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Win32 Error 1920 (ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE): Meaning & Checks

1920 is an account and permission result. Microsoft’s system-code table describes this value as: “The file cannot be accessed by the system.”

Code reference and safe checks

Read the exact screen and operation before selecting a repair. This page does not run commands or collect files, keys or logs.

What this value means

Microsoft’s system-code table describes this value as: “The file cannot be accessed by the system.”

ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE is a Win32 system result, usually returned to an application or API caller. It is not a Windows blue-screen code or a diagnosis of the whole PC.

Identity and provenance of 1920
Code1920
Hex form0x780
SymbolERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE
Windows familyWin32 system codes
Source levelMicrosoft code and symbol entry

Safe next steps

  1. For 1920 (ERROR_CANT_ACCESS_FILE), check which account and application reported the code, and whether the account is permitted to perform that specific action.
  2. Use the official account or organization recovery path. Do not share passwords, tokens, product keys, or recovery keys with a code-lookup site.
  3. For a work or school device, ask IT to inspect policy and audit logs before changing permissions.

After one step, repeat the original operation and record whether this same code returns. A different code needs a fresh interpretation.

What this code cannot prove

The source establishes the identifier and reference meaning. It does not establish the cause on your specific PC.

Stop before changing security, licensing, directory or production settings on a managed device; involve the responsible administrator.

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Official reference and verification

Source type: Microsoft code and symbol entry. Checked against the source set on Nov 2, 2026.

Open the source reference ↗

The reference gives the meaning of this identifier. It does not inspect your PC or guarantee that one repair will work.