ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE - 1920 (0x780)
The file cannot be accessed by the system.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE error code indicates that the system is unable to access a specified file. This can occur due to various reasons such as invalid parameters, incorrect object types, or corrupted data.
Error Details
This generic error code does not provide specific details about the cause of the issue but rather serves as an indication that there is a problem with accessing a particular file in the system.
Usage Context
The ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE can be encountered in various scenarios, such as when attempting to read from or write to a file. It may also appear during operations involving directories if they contain files that cannot be accessed.
Developer Interpretation
When encountering this error, developers should consider the context of the operation and validate parameters, ensure correct object types, and check for any potential data corruption issues. The error does not provide specific information about the nature of the problem but suggests a broader issue with file access.
Related Errors
ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND(2)ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND(3)ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED(5)ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(87)
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE error mean?
A: It indicates that the system is unable to access a specified file, which could be due to various reasons such as invalid parameters or corrupted data.
Q: How can I resolve this issue?
A: Review the operation context and validate parameters. Ensure correct object types and check for any potential data corruption issues before retrying the operation.
Summary
The ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE error code is a generic indication that the system cannot access a specified file. Developers should focus on validating parameters, ensuring correct object types, and checking for data integrity issues when encountering this error.