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Internal storage drive stops working (I/O device error, explorer.exe error, valid win32 application error)

Tags:
  • Explorer
  • Disk Management
  • Storage
  • Devices
  • Win32
  • BIOS
  • Hard Drives
Last response: in Storage
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August 28, 2014 8:10:52 PM

hello!

right now, my D: internal hard drive is detected in BIOS. it is properly identified in disk management by its name, size and type. I can access files and programs on the drive for some time. but after a while, I get errors like this:

D:\ /*FOLDER NAME or EXE*/ is not accessible.
The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.

or

D:\ /*FOLDER NAME or EXE*/ is not a valid win32 application.

when this happens, I am not able to access files or programs installed on the drive. the drive does not appear in disk management. in intel rapid storage, it appears as 0GB sata disk. if I RESTART my computer, the disk is not detected in BIOS. however... if I completely POWER OFF my computer, the disk IS detected in BIOS, properly identified in disk management, files and programs available.... back to square one!

windows 7 home premium
64-bit operating system
Z77 gigabyte motherboard
intel i5-3570k cpu
120GB CSSD-F120GB3-BK Force 3
2TB SEAGATE ST2000DM001 SATA3

- I have ahci enabled for my sata controllers.
- all IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers are up to date and appear to be working properly in device manager.
- I ran seatools for windows:
SMART - pass
short DST - fail
fix-all-fast - fail
- installed barracuda firmware for my HDD via the linux kernal.
- installed relevant intel drivers.
- installed all windows updates.
- tried switching ports (from SATA3 to SATA2), and tried using a different cable.
- tried running sfc / scannow and chkdsk /f in safe mode.
- tried repairing from the windows cd in case there were files missing from my registry.
- full virus scan with malwarebytes and bitdefender, nothing detected.

I'd be very grateful for your help on this!

edit: I posted a screenshot from computer management. is it normal to have the storage drive assigned as a primary partition?

More about : internal storage drive stops working device error explorer exe error valid win32 application error

Best solution

a b G Storage
August 29, 2014 3:51:18 AM

well your hard disk is failing. as you said "- I ran seatools for windows: SMART - pass, short DST - fail, fix-all-fast - fail" suggest replace it before it totally fails.
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August 29, 2014 12:06:39 PM

yeah you're right. I was unable to boot windows for a while (including safe mode/repair). right enough, I disconnected the drive and everything went back to normal.
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