An I/O error indicates an issue with the device driver(s) that handle input/output processes such as copying files to/from hard drives, data in resident memory (RAM) waiting to be processed by the CPU or the controller chipset that handles the primary calls to/from the subsystems or a faulty hard drive.
Below are a few solutions that may help resolve the issue and allow you to transfer your files:
Before proceeding, you will need the following:
A. Computer
B. External USB Hard Drive
C. USB Cable
D. RAM Module (Replacement, if necessary)
E. Hard Drive (Replacement, if necessary)
F. USB Hard Drive Enclosure (Replacement, if necessary)
G. USB Cable (Replacement, if necessary)
Note: Solutions B/C apply only to Windows OS.
Solution A. Faulty USB Cable
1. Replace the USB cable.
2. Connect USB hard drive to the computer.
3. Attempt to copy a file from the drive.
4. If successful, copy additional files, as needed. If not successful, skip down to Solution B, step #1.
Solution B. Locked I/O Processes
1. Press and hold the power button on your desktop/laptop for about 10 seconds (or until the system has powered off completely). Then release the power button.
2. Make sure the USB drive is plugged in.
3. Wait another 10 seconds and press the button once again to power on the computer.
4. Once logged in, attempt to copy a single file from the drive
5. If successful, go to step #6. If not successful, skip down to Solution C, step #1.
6. Continue to copy files from the drive. Make sure to pay attention to what files (if any) prompt the I/O error message. If you receive an I/O error, skip down to Solution C, step #1.
Solution C. Motherboard Device Driver Installation/Update
1. Click on the "Start" menu and click on "Control Panel".
2. A new window will open, double-click on "System".
3. A new window will open, click on "Device Manager".
4. A new window will open, listed in the hierarchy are all the hardware components installed on the desktop/laptop. Look for any devices that display either a red "X", yellow "!" or yellow "?". These devices have either incorrect, incomplete or missing drivers/software and need to be installed, as they might be the root cause of the trouble.
5. If any of the above icons are present, perform a Windows Update by visiting the site below:
http://update.microsoft.com
Perform any updates available on the software and hardware side.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Follow Solution C, steps #1-4 to determine if any drivers still need updates.
8a. If updates are not needed, attempt to copy files from the hard drive. If successful, go to step #9. If not successful, skip down to Solution D, step #1.
8b. If updates are needed, you may need to visit the support site for your desktop/laptop's make/model and download any missing drivers.
9. Continue copying files, as needed.
Solution D. Faulty RAM
1. Power off the desktop/laptop and disconnect all cables.
2. Open the desktop/laptop.
3. Remove all the existing RAM.
4. Install the replacement RAM.
5. Power on the desktop/laptop.
6. Connect USB hard drive.
7. Test by copying some files from your hard drive.
8. If successful, close your desktop/laptop and continue copying files, as needed. If not successful, remove replacement RAM and reinstall previous RAM and skip down to Solution E, step #1.
Solution E. USB Hard Drive Case Faulty I/O Board
1. Power off computer/desktop and disconnect all cables.
2. Open your USB external case.
3. Remove your existing hard drive.
4. Install hard drive into replacement USB case.
5. Power on your computer.
6. Connect your USB external drive.
7. Copy files from your external USB hard drive.
8. If successful, continue to copy files, as needed. If not successful, skip down to Solution F, step #1.
F. Hard Drive Malfunction
1. Power off computer/desktop and disconnect all cables.
2. Open your USB external case.
3. Remove your existing hard drive.
4. Install replacement hard drive into USB case.
5. Power on your computer.
6. Connect your USB external drive.
7. Copy files from your external USB hard drive.
8. If successful, continue to copy files, as needed. If not successful, this could be an indiction of a much larger problem in the form of a Motherboard issue.
If the motherboard is malfunctioning, this is a sign of bigger things to come and will require a replacement board in order to correct.
In the event that the motherboard needs replacement, depending on the make/model of the desktop/laptop, the cost could range from $35-120 for 3rd-party boards or $85-300+ for consumer-level systems from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, etc. and $350-1000 from Apple.
If your desktop/laptop is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty or 3rd-party extended warranty, any hardware component that needs replacement should be covered at little to no out of pocket expense to the end-user. This also includes the external USB hard drive, as well.
×