I am receiving “Cannot open volume for direct access” error upon boot. how to fix it？

Question

I am receiving “Cannot open volume for direct access” error upon boot. how to fix it？

The exactly error message might be similar to the following: “Cannot open volume for direct access. The type of the file system is NTFS. IFSUTIL: Can’t open drive. Status returned = c0000043. Windows has finished checking the disk” Or “Cannot open volume for direct access. ‘chkdsk’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.”

how to fix it?

Answer 1

Hi Elim. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Unplug power and remove battery, press and hold power button for 30 seconds to release all power from circuitry, plug back in and power up to see if any change.

I will give you steps to access the Repair Mode to try all repairs to get Windows started, and if not to do the automated Reset or the superior Clean Install after rescuing your files. These steps don't cover possible hardware failure which might become apparent while performing the steps, so please report back as you go:

1. Use whichever method works in this link to access Advanced Startup Options: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc.... Easiest may be to force shut down the PC (by holding in the power button) three separate times to trigger the Startup Options.
2. If none of the other methods work it may be necessary to Create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m... Make sure to uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose only the licensed version.

If the Media Creation Tool will not cooperate use the alternate download site at https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php. Burn to DVD using WIndows Image Burner or create bootable flash using one of the options here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create...

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, then on second screen choose Repair Your Computer. If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

3. In the Advanced Troubleshooting options open a Command Prompt to run a full Disk Check: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/check-hard-dri....

If necessary run bootable HD diagnostics long test from Seatools created here: http://blog.nowherelan.com/2013/04/04/boot-seat...

https://www.seagate.com/manuals/software/seatoo...

There are also diagnostics built into HP and Dell by powering up while pressing the ESC and F12 keys respectively. Other testing tools here: https://www.lifewire.com/free-hard-drive-testin...

Next try to System Restore to a point before the problems began, Startup Repair, then if necessary from Startup Settings try to get into Safe Mode with Networking, or lastly Safe Mode.

If Startup Settings aren't available you can force Safe Mode from Command Prompt following Step 5 here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf..., or using the command to unhide F8 Advanced Boot Options here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/22455-enabl... where you can also try the old reliable Last Known Good Configuration.

4. From Safe Mode w/Networking work through the Windows 10 Install Integrity Checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get donehttp://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_10-performance/windows-10-performance-and-install-integrity/75529fd4-fac7-4653-893a-dd8cd4b4db00: If it doesn’t fix Windows enough to start it normally, then try a Windows 10 Refresh: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

Update your drivers from the PC's Support Downloads web page. Compare the latest drivers with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

5. If Safe Mode doesn’t work or help stabilize things then return to Advanced Troubleshoot options. Next try Command Prompt to run through Windows 10 Install Integrity Checklist (above link) repair commands including sfc /scannow, DISM, a full Disk Check, or return to Troubleshoot options to Reset Your Windows 10 PC.
6. Better yet do the vastly superior Clean Install Windows 10 following the steps in this link to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
7. There is a step to Rescue Files from the booted media Command Prompt first: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

These steps are excerpted from my tutorial that compiles everything possible for Troubleshooting Windows 10 Failure to Start: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... You can continue with the other steps there.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer There are links to a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Solution 1: Disable third-party service that might lock the device

This can be caused by a 3rd party application locking the partition such as a virus checker or disk monitor tool. At this time, you can disable the service or uninstall the software as follows.

Disable certain service in Services

1. Press “Windows” + “R” to open Run box. Input “services.msc” and hit “Enter” key to open Services.
2. Among listed services, locate the possible service that your drive right click it and choose “Properties”. In the small pop-up window, change the Startup type to Disabled and click “OK”.
3. Exit from Services, reboot the computer and try to run CHKDSK to check and fix your drive again.

Uninstall third-party software

1. Click Start button and choose “Control Panel”. Click “Programs” and “Programs and features”.
2. All installed programs on the computer are listed in this window. Right click the program that might lock the drive and choose “Uninstall”.
3. Reboot computer and check whether this issue is fixed.

Solution 2: Run chkdsk after clean boot

Clean boot is usually used to handle conflict issue among third-party services. The exact steps to perform a clean boot differ from Windows editions. You can visit Microsoft knowledge base to find the way of performing clean boot as per your Windows version.

Solution 3: Recover data when chkdsk cannot open volume for direct access?

Since some repair operations do harm to data stored on storage devices, you should backup or recover data from the disk which shows "cannot open volume for direct access". If you can open the disk and access files in it, you can just copy data to another disk; if the disk is no longer accessible, you can try Bitwar Data Recovery software to help you retrieve files.

For more information, please visit here: https://www.bitwar.net/course/delete/1341.html