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How to Fix ERROR_BUSY_DRIVE Bug Check 142 (0x8E)
Check if the drive is properly connected and that it has sufficient power
3 min. read
Updated onNovember 5, 2024
updated onNovember 5, 2024
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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:
The ERROR_BUSY_DRIVE error typically comes with the error code 142 (0x8E) and it occurs when a drive is in use and cannot be accessed for a specific operation. It may also be triggered by hard drive malfunction, whether it’s internal or external.
Before going to more complicated solutions, try removing any USB external devices from the PC, except for the mouse and keyboard and reboot your PC. If it restarts normally, connect the devices one by one to see which one is causing this issue. Also, check if any internal drives are overheating.
How do I fix ERROR_BUSY_DRIVE?
1. Check for disk activity
2. Check the disk for errors
3. Disable drive indexing
4. Start Windows in Safe mode
5. Update the drivers
By applying the solutions above, you should be able to fix the ERROR_BUSY_DRIVE bug check. If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult with a professional or refer to detailed technical documentation.
IfWindows found errors on the drive, click the highlighted link for a guide to fix this problem. Just note that you may evenformat an external driveeven if it’s not visible in Windows.
We covered a similar error in ourError_Path_Busy 148 (0x94)article, so don’t hesitate to check it out. We covered another related issue,Error_Busy, in our latest guide, so don’t miss it.
For any questions or possible solutions we didn’t cover, feel free to access the comments section below.
More about the topics:BSOD,BSoD errors
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
