Error message when installing drivers: The system cannot find the file specified

Question

I have been trying to install a new wireless usb adapter. Each time I try I receive a message

"The system cannot find the file specified."

I wondered if the adapter might be at fault, but when I went to reinstall my older wireless adapter (which I installed about a year ago on the same pc without any problems) the same error message appeared.  I have Vista SP1

I have tried uninstalling and re-installing but this makes no difference.  I have downloaded the latest drivers for both adaptes from the manufacturers websites, but no joy. Any advice?

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Answer 1

Hi Jim,

You might check for failed or corrupted previous installations of the driver (works for Vista):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315539

Look in the Device Manager for instances of the USB network card and remove all that you find, then restart the computer.

If this is a laptop, you can likely bring it to the store with you to test whatever new card you might be interested in for compatibility.

There's not any specific issues with recent updates that I'm aware of.

You can uninstall an update if you this it may be cause trouble. If it's not, you can reinstall it afterwards.

Let us know how it goes.

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Chris

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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Answer 2

Hi

Thanks for replying.  I take your point, but I had used the same Edimax adapter on this computer quite happily for 18 months with Vista.  Has there been an issue with one of the recent updates that is causing a problem?  

I have tried disabling my security software and using the administrator account when installing, but this hasn't fixed it. 

At the moment I'm pretty lost - is there anything else I can do?  I don't really want to spend money on a new adapter if exactly the same thing is going to happen (as looks likely).  But at the moment I am stuck without wireless access.

Jim

Answer 3

Hi Jim,

I see that the devices website says that it's compatible with Vista, but I'm not seeing that it's listed in the Vista Compatibility Center.

The device can claim it's compatible, but if Microsoft hasn't certified the manufacturers driver it may not be fully compatible.

With that said, make sure your using an administrator account when installing the driver.

You might also try disabling your security software while doing the install, to make sure there isn't a conflict.

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Chris

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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Answer 4

Hi Meghmala

Thanks for your advice.  In answer to your questions:

The USB adapter is an Edimax EW-7318USg.  

Method 1 - I have tried this as per your post and this has not helped.

Method 2 - I had already tried this by double checking I had the most up to date driver from the manufacturer.

I would also point out that I have bought another wireless adapter and exactly the same thing has happened!  So I think the issue is not the adapter, but something do with Vista.

In both cases, "Windows found the driver software for your device but encountered an error while attempting to install it".  "The system cannot find the file specified".  This happens whether I try to install the driver automatically or manually.

I would be grateful for any further help.

Thanks

Jim

Answer 5

Hi Jim_Doug,

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1. What is the make and model of the USB adapter?

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Method 1:

You may also check after uninstalling and reinstalling the USB adapter drivers if you are able to connect. You may disconnect all USB devices and then perform the following steps:

a.     Click  Start, and then click Control Panel.

b.     Click System and Maintenance, click  System, and then click Device Manager.

Note If Control Panel is in Classic View, double-click  System, and then click  Device Manager.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click  Allow.

You may check if you have any exclamation or cross marks with any error message along the USB devices listed in the device manager.

c.      In Device Manager, double click to expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers", right click on the Host Controller, click "Uninstall" and click "OK".

d.     Repeat the step 2 to uninstall all items under "Universal Serial Bus controllers".

Then, restart your computer and Windows Vista will reinstall all USB controllers automatically.

Method 2:

If the issue persists, I would suggest you to download the drivers for the device from the manufacturer website and then browse to provide the path of the downloaded driver file manually while performing the installation and check.

Refer to the below link for assistance–

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

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Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Meghmala – Microsoft Support

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