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

At Bobcares, we often receive requests to fix PSExec related errors as part of our Server Management Services.

Today, let’s analyze the reason for the error and see how our Support Engineers fix it for customers.

What causes ‘PSExec error code 20’ to occur and how to tackle it

Our Engineers 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

One executing the above command, he received the error message “Cannot find the device specified error message”.

Now, let us discuss the common mistakes that are made to cause error code 20 to be displayed. Also, let’s see the suggestions our Engineers provide to the same.

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

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Conclusion

Today, we have discussed the common mistakes that are made when executing PsExec commands and also the suggestions provided by our Support Engineers.