Fix: Error 0x800701B1 on Windows PC

Error 0x800701B1 is the most common error faced by Windows users, especially when moving or copying files from external drives or USB devices.

There are several approaches to resolving this error, but a systematic approach can reduce its frustration.

But, don’t worry if you are facing this problem. In this article, we have mentioned some of the best fixes that will help you resolve this issue.

Why Error 0x800701B1 Occurs on Windows PC?

In most cases, error 0x800701B1 will display a message such as “A device that does not exist was specified.” So, this error can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:

• There is a problem with the USB cable or port
• Drivers that are incompatible or corrupt
• Errors with the external drive’s file system
• There is not enough power to power the USB device
• Problems related to the external drive

How to Fix Error 0x800701b1 on Windows?

Here are some fixes that will help you resolve the 0x800701b1 on a Windows PC:

Fix 1: Rescanning Disks in Disk Management

Disk Management can help Windows users rescan drives if they can’t access connected drives. If you rescan your drives, you may be able to fix the error code 0x800701B1.

However, it is less likely to happen. Here are the steps for performing a rescan:

1. In the Run command box, type diskmgmt.msc and then hit OK to open Disk Management.
2. Using the context menu, select Rescan Disks under the Action tab.

There will be no need to rescan for a short time. Ensure that the problem has been resolved by transferring the data again after the procedure has been completed.

Fix 2: Perform a Disk Scan

A disk scan tool built into Windows can be used to locate and correct file system errors on drives.

Make sure both the source and destination devices have been scanned. Here’s what you need to do:

1. From the Windows taskbar, open File Explorer.
2. In the This PC window, locate and right-click on the external drive connected to your Windows PC. Click on Properties from the context menu.
3. Select the Tools tab in the Properties window and click the Check button.

If a disk scan is required, Windows will notify you. You must scan your external drive regardless of what it says and follow this procedure for your destination drive as well.

Fix 3: Create a New Windows User Account

To resolve this error, you will need to create a new Windows user account from Windows 11 Settings.

1. To open Settings, press the Windows key + I and then click on Accounts in the left pane. Choose Other Users.
2. In the Add other user section, click on Add account.

3. Click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information, and on the next screen, choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.

4. If you want, you can type a username, password, or password hint or ask a security question. Thereafter, to complete the process, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

There will be a new Windows user account created, and you can check to see if the error has been resolved.

Fix 4: Remove Your Drive’s Read-Only Attribute

To fix the problem of being unable to add new files to your storage drive, remove the existing read-only attribute.

Your drive becomes read-only when you use this attribute, so you can only see what’s on it and can’t add anything to it.

It is necessary to use the Command Prompt on your Windows operating system in order to remove the read-only attribute. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Ensure that your storage device is connected to your PC.
2. Using the Start menu, locate Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
3. When prompted, select Yes.
4. In CMD, type diskpart and press Enter.
5. To find out what disk drives you have, run the following command: list disk
6. In the Disk ### column, note the number displayed for your storage device.
7. Replace X with the number you noted above in the following command. Select your specific disk to perform actions on. select disk X

8. You can now remove the read-only attribute from your drive by running the following command:

attributes disk clear readonly

9. If you have a storage device, close Command Prompt and copy files to it.

Fix 5: Check Power Supply

An insufficient power supply can also cause Windows error 0x800701b1, though this is a rare occurrence.

Power supply units can be replaced if they aren’t providing enough power, especially if your computer is powered by a desktop computer.

You may also wish to remove unnecessary peripherals or entirely remove your power supply if needed.

Fix 6: Run CHKDSK by Command Prompt

There may be a problem with your file system if error code 0x800701b1 doesn’t persist on another computer. The steps are as follows:

1. On your keyboard, press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Administrator).” 
2. To run the “chkdsk C: /f” command, type it into the cmd window and hit Enter. It is important to replace “C:” with the letter of your drive.

3. Give it time to complete. Once you have closed all open programs, restart your computer.

Fix 7: Edit the Security Permissions

You might have to adjust your settings to gain exclusive ownership of an external hard drive that is encrypted or whose security permissions have been altered.

Here are the steps you need to take to resolve error 0x800701b1:

1. Windows File Explorer can be used to locate your problematic drive. Right-click it and select “Properties.”
2. Select “Security” > “Advanced.“
3. In the owner’s name, click the “Change” link. Click ‘Advanced.’
4. In the following window, locate and click “Find now.” Once the list appears, select your PC’s user name and click “OK.”
5. Thereafter, go back to the Advanced Security Settings window. Make sure “Replace all child object permission entries…” is checked, then hit “Apply.” to save the changes.

Fix 8: Check your Drive’s Security Settings

When security restrictions prevent you from accessing the drive, the USB flash drive will display the error “device doesn’t exist.” Change the security settings to change ownership.

1. In File Explorer, click This PC on the left, then right-click the targeted drive to select Properties, where you will find the Security tab.
2. To change the owner, select the Advanced tab, followed by Change.

3. In the left corner, click Advanced, then Find Now.

4. You will see Change in Advanced Security Settings. Click it. When you see your username, click twice on it.
5. You now need to look for Replace All Child Object Permission Entries with Inheritable Permission Entries from This Object, select it, and click OK.

Fix 9: Scan for Malware

To avoid attacks from viruses, malware, rootkits, and other malicious software, it is always a good idea to keep your computer’s security software up-to-date and let it scan your system regularly.

It is possible to protect your system from such threats with good antivirus software. Nevertheless, using reliable system protection software is crucial.

Ensure that the software you install is updated regularly by a trusted, highly-ranked provider. It’s always possible to remove or quarantine your antivirus software if it finds any issues within your system.

Fix 10: Change the Hard Drive Format

You might be able to resolve the error 0x800701b1 by changing the format of the drive in question, particularly if you use NTFS formatting, which is a reliable and newer file format that allows you to transfer files of a greater size.

However, be cautioned that formatting a drive will erase everything inside it permanently.

1. Firstly, right-click a drive in File Explorer and select Format to change its file system.
2. Then select NTFS and click Start. After you have finished, click Close and restart your computer. Once you have done this, you should be able to copy and paste your file into that folder.

Fix 11: Reinstall your Device Drivers

If you are experiencing problems with a certain device, you can try reinstalling its driver. This is a common occurrence for external devices without compatible drivers. To resolve this:

1. In Windows Search, enter “devmgmt.msc” to open Device Manager.
2. When you click on Disc Drive, expand it, find the device that caused the problem, and uninstall it. To reinstall it with a generic driver, press “Scan for Hardware Changes.“

3. You may need to restart your PC if the error persists. Depending on whether your device is fixed, you can keep the driver that Windows installed, or you can simply install the appropriate driver. If the problem persists, contact the support team and ask them for help.

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix error 0x800701B1 on a Windows PC. We hope that this guide has helped you. But that’s not the end here. You can comment below and let us know if you have any doubts.