My computer gives the following error message whenever i try to open my pen drive, "Windows cannot access the specified device path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item". The Open & explore that appears in the right click menu have also got replaced by unknown symbols. But i'm able to open the pen drive from the address bar.
What is this problem due to and how do i solve this.
Thanks in advance.

This is often caused by a firewall setting. Temporarily disable your firewall and see if you can gain access. Whether you can or not, bring up your firewall again for safety, then go from there.

Thanks for the reply, but i don't have a firewall. That computer is not connected to any type of network either.

First, every computer that connects to the Internet should be behind a firewall. If you have not installed one, then perhaps Windows Firewall is in place - assuming you are using XPSP2 and you did not disable it. You can determine this by looking in Control Panel > Security Center, or Control Panel > Windows Firewall. Windows Firewall is not the best, but certainly better than nothing.

The strange characters and possible lack of a firewall concerns me. I strongly recommend you conduct a thorough scan of your computer. I suggest you follow the procedures in the sticky, Cleaning Out Malware.

Have you tried this pen drive on another computer? Tell us about your computer.

I don't have internet connection in that system. So, what is the need for a firewall.

You are right. Sorry, I read the first part of your reply and skipped right over the next that said it does not connect to a network.

Did the pen drive ever work on this PC?

We still need to know more about your computer - type, version of Windows, etc.

I am able to open the pen drive through the address bar. & this too i have mentioned earlier .

I format the pen drive and everything seems fine for quite some time & again it starts saying "not accessible" when double clicked.

I am using windows xp sp2.

Thank u

I understand it works through the address bar (this time I remembered that )

I am wondering if this isn't a cache problem. To minimize cache related problems, under My Computer, right click on the Removable Disk, then select Properties > Hardware, then highlight the removable device and select Properties > Policies, then ensure the "Optimize for quick removal" radio button is ticked and then "Ok" your way back out. You still should wait a second or two to ensure the write is complete, but then you can just safely pull the stick or other USB device out without going through the Safely Remove Hardware icon.

hi i'm getting the error message trying to open and not while closing. u've suggested for safe removal, anyway thanks. Hoping the next reply will answer mine.