How to fix ERROR_NOT_READY

Description

The device is not ready.

Causes

• Removable Media Not Inserted: The drive does not have the required removable media (e.g., CD, DVD, USB).
• Drive Not Accessible: The drive may be disconnected or turned off.
• Drive Malfunction: The drive might be faulty or malfunctioning.
• Network Drive Issues: The network drive might be disconnected or experiencing connectivity issues.

Solutions

Insert Removable Media

Ensure that the required removable media (CD, DVD, USB) is inserted into the drive. Verify that the media is properly seated and recognized by the system.

Check Drive Connection

Confirm that the drive is properly connected and powered on. For external drives, check the USB or power connection.

Reconnect or Replace Drive

If the drive is not accessible or malfunctioning, try reconnecting it. If the problem persists, consider testing with another drive to determine if the original drive is faulty.

Network Drive Check

If accessing a network drive, ensure that the network connection is stable and the drive is properly mapped. Verify that the network drive is available and not experiencing connectivity issues.

Update Drivers

Ensure that the drivers for the drive are up-to-date. Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause the drive to be unrecognized by the system. Update the drivers through Device Manager or the manufacturer's website.

Restart the System

Sometimes a simple restart can resolve issues related to drive readiness. Restart the system to refresh the connection and retry the operation.

Check for Disk Errors

Use built-in Windows tools like CHKDSK to check for and repair disk errors that might be causing the drive to be unreadable. Run the command chkdsk /f in Command Prompt to initiate the check.