You won’t be able to access a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive when faced with an error ‘0x800701b1’ that says that ‘a device that does not exist was specified.’ But then, why does this error manifest, and is it possible to correct it? The positive thing is that it can be corrected in many cases. In this article, we will look at the major causes of this error and also 10 simple ways to troubleshoot it. So, let’s begin, shall we?
Part 1: What Is Error Code 0x800701b1?
The error code ‘0x800701b1’ indicates that your Windows 10/11 is unable to recognize or access the drive you’re trying to utilize. It usually appears alongside a message: “A device which does not exist was specified,” often when copying or moving files. However, this error isn’t limited to file operations. Some users encounter 0x800701b1 during Windows setup or system installation.
Part 2: Frequent Causes of Error 0x800701b1
Reasons leading to the ‘0x800701b1’ error in Windows 10/11 include the following:
- The device was unplugged, not securely connected, or not receiving adequate power.
- There can be a faulty USB port, cable, or USB adapter that prevents the drive from being detected.
- This can be due to the loss of or outdated drivers, which do not allow Windows to identify the device.
- The drive’s format may be damaged and unreadable.
- Another device may be using the same drive letter.
- The drive might be failing or have damaged sectors.
Part 3: Rescue Data Lost Due to Error Code 0x800701b1
Rescue your data first from the drive with the 0x800701b1 error, before you troubleshoot it, as you might lose files otherwise. Professional data recovery tools like 4DDiG can rescue files from inaccessible disks and more by extracting corrupted, erased, hidden, and formatted files from internal/external storage devices. Here’s what more this tool brings to the table:
- It is capable of extracting RAW files, videos, images, documents, archives, and so on.
- Supports all the external and internal disks such as SSDs, HDDs, USB, SD cards, and so on.
- It gives you the choice to restore any file type you want, and you can also preview recovered files by their name and path.
- Impressive success rate and beginner-friendly interface.
- It offers a free version for Windows users, allowing you to experience all the core features at no cost.
Follow the steps beneath to employ this tool to extract files from the device with ‘0x800701b1’ malfunction:
Step 1: Install and execute the recovery tool on your computer. Then, choose the inaccessible. Select your desired file types to scan. Hit “Scan.”
Step 2: Stop or pause the scan once the tool retrieves your desired files. Examine them. You can select filter tags or input keywords in the search bar to find the exact files.
Step 3: Afterward, hit “Recover” to reclaim recovered files from the disk with the error. Export them to your computer or cloud drive account.
Part 4: How to Fix Error Code 0x800701b1 on Windows 10/11?
The following are 10 solutions to troubleshoot a malfunction like 0x800701b1on Windows 10/11. Pick a method that corresponds to the reason behind the error:
4.1. Use Another USB Port or Test on Another PC
Employ a different USB port or another computer for the drive displaying the ‘a device which does not exist was specified’ error. This is because the device may not be supported by a malfunctioning or low-power USB port (USB 2.0 in particular). Thus, change to a USB 3.0 port or a higher-quality cable. Also, evaluate the drive on another PC to diagnose if the issue is with your disk or your current computer (likely due to drivers or USB issues).
4.2. Update or Reinstall Disk Drivers
When one experiences this error code ‘0x800701b1’ as a result of an old disk driver, then update the driver. Otherwise, you can uninstall and reinstall the driver, which hopefully will get the job done in the event that the updating procedure fails. To do so:
Step 1: Connect your inaccessible disk to your computer. Then, right-click the “Windows Start” icon. Choose “Device Manager.”
Step 2: Extend “Disk drives.” Right-click the disk driver. Choose “Update driver.”
Step 3: Choose to update automatically or download a compatible driver from the manufacturer’s site and select to install it.
Step 4: If the drive is corrupted, select “Uninstall device,” rather than updating it. Then, reboot your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the disk driver.
