Share via

Initializing Hard drive ERROR... (an I/O device error)

Anonymous
2014-03-21T03:06:36+00:00

Hello,

when I try to 'initialize' my second Hard drive - a pop-up says... 

the request could not be completed because of an i/o device error.

I have Windows 7.

and the hard drive that isn't initializing, is new and didn't have anything on it - and just put in.

I really need this fixed asap, so I can start using the extra space the hard-drive will give me.

Has anyone ever seen or had this prob before?

your help is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Kind regards

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

12 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-24T02:01:15+00:00

    when I try to 'initialize' it - a pop-up says... 

    the request could not be completed because of an i/o device error.

    1200+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-23T02:08:18+00:00

    Hello,

    Yes - Disk 0 has all the info

    then there's disk 0...

    (left pane) disk 1, unknown, 1397.27 GB, not initialized

    (right pane) 1397.27 GB, unallocated

    thanks

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2016-04-30T19:58:29+00:00

    Same issue ( 80 GB external hard drive not initialized) after upgrading to Windows 10. Rolled back to Windows 7 no problem after that. Seems to be a Windows 10 issue.

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2017-02-21T02:13:15+00:00

    Hi Joel,

    To address the issue, we suggest starting your device in Safe Mode. To do so, check this link.

    Regards.

    Let us know how it goes.

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2016-02-11T05:16:33+00:00

    Then Mostly it is a problem with SATA cable (communication cable,connected with Motherboard). Another one possibility of this case is Motherboard issue.Do one thing.change your SATA cable and try it once.Then Please let me Know that problem is rectified or not?

    Thank you

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments