Error 0x800701b1 Troubleshooting on Windows 11/10

Summary: The error code 0x800701b1 can be frustrating when you’re in a rush to transfer files. But don’t panic. Our guide has you covered with everything you need to know about Windows error 0x800701b1 and how to fix it.

Late for a meeting and you are trying to transfer some files you worked on last night to the USB drive.

Suddenly the screen flashes “Error 0x800701B1: A device which does not exist was specified”. There is no need to panic. Read this guide where we fully explain Windows 10/11 error code 0x800701b1.

Table of Content:

• What is the Error Code 0x800701b1?
• What are the Causes of Error Code 0x800701b1?
• How to Fix Error Code 0x800701b1?
• How to Recover Data Lost because of Error Code 0x800701b1?

What is the Error Code 0x800701b1?

Error 0x800701b1 is a common Windows error code. It indicates there is a problem with copying or transferring files.

This error happens when attempting to copy files from one location to another, such as from a USB drive to your computer’s hard drive. It can also happen when extracting compressed or zip files.

The complete message is “Error 0x800701B1: A device which does not exist was specified”.

What are the Causes of Error Code 0x800701b1?

Error 0x800701b1 happens when your computer cannot locate the target destination. It can be a separate partition or another drive in the same machine or a USB storage device.

Here are some common reasons why you might encounter this error:

• Faulty Storage Device

The source or destination storage device (e.g., USB drive, external hard drive) may be faulty. It is unable to read and write data and prevents file transfer.

• Corrupted Files

A huge issue in the Windows operating system. If you do not save the file properly or shut down the computer before saving, the file can get corrupted. Other reasons include bad sectors and malware.

• File/Folder Permissions

You do not have the necessary permissions to access the target location. This could happen if the ownership of the files or folders has changed. A sudden change of permission on a personal device is usually due to malware.

• File Size Limitations

It can be that some of your older storage devices still have FAT 32 file systems. It cannot accommodate files larger than 4 GB.

Also Read: How To Fix 0x8007007e Error in Windows 10 and 11?

How to Fix Error Code 0x800701b1?

It happens suddenly and it is frustrating. But through careful execution, the error 0x800701b1 problem can be solved.

Here are a few methods you can try.

Method 1. Check the Parameters

Basically, from what we mentioned above.

Right-click the file you are trying to transfer.

Are you the owner?

Right-click the file → Properties →  Details

Check the name of the owner or author

Now check the destination drive.

Is it FAT32?

Are you trying to transfer a file larger than 4 GB?

Is there enough space in the destination drive?

Method 2. Use a different USB Port

First, you have to stop all transfers. Then:

1. Open Task Manager by holding down Ctrl + Alt + Del together

2. Select Process tab

3. Select all the processes one by one and click End Task

4. Now remove the USB storage device and insert it in another USB port.

5. Try to transfer a sample file

Does it happen?

Can you now transfer the files you wanted? Then error 0x800701b1 is solved.

Method 3. Rescan Disks

It is quite common for new computing systems with multiple drive bays and USB ports to confuse drive location.

A refresh of Disk Management might be in order.

Here is how to perform it:

1. Right-click on the Start button

2. Select Disk Management

3. Go to the Action menu

4. Select Rescan Disks

Windows will scan for any changes in the disk configuration and update the list.

Method 4. Remove other Peripherals

Technically Windows can support hundreds of USB devices. Practically it is limited by the power supply from the motherboard.

Does your device have keyboards, mice, printers, external hard drives, USB flash drives, webcams, external microphones, and game controllers, connected?

If yes, try and unplug as many as possible so that each USB port can be properly powered.

Does it solve the error code 0x800701b1?

Method 5. Update Device Driver

A driver software allows the USB device to “talk” with the operating system. It may cease functioning properly.

Here’s what to do:

1. Right-click on the Start button

2. Select Device Manager

3. Once Device Manager opens, scroll to USB devices and identify the exact USB device (there may be many e.g. keyboard, mouse, mic, speakers, etc).

4. Right-click on the device and choose Uninstall device from the context menu.

5. Click OK

6. Reboot the computer

Windows 10 and 11 have every possible USB driver as part of the install package. 

Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. Then keep the computer online while Windows checks for any available driver updates.

