If you're encountering error 0x80070020 after moving your system drive, it indicates a file access issue likely caused by locked files or incorrect permissions. To resolve this, you can check for locked files, adjust permissions, and terminate any conflicting processes. These steps should help restore normal operation to your system.
What does error 0x80070020 mean?
Error 0x80070020 typically arises from problems accessing files on Windows. After relocating your system drive, this error may occur if specific files are locked by active processes or if user permissions are not set correctly, preventing the operating system from accessing essential data.
How to check for file access issues
Before proceeding with fixes, it's crucial to determine if any files are locked or if there are permissions issues.
- Open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager."
- Look for any processes that might be using files on the moved drive, such as backup software or antivirus utilities. If you find any, right-click on them and select "End Task" to close them.
- You can also use the Resource Monitor to investigate file handles. Open it through Task Manager by going to the "Performance" tab and clicking on "Open Resource Monitor." In the Disk tab, look for processes with active file handles on the moved drive.
Steps to fix error 0x80070020
To resolve this error, you'll need to adjust file permissions or terminate conflicting processes.
- Right-click on the drive where the system was moved (e.g., D:). Select "Properties."
- Go to the "Security" tab and click on "Edit."
- Ensure that your user account has "Full Control." If not, select your user and check the box under "Allow."
- Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
- If the error persists, restart your computer.
- After restarting, if the error is still present, check Task Manager again for any remaining processes that might be interfering and terminate them as necessary.
How to verify the fix worked
After implementing the fixes, confirm that the issue is resolved. Restart your computer and check if it boots without displaying error 0x80070020. Additionally, try accessing files on the moved drive; if you can do so without issues, the fix was successful.
Preventing future occurrences of this error
To minimize the chances of encountering error 0x80070020 again, consider these preventive measures:
- When moving system drives, ensure that all applications are closed and processes are terminated.
- Regularly back up your system to facilitate recovery in case of drive errors or failures.
- Periodically check and manage permissions on your drives to ensure they are set correctly.
Conclusion
If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, you may want to consult with a professional or refer to the official Microsoft support resources for further assistance.