Fix: The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error

While performing a read/write operation on a removable storage device like an external hard disk drive, CDs, or DVDs, you may see this error message – “The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error” on your screen. This I/O error could have occurred due to a simple connection or in some cases, it may be a driver fault. Follow our detailed solutions to find a quick workaround for this issue.

Fix 1 – Check the connection

You should take a look at the connection of the device. A loose cable connection can cause this I/O issue. Take a close look at the connecting cable of the device you are facing this problem with. Make sure the connecting cord is tightly connected to the hub and the computer port.
Just unplug the connecting cord from your computer port and then, reconnect it again. If the connecting cable has worn out or been damaged, you may need to replace it with a new one.

 

Fix 2 – Tweak your registry

A simple registry value can solve this problem on your system.

1. At first, right-click on the Windows icon and type “registry“.

2. Then, write “Registry Editor” and to open the Registry Editor.

 

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Warning – Sometimes, these registry edits can brick your entire system. In that case, a simple registry backup can save your system.  So, follow this simple step to create a registry backup.

When the Registry Editor opens up, click on “File“. Then click on “Export” to create a new registry backup on your system.

 

Export Registry Windows 11 New Min

 

3. On the left-hand side, navigate this way –

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WebClient\Parameters

 

4. Now, on the right-hand side, right-click on the space and tap on “New>” and then on “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.

 

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5. Then, name this new value as “AuthForwardServerList“.

6. Just, double-click on it to modify it.

 

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7. Make sure the value is set to “0“.

8. Then, tap on “OK” to save the changes.

 

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After that, close the Device Manager. Then, restart your computer. After restarting, try copy-pasting from the removable media device and check whether you encounter an issue.

 

 

Fix 3 – Run a disk checking operation

You have to run a disk scan operation on the removable drive on your system.

1. At first, open the File Explorer.

2. Then, click on “This PC” on the left pane.

3. Here, you will find all the connected drives and devices. Note down the drive letter of the affected drive.

It is “E:” in our case.

 

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Close the File Explorer, once you are done.

4. Now, press the Windows key and type “cmd“.

5. Then, right-click on the “Command Prompt” and tap on “Run as administrator“.

 

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6. When the terminal appears, type this command and hit Enter.

chkdsk drive letter:\/f /r /x

 

[NOTE – You have to replace the drive letter in the code with the drive letter of the drive you have noted.

Example – The command will be –

chkdsk E:\/f /r /x

]

 

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Windows will detect and fix any issues with the drive. Once you are done, close the terminal.

Try opening a file or moving a file to the drive. You won’t see the error message again.

 

Fix 4 – Alter the drive transfer mode

The misconfigured transfer mode can be the cause of this issue.

1. At first, right-click on the Windows icon and tap on the “Device Manager“.

 

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2. When the Device Manager appears, expand the “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers” controllers section.

3. Here, you will notice several controllers. Just, right-click on the particular controller where this device is connected and tap on “Properties“.

 

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4. In the Properties window, go to the “Advanced Settings” section.

5. Now, tap on the “Transfer Mode” and set it to “PIO Only” for this device (usually it is known as “device 0“).

 

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6. Finally, tap on “Apply” and “OK“.

 

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Close the Device Manager window. Now, test the drive by copy-pasting a file. You won’t see the “The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error” message on your screen.