavailable. Click OK to try again, or enter an alternate
path to a folder containing the installation package "subinacl.msi" in the
box below:"

The "box below" shows Desktop as the only location. When I browse the
Windows files I do not see a folder called "WindowsResource Kits\Tools"
anywhere on my system.

I saved the downloaded file to the folder "Downloaded Installations" in any
event, but when I click the file to run it, I get the same exact message as
above.

When I click OK, the following message appears:

"The installation source for this product is not available. Verify that the
source exists and that you can access it."

I am frustrated beyond measure and would greatly appreciate any and all
pertinent advice.

Kind regards,

Gary English
Abu Dhabi, UAE

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

Your installer needs some kind of fix.

How to resolve Common Windows Installer Problems:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555175/en-us

 

[Gary English]

I have deleted Windows Installer and successfully downloaded and installed a
newer version.

Subsequently, I have followed Aaron's instructions to the letter...

And I STILL have the same message whenever I try to open any program files,
Windows Update, etc:

"Windows cannot access the specified file, path or device. You may not have
the appropriate permissions..."

A colleague suggested it may be caused by a Worm which has control of the
registry files although nothing shows in any scans...

The same friend is pushing me to buy MacBookPro...hmmm...

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

HOW TO Reset Security Settings Back to the Defaults:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313222

 

[Gary English]

Thanks but I have Windows XP Home Edition - this link appears to apply only
to Vista and XP Professional...

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

Boot to Safe Mode as default "Administrator" and it should work.