How to fix error 0x80071ac3

Error 0x80071ac3 is often confusing to users, because semantically, it notices that the volume is 'dirty', meaning that there is dirt inside the computer or hard drive. Although this may be true, 'dirty' (or 'dirty') in this context is a computer term, meaning that a file is corrupted in some way. Here's how to find out and fix error 0x80071ac3.

What is error 0x80071ac3?

Error 0x80071ac3 is found in all current versions of Windows and refers to the 'dirty bit', rather than the physical state of the computer. For each block of memory in the computer, the processor needs to know whether the memory has been modified, whether it is stored or not, and whether it should be deleted. Dirty bits are prompts that the processor uses. Think of it like a switch: Error 0x80071ac3 is informing you that the "switch" on a specific drive is stuck.

What is the cause of error 0x80071ac3?

There are several causes of this error.

1. There is a bad sector on the hard drive that you cannot read or write to.
2. Specific files may be damaged by abruptly unplugging or unplugging the power without turning off the computer.
3. External drive may be having problems due to incomplete or uninstalled drivers.
4. Or simply, a drive may be outdated and worn out. This cause is rare but also possible, especially with older devices.

The best tool to avoid this error is to prevent the following actions:

1. Always eject the drives and other data storage devices before disconnecting them. You can safely retrieve them, by right-clicking them in File Explorer and selecting Eject from the menu.
2. For sockets with their own power supply, plug them into surge surgeers or similar. This will prevent sudden power outages or surge voltages that damage the drive.
3. Preserve the drive well. Fix frayed wires and problematic switches, especially the power switch and lock switch.
4. Backup files and keep copies in many places. For sensitive information, keep hard copies or digital copies and put them securely somewhere.

How to fix error 0x80071ac3

1. Check the external hard drive for any problems. For example, some drives have a physical lock switch, which makes it impossible to copy or delete files from the drive. This switch may be in a locked position or even stuck. Cables can also degrade over time, so change any data cable, such as a USB cable, used by the drive.

2. Use Windows System Restore to go back to the previous restore point, especially if you have just installed a new driver for your computer. This complete step-by-step guide will tell you the whole process: Instructions on how to use System Restore on Windows. Use the closest available restore point.

Important note : Remember to restore the system to the current version if the error is not fixed. Otherwise, the system may be vulnerable to other attacks.

3. Scan the hard drive with Error Checking. If you can use File Explorer, right-click on the drive and select Properties> Tools> Check (in Error Checking ). You may receive a prompt that Windows has scanned the drive and found no errors. You can run the second scan for disk drives, if you choose from this pop-up window.

4. If you cannot access the drive with File Explorer, you can run the utility with Command Prompt in Windows 7 or PowerShell in Windows 8 and 10. This example uses Windows PowerShell 10. You can access it using Windows + X in Windows 8 or 10 and select PowerShell (Admin) and in Windows 7 by clicking Start> Accessories . Right-click on Command Prompt and click Run As Administrator .

Important note : You will need to login to the admin account to complete this step.

Connect the hard drive and note which drive letter Windows assigns to it. In this case, the USB article being used is drive D. Check if the drive is 'dirty', using the script 'fsutil dirty query [drive letter]:' . In this case, the script will be 'fsutil dirty querty d:' . Drive letter names can be uppercase or lowercase. That will not affect the script. You will be notified that the drive is 'dirty' or 'not dirty.'. Repeat with each drive until you find the drive is 'dirty'.

If the drive is 'dirty', enter the script 'CHKNTFS / X [drive letter]:' . This will ensure that the drive does not boot at startup, allowing your computer to boot normally.

Restart the computer with the drive connected and reopen Command Prompt or PowerShell. Enter the script 'Chkdsk / f / r [drive letter]:' and the computer will run the full chkdsk utility on that drive.

Repeat the script 'fsutil dirty query [drive letter]:' . The drive will return to the 'not dirty' state.

If you run the 'dirty query' script on the drive that is experiencing the error and it returns to the 'not dirty' state, you can make it 'dirty' again. This will force your computer to automatically check the drive. To mark it as 'dirty', use the fsutil dirty set script [drive letter]:, in the case of this article, 'fsutil dirty set d:' . Then restart the computer.

5. If the device is still 'dirty', at this time, the only option is to format the device. This will delete all the files on the drive and reconfigure it to work with Windows. If you need to keep the files, don't format the drive.

To do this, right-click the drive in File Explorer and select Format, and then click Start.

If the main hard drive is not working, you will need to do this by booting from a USB memory stick or an external hard drive.

Wish you overcome the error successfully!