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Participant
September 16, 2017
Answered

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

  • September 16, 2017
  • 7 replies
  • 20377 views

For the past week I have been trying to open my pdfs using adobe acrobat reader dc and I get the following message - "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." When I reboot I can then open files for a while then all of a sudden the above message starts all over again. I also occasionally get the following message when trying to open - "Application unable to start correctly (0xc0000022)". I have already deleted reader and re-downloaded but problem continues. Any help out there?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer thomass63076015

    I managed to fix this problem om two computers today.

    Run Compability wizard and accept the suggested settings (i think it is Windows 8). Test and save. Works here!

    7 replies

    thomass63076015
    thomass63076015Correct answer
    Participant
    January 10, 2019

    I managed to fix this problem om two computers today.

    Run Compability wizard and accept the suggested settings (i think it is Windows 8). Test and save. Works here!

    Vertigo1981
    Participant
    June 30, 2020

    Nope. Does not work for me.

    Mike33Stig
    Participant
    October 5, 2017

    After several hours I have found a solution. Use the Adobe uninstall tool to remove all traces. Then install the prior version (11.0.somethin). Works great so far. No issues. Hope this helps anyone else the same boat.

    Cheers,

    Michael

    Participating Frequently
    October 5, 2017

    Thank You sir, I did that also I did not unistall all traces I don't know how to do that but i did go back too 11 too.

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    On Thursday, October 5, 2017, 2:15:53 PM CDT, Mike33Stig <forums_noreply@adobe.com> wrote:

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

    created by Mike33Stig in Acrobat Reader - View the full discussion

    After several hours I have found a solution. Use the Adobe uninstall tool to remove all traces. Then install the prior version (11.0.somethin). Works great so far. No issues. Hope this helps anyone else the same boat.

     

    Cheers,

    Michael

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    Mike33Stig
    Participant
    October 5, 2017

    Thanks you Hahah. That seems to be The common practice. Thanks Adobe.

    Mike33Stig
    Participant
    October 4, 2017

    Bump

    Any update?

    Same problem here. Started about 1 week ago. Can't open pdf files without getting error "windows cannot access the specified device..."

    Win 8.1. updated to latest adobe. No permission issues within windows. Using admin account. Shut off all fire walls/protection.

    I can access all PDF files for a few minutes after starting; then error message begin. Will not open any PDF files. I tried just about everything in the books. I will try using an older version and see if that works next.

    Please Help!

    Thank You!

    sincerely, Michael.

    Participating Frequently
    October 5, 2017

    Good Luck you will get no help here. Adobe sucks

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    On Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 3:28:10 PM CDT, mike33stig <forums_noreply@adobe.com> wrote:

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

    created by mike33stig in Acrobat Reader - View the full discussion

    Bump

     

    Any update?

     

    Same problem here. Started about 1 week ago. Can't open pdf files without getting error "windows cannot access the specified device..."

     

    Win 8.1. updated to latest adobe. No permission issues within windows. Using admin account. Shut off all fire walls/protection.

     

    I can access all PDF files for a few minutes after starting; then error message begin. Will not open any PDF files. I tried just about everything in the books. I will try using an older version and see if that works next.

     

    Please Help!

    Thank You!

    sincerely, Michael.

    If the reply above answers your question, please take a moment to mark this answer as correct by visiting: https://forums.adobe.com/message/9866981#9866981 and clicking ‘Correct’ below the answer

    Replies to this message go to everyone subscribed to this thread, not directly to the person who posted the message. To post a reply, either reply to this email or visit the message page:

    Please note that the Adobe Forums do not accept email attachments. If you want to embed an image in your message please visit the thread in the forum and click the camera icon: https://forums.adobe.com/message/9866981#9866981

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    Start a new discussion in Acrobat Reader by email or at Adobe Community

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    Participant
    September 25, 2017

    Did you ever get a solution for this? I am having the same problem.

    Participating Frequently
    September 19, 2017

    DId you get this fixed?

    Participating Frequently
    September 18, 2017

    windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item I am having the same problem