Error 0x80071ac3: how to fix it

If your external hard drive or a USB stick reports error 0x80071ac3, there is often a problem in the file system. We'll show you how to fix it.

External hard drive: Fix error 0x80071ac3

1. Press the [Windows] and [E] keys simultaneously so that the Explorer opens.
2. Go to "This PC" on the left and look for the hard drive or USB stick.
3. Right-click on the external hardware and select the "Properties".
4. Go to the "Tools" tab above and click on the "Check now" button.
5. Activate all available options and start the process.
6. Depending on the size and speed of the hard drive, the process can take several minutes.

Error 0x80071ac3: format hard drive

If the external hardware cannot be repaired, you must format the device completely. To do this, copy all files from the hard drive / USB stick to the computer or another medium.

1. Open Explorer again and right-click the hard disk again.
2. If you select the "Format" item, a small window opens.
3. Click on the button "Restore device standards" and on "Start"
4. If you then confirm with "Yes", the hard disk is formatted and the error is eliminated.