Have you ever tried to copy, move, or delete files from a USB drive or external hard disk and suddenly saw the message Error 0x80071AC3: The operation could not be completed because the volume is dirty. This common Windows issue can be frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry or dealing with important files. The 0x80071AC3 error usually happens when your drive’s file system detects a problem like corruption or improper removal, causing Windows to block further actions to prevent data loss. Known as the volume is dirty error, it signals that the system wants to protect your data until the issue is resolved.

Fortunately, this error is usually fixable with a few simple steps. In this guide, we will explain what the 0x80071AC3 error is in Windows, what causes it, and how to fix it using easy methods.

What Is the 0x80071AC3 Error?

The 0x80071AC3 error is a common issue in Windows that usually appears when you are trying to copy, delete, move, or save files to a USB drive, SD card, or external hard disk. Along with the error code, you will often see a message like The operation could not be completed because the volume is dirty. This simply means that Windows has detected a possible problem with the drive’s file system and is preventing further use to protect your data.

The phrase “volume is dirty” may sound serious, but it usually refers to the drive having a corrupted or unclean state. This can happen due to unsafe removal of the device, bad sectors on the disk, a sudden shutdown, or even software errors. Windows marks the drive as “dirty” to stop potential data corruption until the issue is fixed.

This error most commonly affects external storage devices, but it can also show up on internal drives. The good news is that the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows is usually repairable without losing your files. There are several troubleshooting steps you can try, and most of them can be done even if you are not tech-savvy. In the next sections, we will explore why this error happens and how to fix it step by step.

Why Does the ‘Volume Is Dirty’ Error Happen?

The “volume is dirty” error usually happens when Windows detects a problem with your storage device’s file system. This can occur for a number of reasons, but one of the most common is removing a USB drive or external hard disk without using the Safely Remove Hardware option. When a device is pulled out suddenly, the system might not have time to finish writing data, leaving the drive in an unstable or dirty state.

Another reason for the 0x80071AC3 error is the presence of bad sectors on the drive. These are small parts of the storage area that have become damaged and can no longer store data properly. When Windows finds these bad sectors, it marks the entire drive as dirty to prevent further use until the issue is resolved.

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted device drivers can also lead to this error, especially if you’re using an older system or external device. Features like ReadyBoost, incorrect registry settings, or even a sudden power loss during file transfer can all contribute to triggering the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows. In short, it is usually Windows being cautious and trying to prevent data loss, but it can be frustrating when you are just trying to get things done. Therefore, let us get into some effective fixes to solve your frustrating problem.

Best Fixes for 0x80071AC3 Error: ‘Volume Is Dirty’

Below are reliable methods to resolve the 0x80071AC3 Error in Windows or the volume is dirty error. Try them one by one until the issue disappears.

1. Run CHKDSK to Clean the Dirty Bit

One of the most effective ways to fix the 0x80071AC3 error is by using the built-in Windows tool called CHKDSK (Check Disk). This tool is designed to scan and repair file system issues, including clearing the “dirty bit” that is causing the volume is dirty error.

• To begin, launch Command Prompt as an administrator. You can accomplish this by right-clicking on the Windows menu and picking “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”, depending on your system version.

• Once the Command Prompt is open, type the following command:

fsutil dirty query X:

• Replace X: with the letter of the drive that is showing the error. If the result says “Volume is dirty”, you are on the right track.

• Now, run the CHKDSK command to scan and fix the drive:

chkdsk X: /f /r

• If you see a message asking whether you want to schedule this scan the next time the system restarts, type Y and press Enter. Then, restart your computer to let CHKDSK run.

After the scan finishes, you can open Command Prompt again and re-run the original command (fsutil dirty query X:) to check if the dirty bit has been cleared. If it no longer says “Volume is dirty,” the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows should be resolved.

Also  know: Best Disk Cloning Software For Windows

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2. Disable ReadyBoost on the Drive

Sometimes, the 0x80071AC3 error can appear if ReadyBoost is enabled on your USB or external drive. ReadyBoost is a Windows feature that uses external storage to speed up system performance, but on certain devices, it can cause conflicts, especially with file access and writing permissions.

• To disable ReadyBoost, first open File Explorer and right-click on the drive that is showing the error. From the context menu, select “Properties.” In the Properties window, go to the ReadyBoost tab.
• If ReadyBoost is turned on, you will see options like “Use this device” or “Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost.” Simply select “Do not use this device” and then click Apply, followed by OK.

After disabling ReadyBoost, safely remove the drive and then plug it back in. Try your file operations again. In many cases, this simple step clears up the volume is dirty error and resolves the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows, especially for USB flash drives and SD cards.

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3. Reinstall or Update the Drive’s Drivers

Another common cause of the 0x80071AC3 error is outdated or corrupted drivers. Drivers are the software that help your operating system communicate with hardware, like USB drives or external hard disks. If something goes wrong with the driver, Windows might not be able to read or write data correctly, leading to the volume is dirty error.

• To fix this, press Windows + X and choose Device Manager from the list. In Device Manager, find and expand the section called Disk drives. Look for the drive that is showing the error. This could be your USB stick or external hard drive. Right-click on it and select Uninstall device.

• Once uninstalled, unplug the drive and restart your computer. After Windows boots up, plug the drive back in. Windows should automatically reinstall the correct drivers. You can also go back into Device Manager, click Action in the top menu, and choose “Scan for hardware changes” to force Windows to detect the drive again.

After doing this, try using the drive as usual. If the problem was caused by a driver issue, you should no longer see the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows.

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4. Modify the Registry to Remove Write Protection

In some cases, the 0x80071AC3 error or volume is dirty error appears because write protection is turned on in the Windows Registry. This setting prevents changes from being made to the drive, which can cause Windows to block file operations and show the error message.

Note: Editing the Windows Registry should be done carefully. Making the wrong changes can affect system performance. Always back up the registry before making changes.

To check and modify the registry:

• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

• Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
• On the right side, double-click on the entry named WriteProtect.
• If the value is set to 1, change it to 0 and click OK.
• Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

After restarting, connect your drive again and see if the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows has disappeared. This fix is especially useful if your drive was previously locked by system settings or security software.

Also know: Best Disk Management Software For Windows

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Conclusion

The 0x80071AC3 error can be frustrating, especially when you are just trying to move or copy files. But it is usually fixable with a few simple steps. Whether the issue is caused by a dirty bit, bad sectors, outdated drivers, or system settings like ReadyBoost or write protection, following the right troubleshooting methods can get your drive working again.

Start with easy solutions like running CHKDSK, disabling ReadyBoost, or updating drivers. If needed, dig a little deeper into the Registry or consider formatting the drive (only as a last resort). These methods have helped many users resolve the 0x80071AC3 error in Windows and restore normal file access.

Most importantly, always remember to safely remove external drives and keep regular backups. This can help prevent future issues and keep your data safe.