How to Fix File Path References

A file path reference problem can be caused by viruses.

According to Computer Hope, a file path reference error is caused when a program "does not have rights or access to a file." Basically, when your computer runs a program, that program needs to open various files in order to work. A file path reference error occurs when the program either can't find the file or isn't allowed to access it. The file may be missing, or another program may be using it.

Instructions

1. Close any open programs. You can do this by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL to bring up the task manager. From there, click on the "Applications" tab. Right-click on the program name and click "Close". After you're done, try to start the program that gave you the file-path error.

2. Scan your computer for viruses with a program such as the free AVG Antivirus application (see Resources). Viruses can infect the registry and delete various files which could be the cause of your problem.

3. Reinstall the program that is giving you the file error. When you do this, the program reinstalls all of the files it needs, including the files that it is unable to access. Make sure you restart your computer after the reinstall is complete. Also download any newly released patches for the software.

4. Update all of your plugins and any additional software. If the original program was flawed, the update will fix the program to use the correct file path.

5. Download and install a registry cleaner such as Registry Mechanic, Eusing Free Registry Cleaner or CleanMyPC Registry Cleaner (see Resources). Any of these programs will clean your computer and fix any file path references that are causing problems.

References

• Microsoft: Path/File access error
• Microsoft: Path/File access error
• Computer Hope: Runtime Errors

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• AVG Antivirus
• Registry Mechanic
• Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
• CleanMyPC Registry Cleaner