4.3. Rescan Disks
When you face an error 0x800701b1, execute the “Rescan disks” feature in Disk Management. This might be able to troubleshoot the issue as rescanning updates the drive list, which in turn can locate the lost device in Windows. Here’s how to rescan disks:
Step 1: Right-click the “Windows Start” icon. Then, choose “Disk Management.”
Step 2: Tap “Action” in the menu. Choose “Rescan Disks.” Wait for the rescanning procedure to finish. Then, check the drive.
4.4. Run CHKDSK on Your Drive
There is a possibility that system file glitches or bad sectors are present in your disk and are preventing Windows from recognizing the connected device. Thus, resulting in an error code ‘0x800701b1.’ In that case, run CHKDSK, which is a Windows embedded utility used to fix file system errors on devices:
Step 1: Input “cmd” in the Windows search field. Execute “Command Prompt.”
Step 2: Input the following command. Hit “Enter” afterward:
- chkdsk [drive letter]: f/ r/ x
4.5. Clear the Read-Only Attribute
It may be that Windows is unable to detect your device because it’s adjusted to read-only mode. Hence, you may see an error such as ‘0x800701b1 on Windows 10/11.’ To troubleshoot it, you will have to get rid of the read-only attribute from your device. The following is how to accomplish that:
Step 1: Input “cmd” in the Windows search field. Execute “Command Prompt.”
Step 2: Input the following commands one after the other. But hit “Enter” after each one:
- diskpart
- list disk
- select disk [drive letter]
- attribute disk clear readonly
4.6. Check the Security Permission
A device which does not exist was specified malfunction can manifest if your user account doesn’t have the right permissions to access data on the drive. However, you can grant the security permission by changing the owner. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open “File Explorer.” Head to “This PC.” Then, right-click the drive with the error. Select “Properties.”
Step 2: Head to the “Security” tab. Click “Advanced.” Choose “Change” right next to “Owner.”
Step 3: Tap “Find Now.” Choose your “username.” Hit “OK.”
Step 4: Look beneath “Permissions.” Tick mark the box for “Replace all child object permission entries…” Hit “OK.”
4.7. Remove Unnecessary Peripherals
Detaching unnecessary devices connected to your computer can also resolve an error code like 0x800701b1 on Windows 10/11. It can help decrease power load and USB conflicts. A lot of connected devices may result in confusing Windows or contribute to its overload. This is why the removal of unnecessary devices may assist you in the proper functioning of the drive.
4.8. Create a New Windows User Account
A corrupted user profile, permission issues, or conflicting software can also result in the ‘0x800701b1’ error. But creating a new local admin account resets settings and permissions, making it easier for Windows to detect your drive. It also helps rule out third-party apps or drivers causing the problem. Here’s how:
Step 1: Right-click the “Windows Start” icon. Then, choose “Settings.” Tap “Accounts.”
Step 2: Choose “Family & other users.” Pick “Add account” right next to “Add other user.”
Step 3: Click “I don’t have this person’s sign-in info.” Next, choose “Add a user without a Microsoft account”.
Step 4: Enter a username and password (or prompt). Follow the instructions to finish creating the account.
4.9. Scan for Malware
If you’re used to visiting dubious sites or downloading apps from them, malware or a Trojan can penetrate your system, leading to error ‘0x800701b.’ Thus, a virus might have also entered the connected device. So, to eliminate it, run the antivirus on your computer and the connected device.
4.10. Send It for Manual Repair
In case all troubleshooting methods fail to fix the ‘0x800701b’ malfunction on your device, it could be damaged physically. Thus, find a trustworthy repair service, and send it for manual repair. The cost will depend on how much damage your device has and how complicated the repair procedure is.
Conclusion
The error ‘0x800701b1’ manifests when Windows is unable to access a connected device. This may be because of loose wires, out-of-date drivers, access problems, or a failing device. However, we shared 10 ways to troubleshoot it, such as using a different USB port, updating drivers, running disk checks, and scanning for malware. But before fixing the error, it’s wise to extract your files from the affected disk with the aid of a specialized tool like the 4DDiG Data Recovery.
