The system cannot find the file specified

The cause of this error message can be as follows:

System files are missing or corruptedRequired Driver files are missingRequired files for the specific software are missing or corrupted.

Here’s how to address the issue quickly. Please go through the entire post and then see which of the suggestions may apply in your case.

1] Run System File Checker

If it is your Windows OS file that is found to be missing, run the System File Checker to replace missing or corrupted system files.

2] Identify and reinstall the driver software

If you see The system cannot find the file specified, do this: If it is some Program and Device Driver that is throwing up this error, you may check the System Log. The System log, similar to the application log in Event Viewer contains errors, warnings, and informational events that are related to the operation of applications. You can use its information to locate the problem driver file. For this, Navigate to the following address C:/Windows/inf.

Next, look for INF folder and click it to open the folder. Now locate the file bearing the name “setupapi.dev”. Double-click on it to open the file.

Here, press Ctrl+F key in combination to open Find box. Type ‘cannot find the file‘ in the search box then start the search. After a few seconds time the missing file message will be highlighted.

Now identify the file and see if you can find and replace that file in its designated location. An easier way to do would be to identify the program or driver and then simply reinstall it! Read: The system cannot find the drive specified

3] Install the driver using INF file

If you have tried downloading the driver from the manufacturer’s website and have come across this problem try these steps:

4] Check for driver updates via Optional Windows Updates

Run Windows Updates and see if any driver updates are available via Optional Windows Updates. Install them. Similar error:

Fix Error 0x80070002 when adding Windows FeaturesFix Error 0x80070002 during Windows Backup

5] Error upon login

If you see this error message right after you log in, it means that one of your startup programs requires a file – and it cannot find it. Try to troubleshoot in Clean Boot State or check the error logs in Event Viewer. I hope something here helps you. Related read: Fix Missing DLL files errors.

The system cannot find the file specified error in Windows 11 10 - 76The system cannot find the file specified error in Windows 11 10 - 29