File Not Found: Check the Filename and Recover in Windows

Warning: "File Not Found" Error in Windows

Question: The "File Not Found" error typically occurs when an operation fails due to hard disk damage or the loss of specific system files. Many Windows users encounter this error after upgrading to Windows 11 and seek swift and effective solutions.

Just like the user above, it can be frustrating to encounter a “File Not Found” issue, especially when you're dealing with something important. Many people have encountered this common problem. Fortunately, there are solutions to it. Before we dive into those, let's first understand the reasons behind the issue.

• The file is corrupted due to bad sectors
• Failure in installing Windows 11
• The Master Boot Record (MBR) is damaged
• The target file has been renamed or deleted
• An error occurs while copying a file or folder

Fix 1: Recover Lost Files with a Professional Tool

The safest way to recover deleted files is by using a file recovery tool that addresses the issue while preventing data overwrite or further loss of files. In any challenging situation, the Data Recovery Wizard tool is reliable, capable of restoring hidden, deleted, formatted, and damaged files.

Data recovery tool software is great at retrieving deleted files from an SD card, formatted or damaged hard drives, USB drives, and even your emptied Trash. The macOS version of this utility is also adept at fixing corrupted mp4 movies, images, and documents.

And why does it fix the “file not found” problem?

• ✔️ Recovers deleted files from memory cards, flash drives, digital cameras, and camcorders after emptied Recycle Bin. • ✔️ Supports data recovery from a damaged hard drive, formatted drive, virus attack, or system crash in various scenarios. • ✔️ Any data that appears during the scan can be restored.

Step 1: Select the exact location from where you want to recover files and then click on the “Scan” button to proceed.

Step 2: After the scan, select the "Deleted Files" and "Other Lost Files" folders on the left. You can then use the "Filter" feature or click on the "Search for files or folders" button to look for the deleted files.

Step 3: Click on the “Recover” button to save the retrieved files to another location (preferably different from the original).

If this article helped you fix the “File Not Found” error, don't forget to bookmark this page and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or your favorite social network.

Solution 2: Disable Controlled Folder Access

The “controlled folder access” feature in Windows security settings is another line of defense against ransomware. With it enabled, you may not be able to save your work if you attempt certain risky changes, even in applications that you trust.

Before you fix “File Not Found” errors by managing controlled folder access, watch this video for more details about recovering files on your Mac.

• 00:02 - Window Settings
• 00:51 - Folder Access Permissions
• 00:56 - Manage Folder Access Control
• 01:01 - Turn off this option

Try turning off Controlled Folder Access, but be aware that doing so leaves your device more vulnerable to attack.

1. Go to Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection > Manage ransomware protection.

The second line of defense is ransomware protection.

Step 3: Toggle the switch under Controlled Folder Access.

Step 4: Click “Yes” on the User Account Control prompt.

After you save, open, or move a file, see if the “file not found” issue still occurs.

Solution 3: Fix the file not found error by restarting in Safe Mode

If the issue persists, try starting your computer in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic setting for your operating system that starts with only the minimum required drivers, services, and programs.

Step 1. After turning your computer on, repeatedly press F8 (Windows 7 and 8.1) or Shift+F8 (Windows 10) until the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears.

Step 2: To start Safe Mode, select “Safe Mode” and press Enter.

Step 3. Press the Windows key, then type cmd.

Step 4: Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 5: Type shutdown.exe /r /o and press Enter.

Step 6. Close the window and let Windows restart into Recovery Mode.

Then, try opening the folder or performing the action that was problematic before in this mode to see if the issue is resolved.

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Fix 4: Configure Protected Folders to Look for Files

Controlled Folder Access protects designated folders and programs. Since system folders are automatically included and can't be removed, you can only edit the ones that suit your needs. If you've trusted a folder and no longer want it protected by Controlled Folder Access, here's how to remove it from the list:

Step 1: Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection to defend against ransomware.

Step 2: Select Protected folders from the Controlled Folder Access menu.

Click “Yes” to proceed to the next window.

Step 4: Select the folder, and click “Remove.”

Step 5: Tap OK on the confirmation message.

Figure 4: Confirmation prompt

Fix 5: Run the SFC scan option

In addition, Windows comes equipped with the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools. You can use the SFC scan command to scan and fix errors where files are missing.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the “Run” window.

Step 2. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

Step 3: Type sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt.

Run a System File Checker scan

Step 4: Wait for the process to complete the 100% verification. A cached copy of the files is located in the compressed folder %windir%\System32\dllcache. If any corrupted files are found, the sfc /scannow command replaces them.

The tool scans all protected and critical system files, and prompts you to insert the Windows installation disc if it can't find a cached copy of a file it needs. You can also use a USB device for installing or repairing Windows.

In sum

By monitoring your system and hard drive status, you can prevent “file not found” errors. Install a reliable antivirus program to protect your computer from threats and run CHKDSK scans regularly to maintain the integrity of your hard drive.

If you encounter a similar problem, you can use the Data Recovery Wizard Professional utility to restore data from deleted, formatted, or inaccessible hard drive partitions. The "Save Scan Information" tool allows you to recover large amounts of data in segments, saving time and resources.

"Frequently Asked Questions About 'File Not Found'"

Here are four additional solutions for fixing the "File Not Found" issue on Windows 10/11. Click here to view the answers.

Why do I get a "File Not Found" message on my computer?

When you attempt to boot the system, an error message appears, and the issue recurs whenever you press any key to proceed. Typically, hard drive corruption or loss of system files occurs due to malware or virus attacks.

**How to recover missing files in Windows?**

Press the Windows key, type “Windows File Recovery,” and then select “Windows File Recovery.” When asked if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device, select “Yes.” You have two basic modes that you can use to recover files: “Standard” and “Extended.”

How do I fix the "file not found" error in Command Prompt?

Type `sfc /scannow` into the Command Prompt, then press Enter. Restart your computer after it finishes checking and fixing any issues to see if the "System cannot find the file specified" error is resolved.

How do I fix the issue of a hard drive not showing files?

• Recover lost files with data recovery software.
• Format or reformat the hard drive.
• Run the CHKDSK command to fix an external hard drive not showing files issue.
• Show hidden files on the hard drive using Command Prompt, Control Panel, or software – learn how here.
• Remove write protection from the hard drive.