You’ll get this error if the drive you’re trying to access is defective, infected with a virus, or contains corrupt data. You may also be unable to open a drive if there’s a problem with your PC’s USB port—perhaps due to outdated USB drivers or physical damage. [01-fix-the-parameter-incorrect-windows-10.png] Before you try the troubleshooting steps below, switch the drive to another port on your computer and check if you can access the drive.
1. Run Check Disk Utility
1. Run Check Disk Utility
The Check Disk utility is a built-in tool that fixes faulty sectors and corrupted data on internal and external drives. Scan the problematic drive using the utility and check if that resolves the issue.
2. Fix the error with the System File Checker (SFC)
2. Fix the error with the System File Checker (SFC)
As mentioned earlier, file system corruption within your computer could also prompt this error, even on external drives. The System File Checker is another built-in Command Prompt-based tool that can help fix, repair, or replace corrupt and missing system files. Since you’re running Windows 10, it’s recommended to first run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) before running the System File Checker. That way, DISM will first download internal system files from Microsoft’s server. Afterward, the SFC swoops in to fix system file errors by replacing missing or corrupted files with the ones downloaded from Microsoft’s servers. It’s an easy and straightforward process. Note: The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command requires an internet connection to copy/download files from Microsoft’s server. So, connect your PC to the internet before you proceed.
3. Scan the Drive with an Antivirus
3. Scan the Drive with an Antivirus
If a virus infection is responsible for the “Parameter is incorrect” error, the Check Disk utility and System File Checker may not fix the problem. Scan the affected drive with your antivirus software and check if it finds any virus or malware. If you don’t have an antivirus, check our recommendations on the best virus scanners that’ll nuke any virus.
4. Update the Disk Drivers
4. Update the Disk Drivers
You may be unable to access an internal or external disk if its drivers are out-of-date or malfunctioning. Follow the steps below to check the status of the affected disk and update its drivers.
5. Format the Drive
5. Format the Drive
You should only format the affected drive as a last resort. Before you do so, however, try accessing the drive on another computer. If the “The parameter is incorrect” error also pops up on a different PC, then proceed to format the drive. Note that formatting the drive will permanently erase its contents. However, the action will also create a new file system and eliminate errors causing the problem. You could use a third-party utility to format the drive or follow the steps below to use the built-in Windows formatting tool.
The Problem May Be Unfixable
The Problem May Be Unfixable
If you’re still getting the “parameter is incorrect” error after formatting the drive, there’s a likelihood that the storage device is permanently damaged. If that’s the case, the device can neither be fixed nor used. You could try recovering your files from the damaged USB stick. We also have a comprehensive guide on extracting files from a dead hard drive. Check them out and let us know if you need any help.
