Fix: The request failed due to a fatal device hardware error

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on November 4, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

The error message “The request failed due to a fatal device hardware error” indicates a critical issue preventing your system from accessing the specified storage device. This is often due to severe hardware malfunctions, such as physical damage or internal failure in the hard drive or SSD.

Common causes include bad sectors, faulty connections, and outdated device drivers. Additional issues contributing to this error may involve firmware corruption, sudden power interruptions, or the use of faulty or incompatible cables and ports.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Verify Hard Drive Using SMART Attributes

Use Windows’ built-in SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) to check your hard drive or SSD. This tool identifies issues like bad sectors, overheating, or frequent errors that can cause hardware failure. If results show ‘Bad,’ ‘Caution,’ or ‘Unknown,’ back up your data immediately and consider repairing or replacing the drive.

  1. Press Windows + S, type “command prompt“, right-click the application, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command prompt, type: 
    wmic diskdrive get status

  3. If the output is normal, as shown in the image above, proceed with the other solutions.

2. Run the CHKDSK command

This issue can happen due to file errors or bad sectors on the drive, which affect its normal function. Running the ‘chkdsk’ command checks for these issues and tries to fix them, improving the drive’s stability and performance.

  1. Press Windows + S, type “command prompt“, right-click the app, and select “Run as administrator“.
  2. In the command prompt, type: 
    CHKDSK [volume] [/F] [/R]
    [F] fixes system errors, while [R] fixes bad sectors.
  3. If prompted to run chkdsk after a restart, press Y and reboot.
  4. If no errors are found, press Windows + E, right-click the drive, select Properties, go to the Tools tab, and click Check under Error checking. Complete the process and reboot.

3. Format your Drive/Initializing

Refreshing a drive by formatting or initializing deletes all data, removing corrupted files or damaged sectors. This rebuilds the file system, helps the drive communicate better with your system, and restores it to full function.

  1. Press Windows + E and navigate to the drive. Right-click on it and select Format.
  2. Uncheck Quick format and proceed. After formatting, unplug and replug the drive to check.
  3. If not initialized, press Windows + R, type “diskmgmt.msc“, and hit Enter. Right-click the volume, select Initialize Disk, choose the partition type, and proceed.Note: If the error message persists, try the hardware on another computer. If it continues, consider replacing your hard drive.
Kevin ArrowsUpdated on November 4, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

4
    AR
    Abu Raihan Rana Jan 27, 2019

    Good

    Reply
    MZ
    Muhammad Zubyan Author Jun 13, 2021

    This article can help you with that issue as well, try and then let me know how it goes so that I can assist you further. Thank you!

    Reply
    MI
    Michael Aug 22, 2021

    My WD Book 4 TB External Hard Drive
    (WDBFJK0040HBK-NESN) suddenly stopped working today after a power outage. The first thing I noticed is that the External Hard Drive stopped spinning which to me indicates that there is either an electrical failure or that possibly the read/write head got stuck on the platter. For some reason my PC still recognizes the External HardDrive and I can see whats on it, however when I click on the files I get the following message: “the request failed due to a fatal device hardware error”
    I was wondering whether it is possible, at this point, to back up the data to another WD External hard drive?

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Aug 25, 2021

      If the platter is stuck and it can’t able to read/write the files I don’t think you can recover them on your own. However, it can be recovered by a technician.

      Reply