Quick Summary
Error code 0x80070003, also known as ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND, indicates that the system cannot find the specified path. This usually means that the file path referenced by a process or operation does not exist or is inaccessible.
Common Causes
- Missing Files/Folders: The directory or file that the system is trying to access has been deleted, moved, or renamed. This is a very common reason for the error.
- Incorrect Permissions: The user account running the process does not have the necessary permissions to access the specified path. This can occur if permissions were incorrectly set or changed.
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or corrupted system files can prevent access to certain paths. This could be due to bad sectors on the hard drive, malware infections, or incomplete software installations.
- Incorrect Environment Variables: If environment variables, particularly the PATH variable, are incorrectly configured or point to non-existent locations, the system may be unable to locate required files or directories.
- Drive Issues: Problems with the hard drive itself, such as physical damage or file system corruption, can lead to inaccessible paths.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify File Path
Step 1: Double-check the exact file path being used by the application or process generating the error. Ensure there are no typos and that the path is referencing the correct file or directory.
Step 2: Use File Explorer to navigate to the specified path and confirm that the file or folder exists. If it doesn't, restore the file or folder from a backup or reinstall the application that requires it.
Method 2: Check File Permissions
Step 1: Right-click on the file or folder that is causing the error and select Properties.
Step 2: Go to the Security tab and check the permissions for your user account. Ensure that you have at least Read & Execute permissions.
Step 3: If you do not have the necessary permissions, click Edit, select your user account, and check the boxes for the required permissions. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time. Follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the scan is finished.
Method 4: Check and Correct Environment Variables
Step 1: Search for and open 'Edit the system environment variables'.
Step 2: Click on 'Environment Variables...'
Step 3: Under 'System variables', locate the 'Path' variable and select it, then click 'Edit...'
Step 4: Review the list of paths. Ensure that the paths listed are valid and that the directories they point to actually exist. Remove any invalid or unnecessary paths. Add the correct path if something is missing.
Step 5: Click OK to save your changes and restart your computer.
Method 5: Run Check Disk (CHKDSK)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Type chkdsk /f /r C: and press Enter. (Replace 'C:' with the drive letter where Windows is installed if it's different.)
Step 3: You will be prompted to schedule the disk check for the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
Step 4: Restart your computer. The disk check will run before Windows starts.
Warning: CHKDSK can sometimes cause data loss. Ensure you have a recent backup before running this utility.