Quick Summary
Error 0x800701e3 indicates a hardware failure or communication problem with a connected storage device. This usually points to issues with the device itself, its connection, or the drivers needed to access it.
Common Causes
- Damaged or Failing Storage Device: The storage device (HDD, SSD, USB drive, SD card) might be physically damaged, reaching the end of its lifespan, or experiencing internal failures.
- Loose or Faulty Connection: The cable connecting the storage device to the computer (SATA, USB) might be loose, damaged, or incompatible. A faulty port on the computer can also cause this error.
- Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers for the storage device or the controller managing it can lead to communication errors.
- File System Errors: Corruption within the file system (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) on the storage device can prevent Windows from properly accessing it.
- Power Supply Problems: Insufficient power supply to the storage device, especially external drives, can sometimes manifest as I/O errors.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Basic Hardware Checks
Step 1: Physically inspect the storage device and its cable. Look for any signs of damage.
Step 2: Ensure the cable is securely connected to both the device and the computer.
Step 3: Try a different cable if possible. A known good cable rules out a faulty cable.
Step 4: Try a different port on the computer. Avoid USB hubs initially; connect directly to the motherboard if possible.
Step 5: If it's an external drive, try using a different power adapter.
Method 2: Run CHKDSK
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator. Search for 'cmd' in the Start Menu, right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type the following command, replacing 'X:' with the drive letter of the affected device: chkdsk X: /f /r and press Enter.
Step 3: The /f switch attempts to fix file system errors, and the /r switch attempts to locate bad sectors and recover readable information. Allow CHKDSK to complete, which may take a considerable amount of time.
Step 4: Restart your computer after CHKDSK finishes.
Method 3: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Search for 'Device Manager' in the Start Menu.
Step 2: Expand the category that contains the storage device (e.g., 'Disk drives', 'Universal Serial Bus controllers').
Step 3: Right-click on the affected device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'.
Step 4: If Windows doesn't find an update, or if the problem persists, right-click the device again and select 'Uninstall device'.
Step 5: Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver upon restart. If this doesn't work check the device manufacturer's website for the latest driver.
Method 4: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator (as described above).
Step 2: Type the following command: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: SFC will scan for and attempt to repair corrupted system files. Allow the process to complete. This may take some time.
Step 4: Restart your computer after SFC finishes.
Method 5: Test the Device on Another Computer
Step 1: If possible, connect the storage device to another computer to see if the error persists.
Step 2: If the error also occurs on another computer, this strongly suggests that the storage device itself is faulty and needs to be replaced.