Full error message:
Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.
Why would my printer be giving me this error all of a sudden? I can't print anything either - the queue is stuck or something!
13 Answers
Clear the Print Queue and restart
Click Start. Type Command . Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator“.
Type net stop spooler then press “Enter“. Type del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers* /Q then press “Enter“. Type net start spooler then press “Enter“. The print queue on your Windows should now be cleared.
If clearing the spooler fails to start the printer, clear it again , restart and reinstall your printer driver
2Check the permissions of the spool folder, C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. Make sure that CREATOR OWNER has at least READ and WRITE permissions on files and sub-folders. If you print via a server, this must be done on the server. If CREATOR OWNER is missing, add it and make sure it has the correct permissions.
This problem can happen if the spool folder is moved, e.g. to another drive.
3Are you proceed to print a document and getting the "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file..." message while launching the file? Then, the solutions you need to apply to fix the problem are as follows:
- Check and Edit the File permission.
- Locate the file Path, and then open it.
- Ensure that the file is present at your PC, and no antivirus tool is blocking to open it.
