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iwaddo
Inspiring
August 15, 2026
Question

Running Elements 20.0 on a W11 PC, it cannot save to E: claiming the file is locked but can save to C: and D:

  • August 15, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 23 views

As mentioned above Elements refuses to save to E: an internal drive claiming the file is locked but it will save to D: and C:.

It even does this with new files trying to Save As

Elements can save to C: then we can copy the file in Explorer to E:

We can create, rename and delete files on E: at the command prompt

Word is able to save to E:

 

When using File Save to E: we see a PSxxx.tmp file appear then disappear, then the error message appears.

There is loads of disc space on all the drives.

Just looking for inspiration.

 

Thank you for your help. 

    2 replies

    Glenn 8675309
    Legend
    August 16, 2026

    This may help:

     

    Common Causes and Fixes

    • Network or External Drive Limitation: Adobe does not officially support direct saving to network shares, NAS devices, or certain external drives due to lock conflicts with temporary data. Workaround: Save your file to your local internal drive first, then copy it over using File Explorer or Finder. []
    • OS Full Disk Access Permissions: Modern security blocks apps from writing to specific volumes.
      • Mac: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access and make sure Adobe Photoshop Elements is turned on.
      • Windows: Close the program, right-click the Photoshop Elements shortcut, and select Run as administrator. [1, 2]
    • Third-Party Antivirus Blocking: Security software like Avast or Windows Defender can intercept Adobe's file-write operations on specific volumes. Check your antivirus allowed/blocked apps list to ensure Photoshop is explicitly permitted to modify files. [1]
    • Special Characters or Path Length: If the folder name on that particular drive has unusual symbols, emojis, or an excessively long file path, Photoshop Elements will choke even if Word or Notepad handles it fine.

    iwaddo
    iwaddoAuthor
    Inspiring
    August 16, 2026

    Thank you. D: is an internal drive.

    Disk Access and AV are good things to check.

    Thank you for your help.