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How to Fix the ERROR_SAME_DRIVE 143 (0x8F)
Try using a different drive letter
3 min. read
Published onOctober 22, 2024
published onOctober 22, 2024
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The ERROR_SAME_DRIVE 143 (0x8F)error message, “The system cannot join or substitute a drive to or for a directory on the same drive,”appears when your system is unableto execute a drive substitution (SUBST command) or join a drive to a directory operation on the same drive.
The error appears if you try to map a drive letter to a folder on the same drive as the drive letter you are trying to use. Windows doesn’t let you do this because it could conflict with your device’s file system.
How can I fix the ERROR_SAME_DRIVE 143 (0x8F)?
1. Use a different drive letter
When you want to substitute a folder (let’s say C:\MyFolder) to a drive letter (F:), you need to make sure that the drive letter (F:) is not assigned to another location on the same drive (in this case, it is C:). To check the substitution, follow these steps:
2. Move the directory
If you encounter the ERROR_SAME_DRIVE error when mapping a folder on the same drive, you should try moving that folder to a different drive. For example, if you have a second drive, like F:, move the folder from C: MyFolder to F: MyFolder.
3. Check for typos & avoid circular references
Before making any move, check the path and drive letter you use in the command to ensure there are no typos, as it could cause an error.
Also, ensure there is no circular reference, which can lead to errors and confusion. To avoid this, you should always check the contents of the folder you want to map so that it does not contain references to the drive letter you are using for substitution.
4. Use an existing drive letter
If you want to create a substitution for a drive letter already in use, you should first delete that existing substitution.
For example, if F: is currently mapped and you want to free it, you can use the subset Z: /D command, which will remove the mapping for Z: and let you reassign it later.
In conclusion, to avoid issues like ERROR_SAME_DRIVE, you can use a different drive letter, move directories to separate drives, and make sure there are no circular references.
In case you face another issue related to the drive likeERROR_NOT_SUBSTED, check out this guide to learn the detailed steps. We also have a new article onStorage_Device_Abnormality_Detectederror, so don’t miss it.
If you have any questions or concerns about the ERROR_SAME_DRIVE issue, feel free to mention them in the comments section below.
More about the topics:BSoD error codes,BSoD errors,Windows 11
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.
Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
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Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
