If you receive the "The request could not be performed due to an I/O device error" message while attempting to initialize an uninitialized and unallocated disk, take it to a local repair shop for professional assistance. But, before we get there, let's start with some simple solutions.
Solution 1: Check all cables connections
First, check to see if all the cords are connected properly at the hub and computer ports. Check if there's an issue with your computer's port by connecting the drive to another computer. If this solution fixes the problems, then you are done. If this did not resolve the issue, try the next solution.
Solution 2: Update or Re-Install the Drivers
At times, an outdated driver may also cause an I/O device error. This error can be fixed by updating or re-installing a new driver. You need to check whether the drivers are updated and compatible with the disk transfer.
Step 1: In the search box of the taskbar, type device manager, and then select Device Manager.
Step 2: Select a category to see the names of devices, then right-click or double-click the device driver you'd like to update.
Step 3: Select Search automatically for updated driver software in relating dialog box.
Step 4: Select Update driver.
Solution 3: Rebuild disk MBR
MBR, or Master Boot Record, is the first sector of the hard disk. It tells you how the disk is partitioned. If the disk experience MBR corruption, your disk is likely to show uninitialized and unallocated. You can rebuild the disk MBR here:
Open a Command Prompt, and type the following command lines:
bootrec/fixmbr
If none of the aforementioned methods work, you should take your uninitialized and unallocated disk to a professional repair center. I/O device error is almost certainly a hardware issue that is beyond the scope of any data recovery software; only physical repair is possible.
Read more: Disk Unknown Not Initialized error: Why and How to Fix?
Jenny Zeng
Ciki Liu
Amanda Wong
