Fixed! Error 0x80070780: The File Cannot Be Accessed by the System

Encountering the "The file cannot be accessed by the system" message with the error 0X80070780 can feel akin to finding a roadblock on a path you frequently travel. It's an unexpected pause in your workflow, often leading to frustration and a scramble for solutions.

Whether you're working on an important document, trying to open cherished photos, or simply accessing everyday files, this error can disrupt your digital life.

But worry not! This guide is your map to navigate around this roadblock, offering detailed steps to regain access to your files. So, let's start our journey towards resolution.

Error: "The File Cannot Be Accessed by the System"

Before we start discussing solutions, it is important to understand what this error means and why it occurs. The error message “The system cannot access the file” usually means that your computer cannot retrieve the file from the storage device. This can be due to several reasons:

File system corruption: The file system on the drive may be corrupted, causing problems with file access.

Bad sectors on the drive: Physical damage or bad sectors on the hard drive can prevent file access.

Permission issues: Sometimes, file access problems occur because permissions are not set correctly.

Malware or viruses: Malware can also interfere with file access.

Now that we have an idea of ​​what may be causing the problem, let’s move on to solutions.

How to Fix "the File Cannot Be Accessed by the System" Error

Method 1: Check File Permissions

Permissions act as the gatekeeper to your files. If you don't have the right permissions, you're essentially locked out.

Step 1: Navigate to the file in question, right-click on it, and select "Properties" from the context menu.

Step 2: In the Properties window, switch to the "Security" tab to see the list of user accounts and their permissions.

Step 3: Click on your user account. Below, in the "Permissions for [your account]" section, check if you have permission to read and write.

Step 4: If you notice you don't have the necessary permissions, click the "Edit" button to modify them. Select your user account again, and in the Permissions box, check the options for "Full control" or at least "Modify" and "Read & execute."

Step 5: Apply the changes and try accessing the file again.

This process is akin to ensuring you have the right key to a lock, granting you the access you need.

Method 2: Use the Command Prompt to Repair System Files

Sometimes, the issue stems from deeper within, where system files may be corrupted or missing. The System File Checker (SFC) tool is like a built-in mechanic for your operating system, scanning for and repairing issues.

Step 1: Type "cmd" in the Windows search bar. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and choose "Run as administrator" to launch it with elevated permissions.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt, enter sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command prompts the System File Checker to scan your system for issues and fix any detected problems automatically.

Step 3: Wait for the process to complete. This might take some time, so patience is key.

Step 4: Once finished, restart your computer and try accessing the file again.

This method is like conducting a thorough health check-up and treatment plan for your system, ensuring all internal pathways are clear and functional.

Method 3: Check If the File is In Use

A file being in use by another program can also trigger this error. It's similar to trying to open a drawer that someone else is holding closed.

Step 1: Close all programs that might be using the file. This includes background applications that might not be immediately obvious.

Step 2: If you're unsure which program might be using the file, you can restart your computer to force-close all applications.

Step 3: After the restart, try accessing the file directly without opening any other applications.

This method is akin to resetting the scene, ensuring no external forces are keeping the file from you.

Method 4: Disk Error Checking

Disk errors can cause file access issues, acting as physical barriers in the pathway to your data.

Step 1: Open "This PC" and locate the drive where the problematic file is stored.

Step 2: Right-click the drive and select "Properties." Navigate to the "Tools" tab.

Step 3: Under the "Error checking" section, click the "Check" button. If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes."

Step 4: If the tool finds any errors, follow the prompts to repair them. This might require a restart.

Step 5: After the process is complete and any necessary restarts are done, attempt to access the file again.

This approach is similar to fixing potholes on a road, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination (the file).

Method 5: Use File Recovery Software

If you're dealing with the Windows error 0x80070780, one of the final steps to resolve the issue is to format the faulty drive. However, formatting the drive will erase all the files on it. Therefore, it's crucial to back up all your files to a safe location before proceeding with the format.

But what if you can't copy the files due to the error 0x80070780? In this case, you'll need to use a data recovery tool such as MyRecover.

MyRecover

Professional File Recovery Software

• It supports over 200+ file formats, such as recover deleted Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, PDF,  TIF/TIFF, MP4, MOV, AVI/NAVI, CDA, WAV, 7Z, ZIP/ZIPX, and more.
• After recovery, MyRecover can keep the original format, filename, path, and size for the lost files.
• It supports deletedfile recovery, formatted hard drive recovery, lost partition recovery, virus attack recovery, computer crashed recovery, and so on.
• It supports the file system NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS in Windows 11/10/8/7/Server.

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7& Windows Server

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Step 1:  Install and run the software. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2: It scans the drive with Quick Scan and Deep Scan to locate your deleted and missing files.

Step 3: After the scan completes, select the files you want to recover and click Recover X Files.

Conclusion

Navigating the error "the file cannot be accessed by the system" can feel daunting, but with the right tools and steps, it's a hurdle you can overcome. You can pick up one way to fix this error and follow to regain access to your files immediately.

If this error has caused your data loss and you don't have a backup. Trying MyRecover is a good option, the free version allows you to recover files up to 500MB without paying anything. So if you are not sure if the software can find the required files and recover them, you can try the free version first.

FAQs

1. What does it mean when a file could not be accessed?

When you see the message “your file couldn't be accessed,” it typically means that your file might have been moved, edited, or deleted. To resolve this, check where your file is saved. If the file isn't saved, you can save it by pressing Ctrl+S. After saving, copy the file path and paste it into your browser to access it.

2. Why is it important to run the Command Prompt as an administrator when repairing system files?

Running the Command Prompt as an administrator grants the necessary permissions to make changes to system files, ensuring the SFC tool can operate effectively.

3. What is error 0x80070780 on Windows 11 system restore?

Error 0x80070780 can occur during a system restore on Windows 11 for several reasons:

• Loss of Administrator Rights: This error may be triggered if you lose the necessary administrator rights to copy or delete certain files.

• Damaged or Missing System Files: Important system components can sometimes be accidentally deleted or corrupted, causing them to fail to function properly, which can result in this error.

4. Can I use MyRecover on an external drive?

Yes, MyRecover can easily and effectively recover deleted files from external hard drives, SD cards, USB flash drives, SSDs, HDDs, and other storage devices in Windows.

5. What should I do if the disk error checking doesn't find any errors, but I still can't access the file?

If disk error checking doesn't resolve the issue, it's recommended to move on to file recovery software like MyRecover, as the problem might not be with the disk itself but with the file.

6. How can I prevent this error from happening in the future?

Regular system maintenance, including software updates, disk checks, and backing up important files, can significantly reduce the risk of encountering this error. Here, a free backup software for Windows - AOMEI Backupper Standard you can have a try.