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

Question

I am running my Dell notebook with Windows 10 v1909 build 18363.535

I have run the text of this alert in Chrome and followed the suggestions, even though the info is for Win 7. I have checked the permissions under properties, security and do not see my name under the list of user names. Under administrator, all permissions are ticked (I am the sole user and administrator), under Users, only read & execute and read are ticked so I have clicked edit and given full control so now all boxes are ticked. I can supply images if needed.

I have checked the file location which is correct and the file is on my system hard drive so is not removed or disabled. I have tried to run the .exe file with my security on and off.

Background. I have recently installed cc cleaner and run both the clean and registry functions opting to accept all recommended solutions. I have backed up the files removed on each occasion. Could this have removed something essential? I have had a couple of versions of nitro installed over recent weeks and have uninstalled all previous versions. I have to admit this problem seems to have only happened since running cc cleaner but realise this could be a coincidence.

I also have sandboxie installed but did not download or run the nitro installer in sandboxie.

I would be very grateful for any assistance with sorting this out. If this post is in the wrong place, please let me know and I will move it.

Peter

Answer 1

Hi Peter -

Control Panel is being phased out so I'd do everything you can in Settings.

To remove all data out for an app you'd also need to unhide User App data files and go through them all to find and delete any for the app.

Then you'd need to use Find Next in Registry Editor to search for registry keys for the app as shown here: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/search-windows-r... . Most are removed along with the Program File however.

If a Repair Install doesn't help then I'd contact Nitro support to find out if this is a known issue and if a patch is planned. I'd also ask for newer installation media.

Answer 2

Peter, I know of no trustworthy registry cleaner (or optimizer suite) in Windows 10. What we have found is that in Windows 10 everything depends on the quality of the underlying install, the same reason enthusiasts have never run Factory or Upgrade installs because they know there would be endless issues.

For example there have been zero return problems by those who follow the gold standard Clean Install here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands. So let me know if it's something I can help you do, now or later.

Besides this the built-in Maintenance for Windows 10 is best, just like built-in Defender which always offers best Windows performance with least issues, and is from Microsoft who knows how to protect their OS best. Type Maintenance in Search, open Security & Maintenance, choose Maintenance, choose Change Maintenance Settings to make sure it's scheduled to run.

Answer 3

Hi Pete. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

I would not run CCleaner now that Avast bloatware bought them and they lost their genius developer. I especially would not run the Registry Cleaner which I'd now class with all other registry cleaners as risky to ruin Windows.

Do you have a System Restore point to roll back to before the problem began? See here how to do this, which is simple and easiest:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

See also fixes for the error:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/266924...

https://www.xtremerain.com/cannot-access-device...

You might also clean uninstall Nitro in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, restart PC. Then go into C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (86) to delete any Nitro folder remaining, if necessary taking Ownership first: https://www.askvg.com/add-take-ownership-option...

Restart PC and reinstall Nitro from a fresh download.

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

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Answer 4

Hi Greg

Many thanks for your detailed reply. Must admit I had thought CC Cleaner was a relaible bit of software but my input was probably several years ago. I did not specifically set a restore point so will need to check whether one was created automatically. I do have a backup of the cleaned files though so will see if there's a restore setting in CC Cleaner.

Is there any sort of registry cleaner in Win 10 and if not are you able to suggest any?

Very grateful for your help

Peter

Answer 5

Ok, bottom line is that the problem still exists but I suppose I haven't tried all of your options.

I checked my restore points and found an automatic point dated 17/1/20 which was before installing CC Cleaner. I checked which programs would be affected and took screenshots. I then performed the regedit routine to install the ability to take ownership (this option does not appear to still be available, so I assume that it was removed when I performed the system restore and so I have re-run the routine) and then did the clean uninstall of Nitro and deleted remaining program file remenants then restarted . BTW is there any difference between using the uninstall method you indicated and uninstalling via Control Panel, Programs? I am aware that some software is available as a trial and so installing a trial programs has to leave something behind to prevent cycling the installation to extend the trial period, so does your method uninstall even these files?

I then ran the restore point routine and received a message that the restore from 17th Jan was successful. I then ran Windows Update to make sure everything was uptodate. I noticed at this stage that I could not open Chrome but a simple uninstall/re-install has solved that issue. 

Finally I re-installed Nitro from the original file as it's one version old so no longer downloadable (I have successfully installed Nitro from the same installation file on a separate computer so I'm happy the file is good). Tried to open Nitro and got the same message.

I have not yet tried the Windows Repair Install and thought I would update this thread before trying. I am surprised that the System Restore didn't work.

Cheers, Peter