The I/O device error might indicate an issue with your input/ output device. In some cases, it might also occur due to a problem with your device. It shows up on Windows systems mostly while performing read or writing operations. Apart from that, you might face this error in some other situations, and it might show you various error messages.
Are you repeatedly facing the I/O device error on your PC? Then, you might want to speak with an expert to understand the problem. Apart from that, you can also try some troubleshooting steps all by yourself.
Effective Solutions to the I/O Device Error
Are you unable to find an explanation behind the I/O device error? In that case, you can take some fairly simple steps right away to fix the problem. Here are some of the methods that are often quite effective in resolving I/O device errors:
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Check the USB Cable Connection
Do you get the error while using an external device connected through the USB port? In that case, you need to ensure a proper connection before taking any other steps. Check whether you have properly inserted the USB cable into the USB port.
You must also check for any damages to the USB cable. If you cannot see any damages to its body, connect it to another computer. Does the cable work without any issues there? Then, that might indicate an issue with your computer’s USB port. And, if it does not work, then you need to replace the cable.
So, you must try using a different port to connect your PC to the external device. Apart from that, you must also make sure that the cable is connected properly on both ends. If none of these steps works, there are some more solutions to try.
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Clean Up the External Device
You might face the I/O device error while using USB drives, CDs and other external devices. In any case, you need to make sure that they are clean. After all, dirt and dust can cause errors when your computer tries to function with these devices. Moreover, these external devices can get dirty quite often. So, you must keep them clean to avoid any errors while using them.
Are you facing this error while using a USB drive? Then, you can use a can of compressed air to remove any dust from it. In the case of CDs, you can simply wipe off the dust particles from them. Once you are done, check whether you get any error messages.
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Make Sure the External Device is Not Damaged, Incompatible, or Outdated
Your computer might show the input/output error message because the external device is damaged. In that case, you have to use a different input/output device with your PC. Apart from that, you must also make sure that the external device is compatible with the system. If it is incompatible, you must get one compatible with your operating system.
You must also make sure not to use an outdated external device. After all, many users face the I/O device error due to an outdated hard drive, CD, etc. So, this is yet another explanation for the error you must consider. And, you need to take the necessary steps accordingly.
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Change the Transfer Mode in IDE Channel Properties
You might be using the wrong transfer settings between your computer and the external device. As a result, that might cause the I/O device error on your PC. So, you need to change the transfer mode as soon as possible to fix this problem. You can do that by going to the Device Manager on your computer.
Look for the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers option and expand it. You will find the different channels of your PC listed there. So, right-click the channel where you have connected your external device. Then, open its Properties and go to its Advanced Settings tab to change the transfer mode.
This method is quite effective in fixing the I/O device error. If this does not do the trick, your PC might have damaged or outdated drivers.
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Reinstall or Update Drivers
The error you are facing might also have something to do with your device drivers. As it happens, they might often get damaged due to various reasons. And that might cause an error when you perform a read or write operation with an external drive.
So, you must reinstall the driver in such situations for an effective solution. But, which driver must you reinstall? If you are wondering, that depends on the external device you are using.
If you are using an external hard drive, you need to reinstall the storage device driver. Apart from that, you must also make sure that the driver is up-to-date. And, you can take both these steps through the Device Manager. Reinstalling or updating the relevant driver might provide a long-lasting solution to the I/O device error.
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Fix Disk Errors
The input/output device error might occur due to an issue with a drive. In that case, you need not necessarily approach a technician to fix it. Instead, you can use the CHKDSK tool to fix it all by yourself. And, for that, you need to use the Command Prompt with administrator rights. However, you might face data loss if you take any wrong steps. So, you must proceed with this method after careful consideration.
Open the Command Prompt as administrator, then enter the command: “CHKDSK D (or any other drive that you want to fix): f /r /x”. The tool will then find and fix any drive errors.
Contact a Technician
Does the I/O device error persist after you have applied all the aforementioned tricks? Then, you might want to rely on a professional for an optimal solution. So, reach out to a reputable repair company and get your device inspected. Depending on the problem, you might get a solution on the same day.
