Error Copying or Moving File: This Device Is Unreachable
Have you ever encountered the frustrating message “Error copying or moving file: this device is unreachable” while trying to transfer files on your computer? This issue can arise due to various reasons, and understanding the causes and solutions can help you resolve it efficiently. In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind this error and provide you with detailed steps to fix it.
Common Causes of the “This Device Is Unreachable” Error
The “Error copying or moving file: this device is unreachable” error can occur due to several factors. Here are some of the most common reasons:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Network Issues | When the device you are trying to access is connected to a network, network issues can prevent you from accessing it. |
| Drive Not Initialized | Some external drives may not be initialized, which can lead to the “unreachable” error. |
| Drive Not Formatted | Drives that are not formatted with a compatible file system can cause this error. |
| Drive Not Recognized | When your computer fails to recognize the drive, you may encounter this error. |
| Drive Corrupted | A corrupted drive can lead to various errors, including the “unreachable” error. |
| Firewall or Antivirus Blocking | Firewall or antivirus software can sometimes block access to certain devices. |
How to Fix the “This Device Is Unreachable” Error
Now that you know the common causes of the “Error copying or moving file: this device is unreachable” error, let’s explore the steps to fix it:
1. Check Network Connection
Ensure that the device you are trying to access is connected to the network and that the network connection is stable. If you are accessing an external drive, make sure it is properly connected to your computer.
2. Initialize the Drive
If you are using an external drive, it may not be initialized. To initialize the drive, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the drive in File Explorer and select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Tools” tab and click on “Check.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize the drive.
3. Format the Drive
If the drive is not formatted with a compatible file system, you can format it using the following steps:
- Right-click on the drive in File Explorer and select “Format.”
- Select the desired file system (e.g., NTFS, FAT32) and click “Start.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive.
4. Check Drive Recognition
Ensure that your computer recognizes the drive. If it doesn’t, try the following steps:
- Restart your computer and try again.
- Check the USB ports for any damage or dust buildup.
- Try connecting the drive to a different USB port or computer.
5. Run Disk Check
Corrupted drives can cause the “unreachable” error. To check for and fix any corrupted files, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the drive in File Explorer and select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Tools” tab and click on “Check.”
- Select “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.”
- Click “Start” to begin the scan and fix any corrupted files.
