Windows cannot access specified device, path or file.

[erniehogan]

Windows XP Pro, SP2 with all the latest updates. 2.2 ghz pentium with 1 GB RAM.
Occasionally I cannot open any program and receive this message for every program I try to open: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access." I have to restart Windows to get things back to normal. Then it will repeat the problem sometime later. This sometimes happens as soon as I start the computer and at other times after it has been running for a while. There are times when I can use the computer for a dozen or more times without any problem. But it always returns to haunt me. I can't tie this behavior in with any specific action, it seems to be happening randomly. Any and all suggensitons will be appreciated.

 

[bcastner]

I fear malware, and it is worth checking: faq608-4650

You could try:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;313222

or to really clarify things:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421

 

[hoc7hoi9]

I'e just had the same problem. In my case, the culprit was the Zone Alarm that's just been ugraded. ZA tries to take control everything. I've found out that in the Program control I had to put Winrar in trusted leel in order to unrar files! In the end, my temporary solution is to load ZA only after turning PC on.