10 Common Hard Drive Error Messages that Can Ruin your Files – Causes & Solution

For many years, the hard drive kept all our favorite music, memories, and documents and encrypted between zeros and ones that we liked the most. A hard disk drive is one of the main devices that operates a computer, whether it is a desktop PC or laptop. They can be of different types, IDE, SATA, HDD or SSD, but the principle of logical operation is the same as well as the errors.  Sometimes it becomes difficult to verify the errors in the disk until it stops responding, makes strange noises, or simply is not recognized by the system. In order to make this task simpler, we have come up with this post. Here, we are going to explain some of the most common hard drive error messages along with their causes and solutions.

Common Hard Drive Error Messages

Here you will find a list of the most common hard disk failure error messages faced by computer users. Simply read the causes of the error and then the possible solution.

So, without killing precious time. Let’s describe all the above-mentioned most common hard disk errors and, at the end, find one solution for lost files recovery due to any of the mentioned errors.

Read More: Hard Drive Not Reading

How to Common Hard Drive Error Messages?

Below is a list of common Windows error messages that users may encounter, along with a brief description and possible solutions:

#1. Hard Drive Error 0x80071ac3: Volume Is Dirty

This hard disk error often occurs when users attempt to connect external hardware on Windows 10, 8, or 7. It may also arise if there is a problem with the system, especially while connecting an external file storage system such as a hard disk or a USB stick.

Cause: The main reason for hard drive error code 0x80071AC3 is the presence of bad sectors in the hard drive. The bad sectors can be caused by an unexpected or sudden system shutdown because of a power failure or holding down the power button for a forced shutdown. The ReadyBoost functionality, deficient or defective/outdated device drivers, computer errors, or bad sectors on the externally connected device can give rise to this error.

Read More: Remove Write Protection from External Hard Drive

#2. Hard Drive Not Found (3f0) Error

While booting a laptop, it may say, Boot device not found; please install an operating system on your hard disk. Hard Disk (3F0)… and so on, along with a black background. After restarting the system, it will result in the same error message over and over.

Cause: A hard drive (3F0) error may occur due to a bad hard disk or partition structure or a bad cable that connects it with the motherboard. Because of heavy knocking on the floor, a hard disk came into bad contact with the motherboard. Also, the damaged MBR or boot sector on the hard drive or bad SATA controller on the motherboard can be responsible for this. This error code can erase the entire drive.

#3. SMART Hard Disk Error 301

Whether you are using Windows 10/ 8.1/ 8 or below versions, the SMART 301 Hard Drive error occurs unexpectedly and indicates the failure in a hard disk drive or solid state drive. Mainly this error occurs while turning on the system. If this error appears then, certainly the device is expecting a failure soon or the device failure has taken place.

Cause: Several reasons may lead users to this error, like SMART hard disk check failure or a broken IDE / SATA controller chip in the motherboard. Incorrect or failed installation / uninstallation of an application that may have left some invalid entries in the Windows registry, virus / malware attack, abrupt system shutdown, etc., factors can be responsible for this error.

#4. Hard Disk Read Error Occurred Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to Restart

This error implies that Windows has detected a hard disk failure error message or there is something wrong with the hard disk reading procedure. It occurs while booting up a computer and prevents the boot operation. If the users press Ctrl + Alt + Del keys to restart the computer, they still get the same error message, and then they cannot boot up Windows.

Cause: The disk read error occurs due to computer hard drive failure, unbootable hard disk, damaged hard drive cables, BIOS setting issues, corrupted MBR, and abrupt power failure. In addition, if the partition table is not configured correctly then, this error code also may pop-up.

#5. Hard Drive Error BIOHD-8

The BIOHD-8 error occurs and the system restarts. Actually, it is an S.M.A.R.T. drive error code that tells that the hard drive is failing and cannot be connected properly. This error often occurs on motherboards too.

Cause: Degenerate download or the fragmented establishment of Windows programming, defilement in the Windows registry, virus infection/malware attack, etc., can be the reasons for this error message. Apart from this, the runtime error can also be caused by an assortment of variables. Hence, it is essential to investigate each conceivable cause and fix the most common hard drive error.

#6. Hard Drive Error Code 0142

A Hard Drive Error Code 0142 is a boot error message that might end up displaying if the PC is not cooperating with the user. Unfortunately, this specific error can have major consequences. If someone encounters this error, then they may end up by replacing the computer’s hard drive.

Cause: This error indicates that the computer has experienced a hard failure and this failure could occur due to a CPU failure. Or, if the HDD fails to pass a self-test or if the OS crashes, this error prompts. Faulty or misaligned cables that are connecting the hard drive to the motherboard and corrupt data or Master Boot Record (MBR) on the hard drive also may result in this error code.

Read More: Recover Permanently Deleted Files

#7. The Parameter is incorrect—Hard Disk Error

This is probably one of the most common issues associated with external storage drives and prevents users from copying files and makes the drive inaccessible. Hence, after this, users cannot transfer the files from the external hard disk to any other location of the computer. If someone can access the drive, then it will not allow accessing the database.

Cause: A power supply from a weak or bad USB port may affect or damage the HDD and if the user is directly unplugging a hard drive from the computer in an improper manner, then this issue may occur. The presence of bad sectors in the external hard disk also may result in this. Fix this common hard drive error.

#8. The Request Failed Due to Fatal Device Hardware Error

The error occurs when the device becomes inaccessible. Users may usually encounter this error message while trying to move or copy the files and suddenly the Windows OS fails to recognize the input or output devices.

Cause: Faulty system hardware, inappropriate setup or configuration, loose connections, failing hard disk drive, etc. are the main causes of this hard drive error code.

#9. Most Common Hard Drive Error: Disk is Full

Sometimes the computer reports that the drive is out of space, or the primary hard disk is full or out of space. When the system drive is in low disk space, some applications also may stop working properly, and it may crash the system.

Cause: It may be possible that a virus or malware is keeping the data files on the system drive or users may have saved the large data files to the drive. Previous Windows installation, page files, temp files, and other system files also may have taken up the space in the system partition.

#10. This Hardware Device is Not Connected to The Computer (Code 45)

Multiple peripheral devices may be connected to the computer, like USB, keyboard, mouse, etc. The error code 45 pops up mostly when the OS is unable to communicate with the connected device or cannot be recognized by Windows.

Cause: Firmware or manufacturer faults, heat, electronic failure / power surge, corrupt data file modification in the Windows registry, etc. are some main causes of error code 45 in PC.

So, What’s the Solution?

SysTools Hard Drive Data Recovery Software is a one-stop solution to fix common hard drive error messages and get back lost files. The tool is not to fix hard disk drive failure but it ensures no data loss.

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Simply try this solution to secure your valuable information first. After that, perform the corresponding solution to fix most common hard drive errors. I hope the complete write-up will help you to resolve hard disk errors easily.