The PSExec error code 20 mentions "cannot find the device specified".

This error can occur due to many reasons that include incorrect Hostname or IP address, misspelling details, and remote server response.

Here at Ibmi Media, as part of our Server Management Services, we regularly help our Customers to fix Windows related errors.

In this context, we shall look into steps to fix PSExec errors.

What triggers 'PSExec error code 20' and how to fix it ?

We have come across multiple issues with PSExec that our customer faced. We have helped our customer resolve it.

We had a customer who was trying to open the cmd prompt of a remote server.

The command used to open the command prompt in the remote server:

psexec \\xx.xx.xx.xx -u USERNAME -p PASSWORD cmd.exe

On executing the above command, he received the error message "Cannot find the device specified error message".

Now, let us see what causes PSExec error code 20. 

Also, let's see the suggestions to fix them.

1. Incorrect Hostname or IP address

The most common mistake for the error when accessing the remote server is because of an incorrect hostname or IP address. It is always better to double-check the IP before executing the command.

So, this the first thing that we always verify in each and every command before executing them on the server

2. Misspelling Details

Another common mistake is when entering the username and password. The details need to be correct to login to the remote server and execute the command. Always beware to check the command that is executed on the server. Typo usually frustrates us after we realize it.

So we ensure to enter the right details and also suggest the same to our customers.

3. Remote server response

The remote server needs to be active and responding before executing the PsExec commands. We can verify it using the ping command. Here is the command that we run to check it:

ping IPAddress

[Still not able to fix this PSExec error? We're available if any assistance is required. ]