How can I access a file in a completely different directory based on absolute path (Python)
Question: 
    import os
    test = os.path.exists("c:/conf.txt")
    if test == False:
        with open("c:/conf.txt", "w") as Inc:
            Inc.write("0")
            Inc.close()
            quit()
    if test == True:
        f = open("c:/conf.txt", 'r')
        b = int(f.readline())
        b +=1
        with open("c:/conf.txt", 'w') as writeinc:
            writeinc.write(str(b))
            writeinc.close()
    

using `open(c:/conf.txt)` doesn't work (also tried c:\\.)

I get the following error message:

    
    
    IOError: [Errno 22] invalid mode ('w') or filename: 'c:/conf.txt'
    

Is there a way to access a different directory using `open()` according to
absolute path rather than relative?


Answer: Sounds to me like you don't have permission to write to the root path of your
drive. In Windows 7 and 8, you cannot create files in the root directory:

> In Windows 7 or 8 (may be Vista), users (even administrators) are not
> allowed to create files in the C drive root directory, otherwise, an error
> message like “A required privilege is not held by the client” or “access is
> denied” will be prompted.

[Source](http://www.mkyong.com/computer-tips/cant-create-file-in-the-c-drive-
root-directory-windows-8/)

The article goes on how to modify the registry if you want to get around this
restriction.

>   1. Press keys “Windows Key + R”, type regedit
>   2. Locate
> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\EnableLUA
>   3. Update the EnableLUA value to 0 (turn if off)
>   4. Restart Windows.
>

