Recently, some PC users when they try to open or launch any app, including Office, Adobe, apps, on their Windows 11/10 installation, they encounter the Windows cannot find C:\Program Files error message. If you’re affected by this issue, then this post is intended to help you. In this post, we will identify the possible cause, as well as provide the appropriate solutions you can try to resolve the issue.
Depending on the app or program (in this case, Word) you’re trying to open, you may receive the following error message:
Windows cannot find ‘C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WORD.EXE’. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.
This Windows cannot find Program Files error is caused by incorrect debuggers or filters created for these programs under the Image File Execution Options registry key. The IFEO registry key allows developers to attach a debugger to a particular program when it is launched.
It can also be used to have a different program launch when you execute a program.
Windows cannot find C:\Program Files, Make sure you typed the name correctly
If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below to resolve the issue.
- Manually update/reinstall Avast product (if applicable)
- Delete Image File Execution Options debugger registry value
- Delete IFEO filter in registry
Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.
1] Manually update/reinstall Avast product (if applicable)
If you don’t want to wait for the automatic update, you can download the installation package and reinstall the Avast/AVG product manually to get the latest available version including the fix.
If this solution doesn’t apply to you, as you do not have Avast installed on your system but you’re faced with the Windows cannot find Program Files issue, then you can try the following suggestions:
2] Delete Image File Execution Options debugger registry value
To delete an IFEO debugger, perform the following steps:
Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point in case the procedure goes wrong. Once you have taken the necessary precautionary measures, you can proceed as follows:
- Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
- In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
- Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
- Now, on the left pane scroll through the list of executables under the IFEO key until you find that app or program that will not open.
- Next, click on the app executable entry.
- On the right pane, right-click any debugger entry and select Delete. You can perform the same steps for any other applications that are not launching.
- Restart your computer.
The issue should be resolved now. If not, try the next solution.
3] Delete IFEO filter in the registry
To remove an IFEO filter that may have been installed by AVAST or another program, perform the following steps:
- Open Registry Editor.
- Navigate or jump to the registry key path below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
- Now, on the left pane, scroll through the list of executables under the IFEO key until you find that app or program that will not open.
- Next, click on the app executable entry.
- On the right pane, right-click any UseFilter entry and select Delete. You can perform the same steps for other applications not launching.
- Restart your computer.
That’s it!
Related posts: Windows cannot find: Outlook.exe | Explorer.exe | PowerShell.exe | IntegratedOffice.exe | GPEDIT.MSC | WT.exe | REGEDIT.exe.
