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Fix ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error message in a few easy steps

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

If you’re getting theERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND 2 (0x2)orThe system cannot find thefilespecifiederror messages, follow the troubleshooting steps listed in this article to fix them.

TheERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUNDissue occurs when users try to open afilein a particular app using the Open File dialog box. This error is prevalent forWindows 10OS.

There are multiple causes to take into consideration: power failures, the folder name of thefilewas changed by mistake, registry keys were changed, the install process of variousfilesdidn’t complete correctly, and more.

To fix this on your Windows 10 PC, follow the steps listed below.

How can I fix ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error message?

1. Repair your registry

The simplest way to repair your registry is touse a dedicated tool, such as CCleaner. Don’t forget to first backup your registry in case anything goes wrong.

If you haven’t installed any registry cleaner on your computer, check out our article onthe best registry cleaners to useon Windows 10 PCs.

You can also use Microsoft’sSystem File Checkerto check for system file corruption. Use the above steps to run an SFC scan.

scannow command has stopped before the process finished? Don’t worry, we’ve got an easy fix for you.

2. Update your OS

Make sure that you’re running the latest Windows OS updates on your machine. As a quick reminder, Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates in order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.

Go toWindows Update, check for updates and install the available updates. To access theWindows Update section, you can simply typeupdatein thesearch box. This method works on all Windows versions.

3. Clean your temporaryfilesand folders

The simplest and quickest manner to delete your temporaryfilesand folders is to use Disk Cleanup. As you use your computer or browse the Internet, your PC accumulates various unnecessaryfiles.

These so-called junkfilesmay affect your computer’s processing speed, causing apps to respond slowly and may also trigger various error codes, including theERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUNDerror message.

4. Run the chkdsk command

Thechkdskcommand helps you detect and repair various disk issues, including corruptedfilesand folders.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

5. Download thefileagain

This error also occurs while installing downloaded apps and programs. Sometimes your download can become damaged or corrupted, which may trigger the ‘filenot found’ error.

In this case, try to download the respectivefileor the entire app again. You can also use adedicated download managerfor this task.

6. Remove the Windows.old folder

The Windows.old folder may also cause various errors. As a quick reminder, the Windows.old folder appears when you upgrade your Windows version or perform aclean installof Windows 10.

The role of this folder is to keep your previous Windows installationfiles, allowing you to restore it. Here’s how toremove the Windows.old folderwith ease.

7. Change the location of thefile

Moving thefileaffected by thefilenot founderror to a different folder may fix the problem. Try moving thefileto a different folder on the same drive. If this doesn’t work, try moving it on a different drive.

8. Remove conflicting software

If you received thefilenot founderror shortly after you installed a new app or program on your computer, try uninstalling the respective app or program.

Sometimes, various third-party apps may interfere with thefilethat you’re trying to open. To remove a program, go toStartand typeControl Panel.

Launch the tool and clickUninstall a program. Locate the application that you think it’s the culprit and uninstall it. You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at thisstep-by-step guideto find a solution.

9. Disable your antivirus

Sometimes, your antivirus may block thefilethat you are trying to open. Temporarily disable your antivirus and then try to open thefileagain. If this doesn’t work, try downloading thefileagain.

Open it and see if this works now. Don’t forget to enable your antivirus after you finish downloading thefile.

Are you still experiencing theFILE_NOT_FOUNDerror message after following the troubleshooting steps listed above? Use the comments section below to tell us all.

If you’ve come across other workarounds to this error, feel free to list the troubleshooting steps in the comments section below as well.

If completely removing it from your PC is needed, be sure to check out ourtop uninstaller software picks.

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Fix ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error message in a few easy steps#

How can I fix ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error message?#

1. Repair your registry#

2. Update your OS#

3. Clean your temporaryfilesand folders#

4. Run the chkdsk command#

5. Download thefileagain#

6. Remove the Windows.old folder#

7. Change the location of thefile#

8. Remove conflicting software#

9. Disable your antivirus#