7 Ways to Fix a 0x800701B1 Windows Error

It’s usually a device recognition problem

Are you getting an “Error: 0x800701B1: A device which does not exist was specified” message while trying to copy files to an external hard drive, SSD drive, or USB storage device? Your PC may have trouble locating and transferring files to your device, leading to the above error message. We’ll show you a few ways to resolve this problem on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

Some items thatprevent transferring files from your PC to your storage deviceinclude your device’s loose connection with your PC, your PC’s USB port being faulty, your storage device being locked, your storage device having file system errors, and more.

1. Use a Different USB Port on Your Microsoft Windows Computer

When you havetrouble working with an external device, unplug that device and plug the device back into another USB port on your computer. This helps resolve the device’s loose connection with your machine, and ensures a faulty port isn’t causing the problem.

You can use this method to fix not only the 0x800701B1 error but any other issues occurring with an external device.

2. Unplug Other Peripherals Devices From Your PC

If you’ve plugged in other removable hardware devices to your PC, unplug those devices when you find thatyour storage device isn’t working. This helps resolve any conflicts created by those devices on your Windows system.

The other hardware devices may include an external webcam, gaming pad, USB flash drives, SD cards, and more. You only need a keyboard and a mouse connected to your PC to use your computer.

3. Unlock Connected HDD, SSD, or USB Drive to Fix an Error Code 0x800701B1

One reason you can’t copy files from your PC to your storage device is that your device is locked. You can’t add new files or remove existing files from a device that’s in this state.

Many storage makers offer their own tools, letting youenable protection on your drives. If you’ve used such a tool and have password-protected your drive, turn off the protection to allow your PC to add files to your drive.

How you disable protection varies by the tool you use. You’ll find the option to remove the lock on your storage device app’s main menu. Once you’ve unlocked your drive, try transferring your files from your PC to your device, and that should work.

4. Fix Error 0x800701B1 by Removing Your Drive’s Read-Only Attribute

One fix to apply when youcan’t add new files to your storage driveis to remove the existing read-only attribute from your drive. This attribute makes your drive read-only, which means you can only see the contents of the drive and can’t add new files.

Removing the read-only attribute requires using a few commands in Command Prompt on your Windows operating system. Here’s how you can do that step-by-step.

5. Reinstall Storage Device Drivers to Fix Windows Error 0x800701B1

If you still can’t copy files to your device andkeep getting a 0x800701B1 error, your storage device’s drivers may be faulty or outdated. In this case, reinstalling the device drivers should fix your issue.

You can remove your storage device from your PC, and Windows will automatically install the correct device drivers for you.

6.Check Your Drive for File System Errors

File system errorson your storage device can prevent you from adding new files. You can check if this is the case with your device by using a built-in option on your Windows PC.

7.Transfer Small Files to Your Storage Device

If your file transfers continue to fail, we advise copying smaller files to your device, which improves your chances of successfully transferring files. Instead of sending a 5 GB ZIP archive to your device, send individual files from that archive at a time to possibly resolve your issue.

This doesn’t resolve your issue for good but helps you get your job done while you wait to get your problematic drive repaired or replaced.

Eliminate a 0x800701B1 Windows Error and Copy Files Successfully

Windows’ 0x800701B1 error indicates thatyour PC can’t find the devicewhere you want to copy your files. This usually happens when your PC has trouble recognizing your device, for various reasons.

The guide above walks you through the methods to fix that very problem so you can move your files to your preferred device without any issues. Enjoy!

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

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7 Ways to Fix a 0x800701B1 Windows Error#

1. Use a Different USB Port on Your Microsoft Windows Computer#

2. Unplug Other Peripherals Devices From Your PC#

3. Unlock Connected HDD, SSD, or USB Drive to Fix an Error Code 0x800701B1#

4. Fix Error 0x800701B1 by Removing Your Drive’s Read-Only Attribute#

5. Reinstall Storage Device Drivers to Fix Windows Error 0x800701B1#

6.Check Your Drive for File System Errors#

7.Transfer Small Files to Your Storage Device#

Eliminate a 0x800701B1 Windows Error and Copy Files Successfully#