How to Fix ‘The Parameter Is Incorrect’ Error on Windows 10/11 (100% Working)
You connect an external drive containing your grandmother’s birthday videos with your laptop only to get the ‘the parameter is incorrect’ error. This might leave you utterly horrified by the thought that you might have lost these videos. Don’t panic, though. The article will disclose what the parameter is incorrect means and on what grounds it arises. Also, how you can remove it on Windows 10/11 in 8 ways, so let’s begin now!
Part 1: What Does the Parameter Is Incorrect Mean?
If you ever ask yourself, “What does the parameter is incorrect mean on Windows,” then it means that your system cannot access a device because of an invalid or unsupported command or input. This usually comes up when one wants to open an external drive, as a result, preventing them from accessing the data.
Part 2: Reason and Symptoms of the Parameter Is Incorrect Error
There are numerous reasons for the ‘the parameter is incorrect on Windows 11/10’ error to occur, such as:
l There might be typos or missing characters in the file or folder path.
l The command may have incorrect syntax or missing parts.
l You may lack the required permissions to run the command.
l The drivers are outdated or corrupted.
l Your system files are corrupted.
l The decimal symbol settings are incorrect.
l A virus or malware has permeated through your computer.
l A faulty USB connection between your external drive and computer.
l There might be hardware damage or malfunction.
The “the parameter is incorrect” error can show up in different ways based on the situation and cause. Here are some common symptoms of this error:
l Drive is not accessible. The parameter is incorrect.
l Virtual Disk Manager: The parameter is incorrect.
l Error 0x800070057: The parameter is incorrect.
Part 3: Recover Data Before Fixing the Parameter Is Incorrect Error
Before you resolve ‘Drive is not accessible the parameter is incorrect’ error a rational thing would be to recover its data. This is because you might have to reformat your drive when trying to fix it, and this will clear away all its data. Also, this error makes your external drive inaccessible so it will be difficult to reach files on it.
You’ll have to use a type of tool called 4DDiG Data Recovery to retrieve all files from your external drive. It can restore more than 2000 file types from many inner/outer drives with a very high success rate. This program can also fix 2000+ file types from various internal/external drives with a high success rate. Here’s more about this data recovery software:
● Can recover files from inaccessible/unreadable/corrupted drives.
● Restore hundreds of formats, including images, videos, documents, archives, etc.
● Retrieve your data in more than one kind of loss case – corruption, deletion, formatting, virus attack, lost partition, RAW, etc.
● This tool supports both Windows and Mac platforms.
● Easier to navigate than other data recovery tools.
The following steps are how to use 4DDiG to recover lost data from your drive with a “the parameter is incorrect” error:
Step 1: Download, and install this external drive recovery tool on your computer. Then, run it. Then, connect your external hard drive with error to same PC. Select it to start scanning.
Step 2: You can pause/stop once you find your target files. You can preview your target files beneath “Tree View” or “File View.”
Step 3: Hit “Recover” to export all files to a safe location to avoid overwriting and save them on the same partition.
Part 4: 8 Ways to Fix the Parameter Is Incorrect Error in Windows 11/10
Check out eight ways to fix the ‘the parameter is incorrect on Windows 10/11’ error based on its causes. Begin from the most basic ones and proceed to try advanced methods until you find a solution that resonates well with the real cause of this error:
Solution 1: Check the Connection
A loose connection or malfunctioning USB port can lead to an error, such as ‘the parameter is incorrect external hard drive’. Physical damage to USB cable or connector can also cause same issue. To fix this, unplug USB cable from both device and computer, then reconnect it securely. If problem continues, try a different USB port or use another cable. Also, examine cable and connector for any damage, like bends or corrosion.
Solution 2: Scan for Viruses or Malware
Viruses or malware can corrupt system files, causing ‘D to be inaccessible. The parameter is incorrect error. Therefore, scan for and eliminate viruses using Windows Defender. By eradicating viruses, you will make certain this error doesn’t crop up again after you resolve it with any of the following solutions mentioned in the article. Follow steps below to execute Windows Defender:
Step 1: Press “Win + S” keys. Search for “Windows Security.” Execute it.
