Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.

Symptoms

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

Solutions

Method 1: Log in as an administrator to give you full access of the system.

Method 2:
This error message may be seen on Windows XP SP2 systems with certain security restrictions in place. This is normally due to a flag placed on the file as a result of being moved from another computer or network.

Right click on the executable and choose 'Properties' and look to the bottom of the 'General' tab. Here you should find an 'Unblock' button provided to allow normal access to the executable.

Method 3:
Follow the instructions provided by microsoft on how to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows Xp
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

Method 4: Registry edit
Download and run #12 lefthand side EXE (lnk and regfile) Fix for Windows XP http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Note: Save the REG File to your hard disk. Double click it and answer yes to the import prompt.

Method 5:
Uninstall newly installed anti-virus. Sometimes they cause the problem.

Method 6:
Try and do a repair of your system. You can boot from your XP CD and start through the installation screens for installing XP. You should come to a screen that searches of previous installs of XP. On that screen it gives you the option of installing a new copy and erasing everything or repairing the existing installation.

If you choose repair the current installation it will refesh the system files back to where they started. Be aware that it will remove any XP patches that you have installed. You will have to reinstall the patches.

The best part of this is major surgery without losing your installed programs or data. As always, backup your system before any major surgery.