How do you fix the request could not be performed because of an IO device error using CMD?

by
How do you fix the request could not be performed because of an IO device error using CMD

The “request could not be performed because of an IO device error” is a common error that can occur when trying to access a drive or file on your Windows computer. This error typically appears when running commands in the Command Prompt (CMD) and indicates there is some issue communicating with the target drive or file.

What Causes the IO Device Error in CMD?

There are a few potential causes of the IO device error in CMD:

  • Corrupted system files – System file corruption can prevent Windows from properly communicating with connected devices and drives.
  • Faulty hardware – Issues with the hard drive, cables, USB ports, etc. can create IO device errors.
  • Driver problems – Outdated, buggy, or missing drivers may result in IO device issues.
  • Viruses or malware – Malicious software can sometimes corrupt system files or interfere with IO operations.

So in summary, both software faults and hardware problems can potentially lead to the IO device error appearing in the Command Prompt in Windows.

7 Ways to Fix the IO Device Error in CMD

If you encounter the “request could not be performed because of an IO device error” in CMD, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve it:

  1. Run CHKDSK – Use the “chkdsk /f” command in CMD to scan your drive for errors and bad sectors. Fixing file system errors may resolve the IO device issue.
  2. Update drivers – Make sure all your important hardware drivers are up to date, especially chipset, storage, and USB drivers.
  3. Change cables/ports – Try connecting your drive to different cables or USB ports to isolate any potential hardware faults.
  4. Check connections – Ensure all drive power and data cables are properly plugged in if connected internally.
  5. Disable USB selective suspend – Disable this power saving feature in Windows if the IO error appears with external drives.
  6. Update Windows – Install the latest Windows updates which may include fixes for IO device bugs.
  7. Clean boot – Perform a clean boot to diagnose if third party applications or services are causing the issue.

1. Run CHKDSK

One of the first things to try when getting IO errors in CMD is running the CHKDSK utility. CHKDSK scans your drive and looks for file system errors, bad sectors, and other disk problems that could cause IO issues. Here are the steps to run CHKDSK:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type “chkdsk X: /f” where X is the letter of the drive showing errors.
  3. Press Enter and allow CHKDSK to scan and repair any found errors.
  4. Restart your computer when finished and see if the IO error persists in CMD.

CHKDSK often resolves this type of error by repairing corrupt system files or bad sectors that are disrupting communication with the drive. Make sure to run it on the problematic drive showing the IO error.

2. Update Hardware Drivers

Outdated or buggy hardware drivers can also commonly cause IO device errors in Windows and CMD. You should update any important hardware drivers on your system:

  • Chipset drivers – Update your chipset/system board drivers from the manufacturer.
  • Storage drivers – Update SATA, NVMe, or other storage controller drivers.
  • USB drivers – Update USB 3.0 or other USB host controller drivers.
  • Disk drivers – Update the drivers for the specific disk or drive showing errors.

Keep your hardware drivers fully up to date to prevent bugs, compatibility issues, and errors like this. Find driver updates through your manufacturer or Device Manager.

3. Change Cables and Ports

One straightforward troubleshooting step for hardware related IO errors is to change the cables and ports used for the drive:

  • Try a different SATA data cable if connecting a SATA drive internally.
  • Change to a different USB port if using an external USB drive.
  • Test different thunderbolt or external drive cables.
  • Plug the drive into internal SATA ports on a different motherboard controller.

Changing the cables and ports tests for any faults or incompatibilities with the currently used hardware. Cables can become damaged over time and cause IO issues so try swapping in new ones where possible.

4. Check Drive Connections

Loose drive connections are another potential hardware source of IO errors when running CMD commands. If your drive is connected internally, make sure:

  • The SATA and power cables are pushed in firmly to the back of the drive.
  • The cables are not damaged, kinked or crimped.
  • The SATA port connections on the motherboard are free of dust and debris.

Loose connections can intermittently drop communications and give IO errors. Reseat internal cables and inspect connections to ensure no faults.

5. Disable USB Selective Suspend

If your IO device errors appear on external USB hard drives or flash drives, a useful troubleshooting step is disabling USB selective suspend in Windows:

  1. Go to Power Options in Windows Settings.
  2. Click “Change plan settings” on your active power plan.
  3. Click “Change advanced power settings”.
  4. Expand the USB settings and disable “USB selective suspend setting”.

USB selective suspend can sometimes cause IO issues with external USB drives. Disabling this forces your USB ports to remain active and can resolve sporadic errors.

6. Update Windows

Updating your Windows installation is recommended to potentially fix IO device errors showing in CMD:

  • Open Windows Update and install all Important and Optional updates.
  • Pay attention to any chipset, storage, or USB updates in particular.
  • Restart your PC when updates are finished.

Microsoft regularly patches IO related bugs in Windows updates. Keep Windows completely up to date for the best chance of resolving IO device issues.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot in Windows can help determine if third-party software or services are responsible for the IO device error:

  1. Open msconfig (type into the Start menu).
  2. Go to the Services tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services”.
  3. Disable all shown services by unchecking them.
  4. Go to the Startup tab and disable all startup items.
  5. Restart your PC into a clean boot state.
  6. Test if the IO error still occurs in CMD.

This isolates Windows from non-Microsoft services and software. If the error disappears, you can identify the problematic program by selectively enabling services and startups.

Other Ways to Fix IO Device Errors

Here are some other troubleshooting methods that may help resolve IO device errors in CMD:

  • Run SFC and DISM tools to scan and repair Windows system files.
  • Check Event Viewer for recent disk, IO, or driver errors.
  • Reset BIOS settings to default if error started after a change.
  • Update disk firmware for SSDs and NVMe drives.
  • Remove and reinstall the storage driver.
  • Disable antivirus to see if it is interfering with IO operations.

For difficult cases, you may need advanced troubleshooting help from a Windows technician to pinpoint the cause. Hardware diagnostics can check components like RAM, drives, and ports for faults.

Conclusion

IO device errors in Command Prompt generally relate to hardware faults, driver problems, or system file corruption. Run CHKDSK, update drivers, check connections, disable USB selective suspend, update Windows, and clean boot to fix common causes. For recurring issues, enlist help from a technician to diagnose and repair any underlying hardware or software faults disrupting IO communication in Windows.