Is error 0x800701b1 solved?

Method 6. Check File System Errors

Computers store files through a file system. There is a file table or log that has the “address” of every file on the drive. There can be errors and Windows has its own self-check utility.

Here is how it works:

1. Type CMD in the Search bar

2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

3. Type the following command CHKDSK C: /f/r/x(replace C with the drive letter you want to scan)

4. Running CHKDSK might take a while depending on the size of the drive being scanned.

When CHKDSK completes its scan and repairs (if any), reboot your computer.

Check if Windows error 0x800701b1 is solved.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900208?

Method 7. Run SFC

SFC stands for System File Checker. It is a built-in Windows utility designed to scan for and restore corrupted system files. Since Windows cannot work without system files, this might very well be the cause of Windows error 0x800701b1.

Here is how to run SFC:

1. Type CMD in the Search bar

2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

3. Type sfc /scannow

4. Press Enter

The scan may take some time to complete. It depends on the size of the system files and the speed of your computer.

After the scan and repair process is complete, reboot the device.

Check if error code 0x800701b1 is fixed.

Also Read: How to Fix Error Code 0xc00000e9 in Windows 10?

How to Recover Data Lost because of Error Code 0x800701b1?

Data loss due to error 0x800701b1 is possible.

You connect your camera to a laptop and attempt to transfer the photos and videos of your vacation.

Due to error 0x800701b1, nothing gets copied and the original folder also gets corrupted.

You have no choice but to resort to data recovery. Data recovery software can accurately reconstruct the original files and folders.

Of course, you need to use a reputable software that has been tried and tested widely.

Stellar Data Recovery for Windows can be very helpful here. If none of the methods described earlier in this guide work for you, then try data recovery using this software.

The key benefit is that you will be able to preview all the files that can be recovered using this software. You don’t even have to buy a license if your data to be recovered is less than 1 GB. 

For data exceeding 1 GB, users can take advantage of our free recovery software available on the website. Download and run the demo to scan your drive at no cost. After the scan, the software will display a preview of your files and allow you to check them for recovery.

Another alternative is to opt for data recovery services, if in case, data loss is severe and complex

Data recovery services employ trained engineers and proprietary techniques to recover data from damaged or inaccessible drives.

Data Recovery Services will help recover data from your hard drive not only in case of minor issues with the drive but also in severe data loss cases.

Stellar Data Recovery Services might be able to help if something severe has not only caused the error 0x800701b1, but also caused data loss from your drive. 

Also Read: How to Fix Windows 11 PC Keeps Crashing?

FAQs

1. How to prevent any file corruption due to error 0x800701b1?

Always use Copy + Paste and never Cut + Paste for transferring data.

With Copy + Paste, you are assured that the original is always there. In the case of Cut + Paste the original might vanish and the paste too might not happen.

Also Read: The Computer Won’t Wake Up From Sleep on Windows 11: How to Fix the Issue?

2.Why does a USB drive have to be ejected before removal?

Always eject a USB drive before removing it. This stops any transfer and prevents driver corruption. 

Ejection allows the drive to be safely disconnected without interrupting any internal processes essential for the health of the drive.

Also Read: Fix the Bad Image 0xc000012f Error in Windows 10 & 11

3.What are some tips for preventing error 0x800701b1?

These are some tips to prevent error 0x800701b1:

• Regularly scan for malware using reputed antivirus software.
• Perform disk cleanup and defragmentation to optimize system performance.
• Ensure adequate disk space in each partition. Windows recommends 10% free space in every drive.

Also Read: How to Fix Blank White Screen of Death on Windows 11/10?

4. I accidentally disconnected my USB drive while transferring files. Did I lose my data?

Possibly yes. The file name might show up but it may have been corrupted.

Open the file and check. If it is a document, ensure the word and character count is the same as before. And if it is a video, play it back for any glitches.

If there is data loss, use windows recovery software or data recovery services.

5. Can I use a USB 3.0 drive on a USB 2.0 port?

If you use a USB 3.0 drive on a USB 2.0 port it will work perfectly. All electronic systems on the computer are backward compatible.

But you will get USB 2.0 speeds through a USB 2.0 port.

Also Read: Free USB Data Recovery Software to Recover Deleted Files