Andre P. Townsend seeks to appeal the district court’s order dismissing his 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (2000) complaint. The district court referred this case to a magistrate judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) (2000). The magistrate judge recommended that relief be denied and advised Townsend that failure to file timely objections to this recommendation could waive appellate review of a district court order based upon the recommendation. Despite this warning, Townsend failed to object to the magistrate judge’s recommendation. *

The timely filing of specific objections to a magistrate judge’s recommendation is necessary to preserve appellate review of the substance of that recommendation when the parties have been warned that failure to object will waive appellate review. See Wright v. Collins, 766 F.2d 841, 845-46 (4th Cir. 1985); see also Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140, 106 S.Ct. 466, 88 L.Ed.2d 435 (1985). Townsend has waived appellate review by failing to file objections after receiving proper notice. Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal. We also deny Townsend’s motion for appointment of counsel.

We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

DISMISSED.