How to resolve windows access and permission error messages

When attempting to enter programs such as word, help (via F1), or somehting simple as winamp, I get a message stating, "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." The problem is that it is a perosnal computer, not hooked up to the internet and I have full administrative power. It could be a virus but also, I have heard (at the time i noticed the problem I was installing a scanner) that sometimes when installing a driver off the cd-rom provided you can lose permission. I am frustrative as I can't even format my drive from windows let alone dos.

This question was answered on March 6, 2003. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

---

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start multiple programs or open multiple files at the same time, you may receive one of the following error messages:

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

This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you click to select multiple icons on the desktop and include the Internet Explorer icon, and then press ENTER

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, do not click to select the Internet Explorer icon when you select multiple icons, or double-click each icon one at a time

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are published under article Q264481 .

About the author

Posted by Enyenihi of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 6, 2003

Need Help with this Issue?

We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!