Computer users often report I/O device error on the computer while performing read/write operations on their external storage media, such as USB Flash Drives, SD cards, Memory cards, External hard drives, Pen drives, CDs etc. There are multiple scenarios that result in the device I/O errors, fixing them could be simple, complicated or complex, depend upon the situation. Usually, these I/O Device Error are easy to diagnose and can be resolved within a few quick tricks.
The blog enthrals customer to Fix Device I/O errors and solutions to fix it. Here is a link to Stellar’s window data recovery software, download in case of unexpected data loss to recover data.
Usually, Input/output (I/O) errors are very generic and create different types of hard drive errors messages in different platforms such as Windows, Mac, and Linux, etc. The most common I/O device error messages are:
- “The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.”
- “Only part of a readprocessmemory or writeprocessmemory request was completed.”
Primary reasons that cause Hard Disk I/O Device Error
- Outdated drivers
- The hard drive is incompatible with the OS platform
- Faulty CD/DVD writer and USB port
- Loose USB or e SATA cord
- Physically damaged hard drive
Most of the device I/O errors can be fixed by checking the loose connection, disk properties, etc. To fix these issues, there could be a variety of options. Before you continue to correct these errors you should first perform the following steps:
- Restart your computer/Laptop.
- Try to reaccess the drive/device.
- If the problem remains same, then try to access the device/drive data on another Computer/Laptop to confirm that the drive or device is not damaged.
- The device input/output error is fixed and you no longer get the error message, you are finished. If the problem remains, then continue with the following solutions.
The Easiest Solutions to Fix Hard Disk I/O Device Error
Solution 1: Check all cables connections
In the case of External Hard Drive, most of the I/O device errors occur due to cords and cables that connect the external hard drive to the computer. Therefore, the first thing you should do to check the cord connections with your computer system. Make sure; all the cords are connected tightly at both hub and computer Ports. You can also try to plug the external hard drive to another port of your computer or replace the connection cable to check either the error is due to cable. If this solution fixed the problems, then you are done. If this did not resolve the issue, try another solution.
Solution 2: Update or Re-Install the Drivers
At times, an outdated driver may also cause I/O device error. This error can be fixed by updating or re-installing a new driver. You need to check either the drivers are updated and compatible with the disk transfer.
Solution 3: Check all the Cords
The next easiest way to resolve I/O error on an external drive is cord crosstalk. At times, when the electricity in one set of wires tends to leak into another set of cables, then it might interfere when you perform input-output operations. To fix this problem disconnect all the additional devices except your external hard drive on your computer and connect the only those cords of necessary tools. You can also avoid this issue permanently by replacing the current wires with better cables. You can also join your external drive to another system to check either the cord is faulty or there is a problem with your external drive.
Solution 4: Change the drive transfer mode in IDE Channel Properties
OS cannot transfer data from drive to computer if the transfer mode is incorrect, you can change transfer mode by following steps.
- Press (Windows + X) both Keys together and select device manager from the menu list
- Expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers. A subset will open, that lists the different IDE ATA/ATAPI channels.
- Right-click on the channel where the appropriate drive is connected, and then click properties. Typically, this channel is secondary IDE channel.
- Go to advanced settings tab and select PIO only in the transfer mode box for the device that represents the appropriate drive. Typically, this is device 0. Then, click ok and exit all windows.
- Test the drive and check if the error message has been removed.
Warning: Do not change the Primary IDE Channel, Device 0. Changing this transfer mode setting may cause the computer to operate incorrectly or not at all.
Solution 5: Check and Repair Device in Command Prompt
- Press (Windows + X) both Keys together and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu list
- Click Yes to allow OS to launch the Command Prompt as Administrator.
- In Command Prompt window, type chkdsk G: /f /r /x. Here G is the drive letter; you can replace it with your drive letter.
This option will check and repair disk errors on the external & internal hard drive/USB drive/SD card to fix I/O device error. And then you will no longer see “The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error” message.
What if the DIY approach does not work for resolving I/O Device Error?
If you have essential data on your external & internal hard drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, Memory Cards, CD Discs etc. and above solutions failed to resolve the issue. It means your hard drive is suffering from hardware issues and not detected by your system then there is no point to waste your time applying simple recovery tricks. It is better to go to a trusted data recovery service provider to get back your data from the affected drive.
Before contacting any data recovery company, you will try to find the answer to two questions.
- How much hard drive data recovery cost?
- Why trust data recovery company?
Because the data recovery company have expert technicians and efficient technologies and are capable enough of recovering data from a disaster as well. Therefore Stellar Data Recovery has built trust by providing reliable service for more than 24 years.