How to Fix Error Code 0X800701B1 on Windows 10 (2023)

Some Windows 10 users regularly come across the0x800701b1Error code (A device that does not exist was specified) when trying to copy, paste, or replace files withfile manager. This error code is also reported in cases where users try to install Windows 10 on a hard drive connected via a USB port.

As it turns out, there are several different causes that can lead to this particular error code. Here is a short list of potential culprits that could be responsible for the appearance of the0x800701B1 (A nonexistent device was specified):

Method 1: Plug the HDD/SSD into another USB port

As it turns out, many affected users managed to avoid it0x800701b1Error code by connecting affected drive to aUSB 3.0port instead of the classic 2.0 port. This change will take effect in the cases where the problem occurs due to insufficient power supply or insufficient transfer speed – USB 3.0 offers superior transfer speeds and can deliver more power to connected devices.

If your computer has a USB port, use it to connect the hard drive or SSD that is triggering this particular error code.

If you successfully made the change, repeat the operation that previously caused the0x800701b1error code and check if the issue is resolved now.

If you're still experiencing the same issue, continue to the next possible solution below.

Method 2: Rescan the disks

The device not specified issue can be due to a temporary error in the operating system modules and can be fixed by rescanning the hard drives inDisk Management.

1. right clickWindowand selectDisk Management.
2. Now expand theactionmenu and selectRescan disk.

   

3. After the scan is complete, verify that the system has no problem with the device not present (if the problem reappears after a reboot, repeat the steps above).

Method 3: Reinstall drivers

According to some concerned users, this problem can also occur due to driver inconsistency. This problem usually occurs with external hard drives and SSDs and is usually the result of an incompatible generic driver.

If this scenario applies, you should be able to fix this problem by using Device Manager to force your operating system to install a compatible version for your external hard drive or SSD.

Here is the step-by-step guide to do so:

1. PressWindows-Taste + Ropen aRundialog box. Enter next'devmgmt.msc'in the text field and pressInputopendevice manager.

   

2. Once inside Device Manager, expand its drop-down menudrivesand right click on the drive that is throwing the error code and clickUninstall device.

   

3. Confirm the uninstallation of your drive driver and then wait for the process to complete. This will uninstall the current driver and Windows will switch to the generic driver the next time the computer restarts.
4. Repeat the action that caused this0x800701b1Once the next boot completes, check if the problem is resolved.
   Note:If the issue is resolved, you can either abandon the generic driver or download the dedicated driver (from your manufacturer's website and install that instead).

If reinstalling the SSD/HHD drive did not resolve the issue, continue to the next possible solution below.

Method 4: Upgrade Your PSU (Desktop Only)

If none of the above methods worked for you, you can start investigating yourspower pack (power pack). If you are experiencing this issue on a desktop device, your power supply may not be providing enough power to meet the needs of all your PC components.

Remember that oneSSDrequire about 3 watts, while normal 3.5 HDDs require about 10 watts. Depending on the rest of the components (especially if you have a demanding graphics card), your PSU may not be able to cover them.

If you currently have an additional peripheral connected, unplug any non-essential ones and see if the problem goes away.

If the error code goes away while unneeded peripherals are disconnected, it is clear that the problem is with the PSU - in this case, you must choose a PSU with more than 500W (real capacity). Here ishow to make sure you end up with a good power supply for your system.

Method 5: Take ownership of the problematic drive in security settings

The USB flash drive may show that the device is not present if the drive's security permissions do not allow you to access it. In this context,take possessionof the problematic drive in its security settings may resolve the issue (the Security tab may not appear for some users).

1. right clickWindowand openfile manager.
2. Now select in the left paneThis PCAndright clickon theUSBDrive (in the right pane).
3. Then chooseCharacteristicsand go toSecurityTab.

   

4. Now click on theProgressivebutton (at the bottom of the screen) and clickChange(before owner).

   

5. Then click theProgressivebutton (bottom left of window) and clickFind now.

   

6. Nowdouble clickon theirUser nameand then clickOK.

   

7. Then enable the option fromReplace all permission entries for child objects with inheritable permission entries from this objectAnduseyour changes.

   

8. Once the permissions are applied, check if the USB flash drive is free from the device not specified issue.

Method 6: Use an older driver for the USB flash drive

The USB flash drive may show the unspecified error if the latest Windows driver is not compatible with the drive. In this case, using an older USB flash drive driver may solve the problem.

1. right clickWindowand choosedevice manager.
2. Expand nowUSB Serial Bus Controller(or drives) andright clickon theUSBDrive.
3. Then selectCharacteristicsand go todriverTab.
4. NownoteDiedrivercurrently used and click on theupdate driversTaste.

   

5. Then selectBrowse My Computer for drivesand openLet me choose from a list of available drivers on my computer.

   

6. Now click on theNextbutton andchooseany of thedriver(but not the currently installed one).

   

7. Then click theNextbutton and let the driver installation complete.
8. Now check if the USB stick is working properly.
9. If not then you cantry the driversone by one as shown in step 6, (you can uncheck the option "Show compatible hardware") and check if any of these drivers solve the "device not specified" issue.

Method 7: Run a Check Disk Scan of the USB drive

USB flash drive may display device not specified error if the drive has logical file system errors. In this case, running a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan of the drive may solve the problem.

1. IntroduceCHKDSK-Scanof the drive and wait for the process to complete (this may take some time).

   

2. Once the CHKDSK process completes (without any issues), check if the system is no longer showing a flash drive error.
3. If the problem persists,unplugDieUSB driveAndswitch offYour system (no reboot).
4. Thenathe system with theonly the minimumAndPlug the USB back into check if the USB drive is working normally.

If the problem persists, check if the drive is working properlyanother system(preferably with another operating system), if so then format it on that system and then try on your system. If the problem persists, you can try a3^rdparty motion(e.g. Diskinternals Uneraser) to solve the problem, or have the USB drive checked for hardware errors in another way (you can change the USB controller to solve the problem).