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Error 0x80070780 The File Cannot Be Accessed: Fixed

The most common cause for error 0x80070780 is the lack of privileges

5 min. read

Updated onMarch 21, 2024

updated onMarch 21, 2024

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Key notes

Error 0x80070780 arises for some users when they try to copy, delete, back up, or edit certain files in Windows 10.

The error message states:An unexpected error is keeping you from copying the file… Error 0x80070780: The file cannot be accessed by the system.

What does error code 0x80070780 mean?

TheError 0x80070780-The file cannot be accessed by the systemoccurs when you try to access some files on your system.

This means that you cannot copy, edit, modify, or delete the file. The most common cause for this issue is connected to file permissions.

In other words, you don’t have the rights to alter that particular file. However, it can also be due to bad sectors on your drive or file corruption.

Here are the most common iterations of error 0x80070780:

That being said, here are a few resolutions that will help you fix the System Restore error 0x80070780 and let you handle the files as you wish.

How do I fix error 0x80070780?

1. Convert the User Account to an Admin Account

1. Press theWindowskey +Ihotkey to openSettings.

2.Click onAccountsand selectFamily & other usersto open the options shown directly below.

3.Select a user account and press theChange account typebutton.

ChooseAdministratoron the drop-down menu.
Press theOKbutton.

Error code 0x80070780 can arise due to restricted permissions for certain files in non-admin user accounts.

So, some users might need to change their user accounts to admin alternatives. Follow the guidelines above to change a user account type.

2. Scan System Files

Error 0x80070780 can also be due to corrupted system files. Therefore, theSystem File Checker utility, which repairs system files, might be a potential resolution.

The methods required to repair Windows issues vary depending on the situation. To solve Windows error 0x80070780, you might attempt a do-it-yourself way or aspecialized third-party applicationbuilt specifically for Windows failures.

3. Clean Boot Windows

It might be the case that third-party software is blocking access to files. That’s all the more likely when third-party antivirus software is installed.

A clean boot will ensure that third-party software and services don’t start with Windows and block file access.

4. Run a Chkdsk Scan

Error 0x80070780 can also be a disk error. So, theChkdsk utility, which fixes bad disk sectors, might also resolve the issue.

5. Check the Volume Shadow Copy Service is enabled

The Volume Shadow Copy service enables users to take backup file copies manually and automatically. So, it might be worth checking if that service is enabled when error 0x80070780 arises.

6. Select the Clean Up Option for System Restore and Shadow Copies

Some users have also said that they’ve fixed error 0x80070780 by erasing restore points and shadow copies with the Disk Cleanup utility.

How do I get administrator permission?

We’ve got a full guide onhow to make yourself an administrator in Windows 10where you will find more details.

Those resolutions might fix error 0x80070780 so that you can access your files again.

You might also be interested in reading our guide onhow to fix Access is denied Windows 10/11 error.

If you have fixed error 0x80070780 with alternative resolutions, you are welcome to share them in the comments section below.

Error 0x80070780 The File Cannot Be Accessed: Fixed#

What does error code 0x80070780 mean?#

How do I fix error 0x80070780?#

1. Convert the User Account to an Admin Account#

2. Scan System Files#

3. Clean Boot Windows#

4. Run a Chkdsk Scan#

5. Check the Volume Shadow Copy Service is enabled#

6. Select the Clean Up Option for System Restore and Shadow Copies#

How do I get administrator permission?#