Some Windows users have reported facing the error 0x80071ac3 while connecting an external file storage system like a USB stick or a hard disk into their computer. The error 0x80071AC3 often occurs by the ReadyBoost feature, it makes your operating system can’t access files due to bad sectors on the hard disk or external hardware. The error code 0x80071AC3 can also appear up due to faulty device drivers or incomplete. If you are using an old external drive, you’ll get error messages ‘Volume is dirty‘. So in this tutorial, I will share a few solutions to solved this error.
How to Fix Error 0x80071ac3
Solution 1: Disable ReadyBoost Disk Caching Feature
You should be able to fix this error code 0x80071ac3 by disabling ReadyBoost disk caching feature. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to My computer.
Step 2. Then, you right click on the external USB flash drive and click Properties.
Step 3. Move on, you select the ReadyBoost tab and select “Do not use this device” then accept the changes.
Solution 2: Use Command Prompt
You can solve error 0x80071ac3 by using Command Prompt. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open administrative Command Prompt. To do that, right-click Start button, select Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 2. Then, you type chkdsk x: /B and hit Enter.
Step 3. Wait until the process completely then restart your system
Solution 3: Use Diagnostic
You can fix this error code 0x80071ac3 by using Diagnostic
Step 1. First of all, your download and install the Diagnostic.
Step 2. Next, you run full scan
Step 3. Finally, perform system clean-up and repair
Solution 4: Use Check Disk tool
You can also try to use the check disk tool to fix error code 0x80071ac3. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to My computer.
Step 2. Then, you right click on the disk drive that is causing errors and click Properties.
Step 3. Next, you select the tools tab and click on check.
Step 4. Now, you click on the option to scan your drive
Solution 5: Using Registry Editor
One of the recommended methods is to allow for writing to the drive from the registry. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1. You press Windows key + R then type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
Step 2. Next, you locate following sub-key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
Step 3. Then double click “WriteProtect” string, you set its value to 0.
Step 4. Click OK and exit Registry Editor. Then restart your computer.
Solution 6: Reinstall Your External Drivers / USB Flash Drive
You can fix the error 0x80071ac3 by reinstalling the External Drivers. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1. First of all, you press Windows key + X then select the device manager.
Step 2. Expand the top node in the window that opens.
Step 3. Next, you right-click your External Hard Disk or USB Flash Drive and select Uninstall option.
Step 4. Once the device is successfully uninstalled, you restart your computer.
Step 5. After restarting, you open Device Manager again.
Step 6. Right-click the top node then click Scan for hardware changes.
Solution 7: Format the External Drive / USB Flash Drive
If all the solutions above don’t work, I advise you should format your External Drive / USB Flash Drive. To do that, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to My Computer.
Step 2. Next, right-click on the External Drive / USB Flash Drive and click Format.
Step 3. Then select ‘Restore device defaults‘ and click Start.
Step 4. Once a new window opens, you click Yes to confirm the process.
Depending on the size of the hard disk, the process will take a few minutes. A confirmation message will occur once the format is complete. This solution will resolve the error 0x80071AC3.
These are 7 solutions that should definitely fix the error 0X80071AC3. If you have any other Windows related errors you can check for the solution in my Windows fix section. Thank you reading this tutorial.