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A Device Which Does Not Exist Was Specified: 5 Easy Fixes

Try these methods to fix a device which does not exist was specified

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Are you facing a problem with the message a device that does not exist was specified? We have done some deep research and prepared a solution for you. For details, go through this article.

Usually, this problem appears when you try to access adisk drive. If there is an issue, you will end up getting an error with the following error message:

Location is not available

Drive is not accessible

A device which does not exist was specified

If theexternal hard drive is not showing up, that is a different problem. It is because you will get this problem only when the disk appears, but there is something wrong. It can occur with any type ofstorage device, including SSD, HDD, or other external USB drives.

Why does the device which does not exist was specified occur?

Usually, this problem occurs due to the following reasons:

How can I fix the device which does not exist was specified?

Fortunately, you can take some effective steps to eliminate this problem. However, before that, you must ensure the following things:

After ensuring these things, go ahead and follow these methods to fix a device which does not exist was specified.

1. Tweak permission

Now, try to access the disk and see if it has solved the problem or not.

2. Uninstall the drive and try again

3. Change the drive letter

Changing the driver letter is one of the most effective methods to solve a device which does not exist specified. So, it has a good chance of solving the problem for you.

4. Rescan the drive

Rescanning may detect the disk again and may fix previous issues. However, if Windows doesn’t recognize the drive, learnhow to detect a new hard drive on Windows.

5. Recreate disk partition

Recreating the disk volume can fix a device that does not exist was specified. However, you will lose data as the disk will be cleaned and formatted.

If necessary, see how tosolve the second hard drive not showing up on Windows.

Please note that this problem also may appear with an error code 10. In this case, you may get the message something likeThis device cannot start. (code 10) a device which does not exist was specified. Don’t get confused with any similar error code likeXbox Controller error code 10.

If none of the above methods work, it may indicate that the physical disk drive may have some problem. Or it can be the motherboard issues. In this case, we suggest you contact a technician to resolve it.

This article has described how you can get rid of the problem: A device which does not exist was specified for a Hard drive, SSD, or any USB storage. If you have any opinion or a helpful idea, let us know in the comment box.

Hasibul Kabir

Windows Software Expert

Hasibul Kabir is a Tech-Enthusiast Blogger, Web Developer & Hobbyist Game Developer. Writing about Technology, mainly Windows, Mac, iOS, etc., is his main focus, besides doing some computer science-related work.

He loves exploring new technology and presenting it with simple words to the audience. When not at work, Hasibul plays video games, explores nature, tastes delicious foods, or learns new things.

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Hasibul Kabir

Windows Software Expert

He’s a tech enthusiast, web developer & hobbyist game developer with a keen eye for Windows errors & bugs.