Partition Recovery™
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
Last updated: Jan 26, 2024

Facing Error 15 on Windows? Find out how you can fix!

Here you will find out:

  • basic information about Error 15 and its reasons
  • two great methods as a solution
  • when DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

Let's talk about “Error 15: file not found” on Windows 10

You are working on your computer and suddenly on the monitor screen you see the message "Error 15: file not found". All open programs are closed, and when you try to reopen them, the message "Error 15: file not found" appears again. In addition, the system, computer mouse and keyboard freeze up. This error can also be seen when installing the OS or any program. It is also not surprising if you encounter error 15 during system startup or shutdown.

If you get such an error on your monitor, you need to fix error 15 as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might have big trouble, such as data loss.

Why do I see error 15 on my computer?

Most often, "Error 15: file not found" appears due to incorrect or incomplete installation of the OS. There are a few other reasons for which users should pay attention:

  • Problems with the registry
  • Damage of some important system files by virus or malware
  • The system is out of date due to the lack of timely updates
  • The hard disk is overloaded with information because of what can not work correctly

Now the problems are clear. But, how do you fix error 15?

Don't panic: there are several suitable methods for this.

Method 1. Use the antivirus

use antivirus to solve error 15 on Windows

So, the first thing you have to do is scan the entire system with an antivirus application. If the antivirus is good and has the latest updates, then most likely it will find viruses and malware on your computer. After the computer is cleared of them, reboot it and check whether "Error 15 file not found" appears. If everything is good, congratulations! The problem is solved. If this way failed, do not worry; proceed to method 2.

Method 2. Run SFC wisely

Many users claim that this method is good if used in safe mode. Here is a quick tutorial on how to do it:

Power up the computer and then constantly press the Shift and F8 keys. Once you see Advanced Boot Options, select "safe mode". Confirm the action by pressing Enter. You are now in safe mode and can use SFC.

First, right-click on Start and select "Command Prompt (administrator)". At the command prompt, type:

sfc /scannow

Now press the Enter key.

use SFC to solve error 15 in Windows

This will start scanning the system for errors and then correct them. It is necessary to wait until the end and restart the computer. Now check if "Error 15: file not found" hinders you or not.

When do you need DiskInternals data recovery software

Any of the previous methods should help you but what if the important files were lost?

You can run the professional tool DiskInternals Partition Recovery. It works on all partitions of the disk separately and recovers 100% of the lost files if there was no overwriting of data. So, install a free version of the software, and don't waste valuable time. Have no fear: files of any type and size will be found. This application supports all versions of Windows: 10/8/7, etc. The program can recover files on most file systems: NTFS, exFAT, FAT 12, FAT 16, FAT 32, NTFS /HFS, etc. The unique interface makes using the software a pleasure, even for novice users.

Read the manual for Partition Recovery and start fruitful work.

Step 1. Download and run DiskInternals Partition Recovery.

DiskInternals Partition Recovery - launch the trial version.

Step 2. Open the application and in the new window, click on the wizard icon, and then on the “Next” button.

Step 3. Select the disk where the deleted files were.

DiskInternals Partition Recovery - select the hard disk where the deleted files were.

Step 4. You need to select the scanning mode: uneraser, reader or recovery. Recovery mode is recommended.

Partition Recovery - select the scanning mode.

Step 5. Scan. Select the scan mode and click "Next".

DiskInternals Partition Recovery - the scanning process.

Step 6. Preview (completely free). Select the desired file to view and press the hotkey “Ctrl + P”.

Step 7. You can save the recovered data after you purchase a license for this software.

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