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Why can't MATLAB access a file that is in its current directory?

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Why can't MATLAB access a file that is in its current directory?

Fahad asked: file access , current directory , add to path , matlab r2008b

Troubleshooting MATLAB file access issues? Discover why MATLAB cant find files in its current directory and learn simple solutions to fix this common proble...

Expert Answer

Profile picture of Kshitij Singh Kshitij Singh answered . 2025-07-30 19:02:31

Your screenshots clearly show that the current directory is C:\Program Files\MATLAB. The Program Files directory is a system directory on Windows. Under no circumstances should you put data files such as your m files and excel files in there. Matlab should have created a matlab directory for you in your My Documents folder. Work in there instead.
 
Recent versions of Windows, such as the one you're using, will actively prevent you putting data in Program Files to the point of lying to you. It may tell you that you've saved a file in there whereas it actually has saved it in a virtual store in another location. This may be the reason matlab can see the files in some circumstances and not others (depends on how it tries to access the files). So as said, put your code and excel file in My Documents.
 
As to reading the Excel file, use the full path of the file instead of just the file name. It'll be more reliable, means the excel file doesn't have to be in the same directory as your code and means you don't have to manipulate matlab's path.


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