Issue

When trying to open a document in FineReader PDF, the following error message appears:

"The system cannot find the path specified."

Cause

The error message described may occur because of several reasons:

• An external drive was connected to the computer.
• Windows username was changed.
• Documents or other default user folder is not available (was removed or redirected).
• Invalid Registry branches paths.

Resolution

1. External drive:
   • Completely remove FineReader PDF (including the mentioned program folders) outlined in the article: How to completely remove FineReader PDF 16 for Windows
   • Disconnect the external drive.
   • Download the distribution kit to a local drive.
   • Launch the installation by double-clicking the downloaded file (Setup.exe).
2. Windows username:
   • Open the Windows Environment Variables: go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced System Settings, and click Environment Variables...
   • Check the TEMP and TMP variables values (it should contain your Windows username).
   • Correct the inconsistency between the values or try to change them to C:\Temp.
3. Documents (or other default user folders):
   • Check if the folder %userprofile%\Documents can be opened in Windows Explorer
     If it is not possible:
   • Open C:\Users\%username%.
   • Create a Documents folder if it doesn't exist.
4. Registry branches:
   • Press Windows + R on a keyboard, enter Regedit, and launch registry editor as administrator.
   • In the registry editor find the registry branches:
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
   • Make sure that the correct paths for all user folders are displayed in the registry branches.