rundll32.exe Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file

-

In this post, I describe how to fix the error:

C:\Windows\system32\rundll32.exe

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

Screenshot showing the error "rundll32.exe Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file"


Cause

This error can occur on Windows Server 2019 when you press Desktop icon settings within Themes and related settings whilst logged in as the built-in Administrator account on a domain controller.

Screenshot showing Desktop icon settings within Themes and related settings

The error occurs because of User Account Control (UAC) for the built-in Administrator account.


Resolution

To resolve the issue, enable the following policy:

User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account

This is located in Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options

Screenshot of User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the built-in Administrator account policy

Then restart the server.

Desktop icon settings should now open as expected:

Screenshot showing Desktop Icon Settings open


Alternative Workaround

An alternative way to open Desktop icon settings is to open a run prompt (Windows key + R) then type:

desk.cpl ,5

Screenshot showing a run prompt with desk.cpl ,5

Video

YouTube link: rundll32.exe Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file


Related Posts

- Windows Server 2016 start menu search not working

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LG TV This app will now restart to free up more memory

-
Image
This post describes how to fix the error "This app will now restart to free up more memory" which can occur when using apps such as Netflix on an LG TV after just a few minutes of use. Resolution To resolve the issue, unplug the TV then press the on/off button for 10 seconds.  Wait a further 20 seconds then plug the TV back in and turn it back on. Apps should now run without the error. Edit: The on/off button on my LG TV is directly under the standby light on the bottom of the TV. Edit: I didn't have to do this myself but one person who has left a comment said that clearing all browsing data worked for them.  I have written a post explaining how to do this: LG TV Clear All Browsing History Data . Edit: A few other people have also suggested turning off quick start in settings (and if it's already off, turn it on then off again).  I have written a post explaining how to do this: LG TV turn off Quick Start in settings Related Posts -  LG TV delete/remove/hide ch
Read more

LG TV Clear All Browsing History Data

-
Image
This post describes how to clear all browsing history data from an LG TV. This is one way to resolve the error " This app will now restart to free up more memory " sometimes seen on LG TVs. Process The process to clear all browsing history data is as follows: 1. Press the Home button on the remote control and keep pressing right until you find the Web Browser then open it. 2. Scroll the wheel on the remote control to reveal the pointer on screen, then press the three dots stacked vertically (located in the top right of the screen, next to the close button) to open the Menu. 3. Select Settings from the Menu. 4. Scroll to the bottom of the Settings to reach the Clear Browsing Data section. 5. Press the Clear All Browsing Data button then press Yes to confirm. Related Posts -  LG TV turn off Quick Start in settings -  LG TV move or delete apps and shortcuts on home screen
Read more

LG TV turn off Quick Start in settings

-
Image
This post describes how to turn off Quick Start on an LG TV. This is one way to resolve the error " This app will now restart to free up more memory " sometimes seen on LG TVs. Process The process to turn off Quick Start on my LG TV is as follows: 1. Press the Settings (cog icon) on the remote control, this opens the side settings menu on the right hand side of the TV screen. 2. Go down to All Settings (the three dots icon that turns into a cog icon on the screen) then click. 3. Go down until you reach General (the cog and spanner icon) 4. Press right then down until you reach Quick Start+ (note: you may need to select Additional Settings before doing this on some LG TVs). 5. Toggle Quick Start+ to the off position (the circle should slide to the left): Related Posts -  LG TV Clear All Browsing History Data -  LG TV move or delete apps and shortcuts on home screen
Read more