Step 2: Click “Virus & threat protection.” After this, pick “Scan options.”
Step 3: Choose “Full scan.” After this, tap “Scan now.”
Solution 3: Run the CHKDSK Utility
Run CHKDSK after clearing your external drive from viruses to fix the ‘the parameter is incorrect external hard drive’ error. It’s a Windows tool that scans external drives for errors like corrupted files or lost clusters and fixes them. The tool can also detect bad sectors, marking them so the system avoids using them. Moreover, CHKDSK can recover lost file clusters and remap bad sectors to working ones. Here’s how to run it:
Step 1: In the Windows search field, write “cmd.” Then, choose “Command Prompt.” Execute it.
Step 2: Input “chkdsk F: /r.” (Here, replace “F:” with your drive letter). Hit “Enter.”
Solution 4: Update Disk Driver
Drivers provide communication between your hardware and operating system. If they are outdated, your external hard drive may not work properly, which may lead to a ‘D is not accessible. The parameter is incorrect error. Thus, make sure to update them. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Right-click “Start.” Then, choose “Device Manager.” Open it.
Step 2: Extend “Disk drives.” Right-click your external hard drive. Then, choose “Update driver.”
Step 3: Tap the “Search automatically for drivers” option. You can also download a compatible driver yourself and install it manually.
Step 4: If you’re unable to update driver, right-click on your external drive again. Then, pick “Uninstall device.” Eject external drive and reinsert to reinstall drivers again.
Solution 5: Run SFC and DISM
SFC stands for System File Checker, which fixes issues of system files. The tool scans missing or corrupted system files and repairs them using its built-in cache. On the other hand, DISM looks after fixing Windows images, correcting corruption in the Component Store, and resolving dependency issues in the component. Both tools can fix missing files and file system issues, causing the drive to be not accessible. The parameter is an incorrect error. To run the SFC and DISM scan, follow the steps below:
Step 1: In the Windows search field, write “cmd.” Then, choose “Command Prompt.” Execute it.
Step 2: Write “sfc /scannow.” Then, hit “Enter.”
Step 3: If SFC can’t fix issue, input “dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.” Hit “Enter.”
Solution 6: Adjust the Decimal Symbol Settings
When your system uses a period (.) or a comma (,) as a decimal symbol, it can cause a ‘the parameter is incorrect Windows 11/10’ error. This is especially true in non-English regional settings like Germany. To fix this, update your Region settings to use a period as a decimal symbol:
Step 1: Press the “Windows + R” keys. Input “intl.cpl.” Hit “Enter.”
Step 2: Click “Additional settings.” Make sure the decimal symbol is a period (.). Click “Apply” if needed. Then, hit “OK.”
Solution 7: Reformat the Hard Drive
If the previous solutions haven’t worked, you can try reformatting your hard drive to fix the ‘the parameter is incorrect external hard drive’ error. Formatting wipes away everything on the drive and will assign a new file system afterward. So, make certain to regain important files first using the 4DDiG Data Recovery tool. Here’s how to reformat your external hard drive:
Step 1: Right-click “Start.” Then, choose “Disk Management.”
Step 2: Then right-click your external drive. Pick “Format.”
Step 3: Choose a name and file system for your drive. Next, tick mark “Perform a quick format.” Hit “OK.”
Solution 8: Send the Problematic Device for Repair
In the event, you’re still stuck with ‘D is not accessible. The parameter is an incorrect error. It could be because of a hardware malfunction. Therefore, it would be wise to send your device to a professional repair service. Although expensive, they can fix it successfully.
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Conclusion
The “the parameter is incorrect” error can stem from issues like file path mistakes, outdated drivers, or corrupted system files. However, we’ve shared what does the parameter is incorrect mean, its reasons, and solutions. But before you try to fix ‘the parameter is incorrect’ error , it’s imperative to recover your data first to prevent losing it.
We recommend using Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery, which can retrieve files from inaccessible drives and works with 2000+ file types and various internal/external drives. This will protect your data while you address the error.
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