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HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk10000 Laptop PC (8VD49AV)

Can someone help? I get an error that "Windows cannot find... Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again." These files are all between 605 - 821 MB

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

@JettTheMango, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

Yes, I can help. The error "Windows cannot find... Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again" usually happens when:

  • A file path or shortcut points to a file that no longer exists or has moved.
  • A corrupted file association or Windows registry entry prevents the system from launching the file.
  • Malware or third-party software interferes with file execution.

Since you're seeing this error with multiple large files (605–821 MB), here’s how you can troubleshoot:

 

Step 1: Verify File Paths

  • Are these files shortcuts (e.g., .lnk) or actual installer/exe files?
  • Right-click on one of the files > Properties > check the location and target path.
  • If the file is on an external drive, network share, or has moved, Windows may not find it.

Step 2: Try Opening the Files Differently

  • Drag and drop the file into a compatible program (e.g., a .mp4 into VLC).
  • Open it via Command Prompt:

cd "path\to\file"
filename.exe

See if it returns a more specific error.

 

Step 3: Run a Malware & System Scan

Malware can corrupt file associations or block executables.

Run:

  • Windows Defender Full Scan
  • Or use Malwarebytes (free) for a deeper scan.

Step 4: Check File Associations

If you’re trying to open .exe files:

  • Press Windows + R, type:

regedit

  • Navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

and

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile

  • Make sure .exe has a default value of: exefile
  • And exefile > shell > open > command should have:
  • "%1" %*

Step 5: Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can also cause this. Run these in an elevated Command Prompt (Run as administrator):

sfc /scannow

Then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

 

I hope this helps. 

 

Take care and have a good day. 

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

HP Recommended

Thank you for the response.

 

What I've found is that the files do not exist. I'm not complaining about a file that exists in "C: ProgramDataPackageCache," and that directory doesn't exist.

 

The file associations are correct.

 

I ran the file system repair routines.

Any other ideas?

 

 

 

 

HP Recommended

@JettTheMango, Thank you for your response. 
 

Since the error is referencing files in a path like:

C:\ProgramData\Package Cache\{GUID}\[filename].exe

and that directory doesn’t exist, but some process is still trying to reference it, then the issue is likely related to a broken or incomplete MSI installation or uninstallation.

This often happens with:

  • Corrupt installations (particularly Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, .NET, or drivers)
  • Installers cached by the Windows Installer (MSI) service that were later removed
  • Background services or scheduled tasks trying to run missing packages
  • Apps installed via HP or OEM software bundles

Here's What You Can Do

Check Event Viewer for Clues

  • Press Win + X > Event Viewer
  • Go to:
    Windows Logs > Application
  • Look for Error entries around the time you get the "Windows cannot find..." popup.
  • Double-click the error and check which process or GUID is mentioned.

Use the Microsoft Troubleshooter for Programs That Won’t Install or Uninstall

This tool helps remove broken Windows Installer entries:

Download the tool here

Run it, and when prompted:

  • Select the problematic app if listed
  • If not listed, let it scan for corrupted installer references

Use a Third-Party Uninstaller to Clean Broken Entries

Something like Revo Uninstaller Free can:

  • Show you leftover registry entries and files from partially removed programs
  • Help uninstall stuck or "ghost" installations

Inspect Startup and Scheduled Tasks

A ghost entry may be trying to run during startup or on a schedule.

Startup:

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) > Startup tab
  • Disable anything suspicious or unknown

Scheduled Tasks:

Press Win + R → type taskschd.msc

Look under:

  • Task Scheduler Library
  • Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience, etc.

Look for any task pointing to ProgramData\Package Cache.

 

Manually Recreate Folder (Hacky Workaround)

If it's a one-off app and the system looks for a specific PackageCache installer at boot/login:

  • Create a dummy folder path it’s trying to reach
  • Drop a dummy .exe file with the same name in there
    This may suppress the error temporarily.

Example:

C:\ProgramData\Package Cache\{GUID}\setup.exe

Name any harmless .exe as setup.exe and place it there.

 

I hope this helps!

 

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

 

Take care and have a great day.

 

Max3Aj

HP Support

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.