Filed Under: How to Repair, Windows

Fixing Error 0x80070780: File Cannot Be Accessed by the System

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Written by Jack Lin

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Fix Error Code 0x80070780

Error 0x80070780 is a frustrating Windows issue that occurs when the system cannot access a file. This error can prevent users from modifying, deleting, or copying files, causing significant inconvenience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What is Error 0x80070780?

Error Code 0x80070780

Error 0x80070780 typically manifests with the message “The file cannot be accessed by the system.” This error is prevalent across various Windows versions, including 7, 8, 10, and 11. It often occurs during file operations on local drives or external storage devices.

Common Causes of Error 0x80070780

  1. File Permission Issues: Non-admin users may lack necessary permissions to access certain files.
  2. Corrupted System Files: Essential operating system files may become damaged or corrupted.
  3. Disk Errors: Bad sectors or other disk issues can lead to file inaccessibility.
  4. Virus Infections: Malware can corrupt files or directories, making them inaccessible.
  5. Driver Issues: Missing or outdated drivers can disconnect files from the system.

How to Fix Error 0x80070780

1. Convert User Account to Admin

Changing your user account to an admin account can resolve permission-related issues:

  1. Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
  2. Navigate to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Select the user account and click “Change account type“.
  4. Choose “Administrator” and click “OK“.

If you’re having trouble changing passwords or accessing certain settings, you might need to change the password on Windows Server 2012. The process is similar but may require additional steps in a server environment.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker can repair corrupted system files:

type sfc /scannow and press Enter
  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
  3. After it completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any repair instructions.

If you encounter issues during this process, you might see an error like 0x80246007. This usually indicates a problem with Windows Update components, which may need to be reset.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify if third-party software is causing the issue:

Perform A Clean Boot
  1. Press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services” and click “Disable all“.
  3. In the Startup tab, click “Open Task Manager” and disable all startup items.
  4. Restart your computer.

4. Run CHKDSK Scan

CHKDSK can identify and fix disk errors:

chkdsk E: /f /r /x
  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
  3. If prompted, press Y to schedule the scan at the next restart.
  4. Restart your computer.

If CHKDSK doesn’t resolve the issue, you might be dealing with a more serious problem. In some cases, you might see a message that your PC needs to be repaired. This could indicate deeper system issues that require advanced troubleshooting.

5. Enable Volume Shadow Copy

Ensuring the Volume Shadow Copy service is running can help with file access:

  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find “Volume Shadow Copy” in the list.
  3. Double-click it, set Startup type to “Automatic”, and start the service if it’s not running.

6. Clean Up System Restore Points

Freeing up disk space by cleaning old restore points can sometimes resolve file access issues:

  1. Open Disk Cleanup (type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar).
  2. Select the drive (usually C:) and click OK.
  3. Click “Clean up system files“.
  4. In the “More Options” tab, under “System Restore and Shadow Copies“, click “Clean up“.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If the above solutions don’t work, consider these additional steps:

  1. Check for File Locks: Sometimes, a file may be inaccessible because it’s open in another program. Check out this guide on what to do when a file is open in system for more information.
  2. Update Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause various system errors. Ensure all your drivers are up to date.
  3. Scan for Malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to rule out any malware infections.
  4. Check for Hard Drive Issues: If you suspect hardware problems, you might encounter errors like 0x8007139f, which often indicates a failing hard drive. Consider running advanced disk diagnostics or consulting a professional.
  5. Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, if you continue to encounter errors like 0x80070426 or 0xe0000100, you might need to consider reinstalling Windows. Always back up your data before taking this step.

Conclusion

Error 0x80070780 can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s often resolvable. Start with the simplest solutions like checking permissions and running system file checks, and progress to more advanced troubleshooting if needed. Remember to back up your important data regularly to prevent loss in case of serious system issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “file cannot be accessed by the system” error and regain access to your files. If problems persist, consider seeking help from a professional IT support service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Error 0x80070780 cause data loss? A: While the error itself doesn’t typically cause data loss, attempting incorrect fixes might. Always back up important data before making system changes.

Q: Is it safe to change my account to an administrator? A: Yes, but use caution. Admin accounts have full system access, which can be a security risk if misused.

Q: How long does the CHKDSK scan take? A: The duration varies based on drive size and number of errors. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Q: Will a clean boot delete my files? A: No, a clean boot only temporarily disables startup programs and services. Your files remain untouched.

Q: Can antivirus software cause Error 0x80070780? A: In rare cases, overzealous antivirus software might incorrectly flag system files, potentially causing this error.

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