Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.

[Zikiq]

I'm not sure when exactly this happened but whenever I try to open my Malwarebytes application, I get this error message saying: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access this file.

 

I downloaded a free trial of McAfee and did a scan to see if that would fix the issue, I then afterward re-downloaded Malwarebytes, but the same issue reoccurs. 

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello  

I will guide you along. Lets keep these principles as we go along.

• Need to see the setup logs of Malwarebytes, plus, to see current configuration.
• Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Only run the tools I guide you to.
• Do not run online games while case is on-going. Do not do any free-wheeling web-surfing.
• The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.
• Cracked or or hacked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also will make a computer a malware victim. Having such programs installed, is the easiest way to get infected. It is the leading cause of ransomware encryptions. It is at times also big source of current trojan infections. Please uninstall them now, if any are here, before we start the cleaning procedure.
• Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear".
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit out of it while this case is on-going.

I would like a report set for review. This is a report only.

Please download MALWAREBYTES MBST Support Tool

Once you start it click Advanced >>> then Gather Logs

Have patience till the run has finished.
Upload an archive once it is done. Attach the mbst-grab-results.zip from the Desktop to your reply..

Edited March 4 by Maurice Naggar

[Zikiq]

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

Please  set File Explorer to SHOW ALL folders, all files, including Hidden ones.  Use OPTION ONE or TWO of this article
Please use this Guide

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted software from a system. 

The download links & the how-to-run-the tool are at this link at Microsoft 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download

 

Look on Scan Options & select  CUSTOM scan  & then select the C drive to be scanned.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. Once you start the scan & you see it started, then leave it be.  

• Once you see it has started, take a long long break;  walk away.  Do not pay credence if you see some intermediate early flash messages on screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
• Again, any on-screen display about repeat 'infection' is not to be relied on.  Ignore those.
• We only rely on the end result that is on the log-report-file.

 

This is likely to run for many hours   ( depending on number of files on your machine & the speed of hardware.)

The log is named MSERT.log  

the log will be at  

Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your reply. We will do more later.

[Zikiq]

msert.log

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you. I would ask you to use the Malwarebytes Support tool which you already have
to have the tool uninstall & re-install the Malwarebytes for Windows.
Use this support article as a guide https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039023473-Uninstall-and-reinstall-Malwarebytes-using-the-Malwarebytes-Support-ToolHave infinite patience after the Reboot ( restart ) and just wait till the prompt window comes on
Reply YES when prompted to re-install Malwarebytes

[Zikiq]

My Malwarebytes opened, and I did a scan but it came up empty. However, if I double click it on my desktop, I still get the same error as I got before. I tried to get my Malwarebytes to do a threat scan using the taskbar, but this time, I get the error message 0xc000022.

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello. Lets do this check & adjustment on Malwarebytes. 

1. Open Malwarebytes for Windows.
2. Click Settings (  ) in the top right part of the app.
3. In the General tab, scroll down to Windows Explorer settings.
   Note: The next step requires restarting your computer. Save your other work before you continue.
4. Click the toggle to On. 
5. Restart your computer. Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 , or 11 users must use the Restart option, not the Shut down option.
6. By the way, since Malwarebytes is an installed program, you should always be able to launch it from the Windows Start menu list of program applications.

[Maurice Naggar]

As well as the steps above, do this too. Using File Explorer, go to your Desktop. Find the stylized blue-color icon ( shortcut) for Malwarenytes. Then do a RIGHT-click on it. Select Properties. You will see a screen like this. Click the tab marked 

Shortcut

Press the ALT-key on keyboard and tap the 'T' key to get to the line

Target

Be sure that that line is this

"C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware\mbam.exe"

Click OK button when done. Now go test the Malwarebytes shortcut link on the Desktop.

 

Edited March 6 by Maurice Naggar

[Zikiq]

I have followed all of these steps, however none of them have worked. I did notice however that the file path of the error notification I get is C:\Users\Myself\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\Tas... which isn't correct at all.

[Maurice Naggar]

Question: Where exactly is this shortcut-link ?

As an aside & also to make real clear:
You are able to launch Malwarebytes from the Windows Start menu application/program list. Right ?

[Zikiq]

I can't see the rest of the shortcut link as it ends in an ellipsis, and no I am not able to launch it using the Windows Start Menu.

[Maurice Naggar]

Where is the shortcut link? I am trying to get good detail from you.

[Maurice Naggar]

The Malwarebytes is an installed application program on this machine.
There are several ways to launch ( start) the program other than the desktop shortcut link.
What follows are just 3 different ways.

• From the Windows RUN menu option
• Press and hold the Windows-key on keyboard and tap the R key
• Now click the BROWSE button on the lower right
• Under This PC. click to expand the C: drive
• Scroll to C:\Program Files
• Now go to Malwarebytes sub-folder under that
• Now click on Anti-Malware sub-folder
• Scroll down and look for mbam.exe
• Click on mbam.exe to select it
• Then click the OPEN button to start it.

• 

•  
•  
•  
• By navigating the standard Windows menu
• Tap the Windows-logo-key on the Keyboard
• Look on the far-left frame and use the scroll bar with the mouse to scroll down the list of installed programs.

• Scroll down to the M section

• Double click on the Malwarebytes with the blue icon

  

 

• By using the Windows File Explorer app

Start File Explorer Expand the This PC Click on C: drive Scroll down and click on Program Files Scroll and click on Malwarebytes
[*]Scroll and click on Anti-Malware
[*]Scroll down and look for mbam.exe Start mbam.exe by double-click on it  

 
My sense is that the shortcut-link that you have on the TASKBAR quick launch is glitched. I want you to delete that specific shortcut.

Edited March 9 by Maurice Naggar

[Zikiq]

When I click on it in the folder, I get the path file c:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware\mbam.exe I have also deleted the shortcut on my taskbar.

[Maurice Naggar]

Not sure I understand your first statement. I listed 3 different ways to start Malwarebytes. Did you get Malwarebytes to start ??

You should as I said, be able to start Malwarebytes from the Windows application list menu off the main Windows menu list. The 2nd example I showed and described.

Edited March 10 by Maurice Naggar

[Maurice Naggar]

Glad we could help.

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