How to fix ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND

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Description

The system cannot find the file specified.

Causes

Incorrect File Path: The specified file path may be incorrect or misspelled.
File Does Not Exist: The file may not exist in the specified location.
File Moved or Deleted: The file might have been moved or deleted since the last reference.
External Drive Removal: The file might reside on an external drive that has been disconnected.

Solutions

Verify the File Path

Double-check the file path for any typos or errors. Ensure that the file path is correct and that it points to the right directory and filename.

Check File Existence

Confirm that the file exists in the specified location. Use Windows File Explorer to navigate to the directory and verify the presence of the file.

Update File Path

If the file has been moved, update the file path in your application or script to reflect the new location. Ensure that the path is accurate and accessible.

Reconnect External Drives

If the file is stored on an external USB drive or network drive, ensure that the drive is properly connected. Sometimes, the ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error occurs during read operations if the USB drive was accidentally removed. Reconnect the drive and retry the operation.

Restore Deleted Files

If the file has been accidentally deleted, check the Recycle Bin to see if it can be restored. For more critical files, consider using file recovery software to attempt recovery.

Permissions Check

Ensure that your application or user account has the necessary permissions to access the file. Right-click on the file, select "Properties," and check the "Security" tab to adjust permissions if needed.