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0x80070780SystemMedium

Error 0x80070780 — Can't Access File (ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE) | Windows System Error Fix

Windows 11Windows 10Windows Server 2022

What Does 0x80070780 Mean?

The file cannot be accessed by the system.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1File is encrypted by another user's EFS certificate
  2. 2File system corruption preventing access
  3. 3Security software blocking file access
  4. 4File permissions set to deny all access

Symptoms

  • ⚠Cannot open, copy, or read specific files
  • ⚠Backup operations skip certain files
  • ⚠Error appears in Windows Backup or File History
  • ⚠Encrypted files inaccessible after user profile change

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Check file permissions: right-click > Properties > Security
  2. 2If EFS encrypted, use the certificate from the original user account
  3. 3Run 'chkdsk C: /f' to fix file system errors
  4. 4Try accessing the file in Safe Mode

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Use 'cipher /u' to update EFS encrypted files with current certificate
  2. 2Take ownership: 'takeown /f file /a' then 'icacls file /grant administrators:F'
  3. 3Use recovery agent certificate to access EFS files if original certificate is lost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EFS encryption?
Encrypting File System (EFS) encrypts individual files using certificates tied to user accounts. If you lose access to the user account or its certificate, the encrypted files become inaccessible. Always back up EFS certificates.

Related Error Codes

0x80070005Access Denied (ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED)0x80070570File Corrupt (ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT)

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.