Parameter incorrect error message

External hard drive become inaccessible
giving 'parameter incorrect' error message

Parameter incorrect error

Michael Jones, our Chief Technician says:

"When an external hard drive becomes inaccessible and shows a "parameter incorrect" error message, it generally means there's a problem with the drive's file system, partition table, or physical connection. The system can't read the drive properly because some expected data or parameters are corrupted or incorrect."

Common causes

File system corruption: The drive's file system might be damaged due to unsafe ejection, power failure, virus infection, or bad sectors.
Partition table errors: The drive's partition information may be corrupted or missing.
Connection issues: Faulty USB cables, ports, or connectors can cause read errors.
Driver or software issues: Problems with the USB drivers or the OS recognizing the device.
Physical hardware failure: The drive itself might be failing or damaged.

What "Parameter Incorrect" means technically

This error is typically a Windows error (ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER, code 87).
It means the system sent an invalid parameter to a system call when trying to access the drive.
In practice, it means the OS can’t interpret or access the data properly on the drive.

How to fix it

1. Check hardware: Try connecting the drive to a different USB port or computer.

Use a different USB cable.
Avoid using USB hubs, connect directly to PC.

2. Run Windows built-in tools:

Check Disk utility (chkdsk):
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: chkdsk X: /f /r
Replace X: with your drive letter. This checks for file system errors and bad sectors.

3. Use Disk Management:

Press Win + X, select Disk Management.
Check if the drive appears, and see if the partition is marked healthy or if it shows as RAW or unallocated.
If the partition is RAW, file system corruption occurred.

4. Try repair tools:

Use third-party tools like TestDisk (free) to recover partition or fix partition table.
Use EaseUS Partition Master, MiniTool Partition Wizard or similar to attempt partition recovery or file system repair.

5. Recover data before formatting:

If you have important files, use data recovery software (Recuva, Disk Drill, etc.) or professional data recovery services before attempting formatting or repartitioning.

6. Format the drive (last resort):

If recovery isn’t critical and other fixes fail, reformatting the drive can restore accessibility but erases data.

Summary

The “parameter incorrect” error on an external drive usually means file system or partition corruption or hardware problems. Start by checking connections, then try disk checking tools, recover important data if needed, and if all else fails, reformat the drive.

Online Price Calculator

Michael Jones Data Recovery Specialists
Author:
Michael Jones, Chief Technician

Categories

Data Recovery (104)

Data Security (3)

RAID Data Recovery (21)

SSD Data Recovery (4)

Technology (73)

Free Diagnosis

"Our free hard drive data recovery evaluation service will tell you whether your data can be recovered, exactly how much it will cost and how long the data recovery will take. Simply phone or email us for a job number and send your data recovery to us. Your hard drive or media will be photographed, catalogued and bar-coded and the data recovery evaluation will start within an hour of receipt."

Listing Of Recoverable Files

"Once in the laboratory, your media will undergo a comprehensive data recovery evaluation to determine the extent of the data loss. We aim to complete this process within 24 hours depending on the complexity of work involved. The engineers will provide a no obligation recovery prognosis, with a guaranteed list of recoverable files and an estimated timescale. You can then decide whether to proceed with the recovery. Should you choose not to proceed, we will return your media by secure data courier."

Completing the Process

"Should you choose to proceed, the data recovery process will be completed and the data will be safely stored on our servers. We will then copy out the data to your preferred choice of output media - either 64Gb memory stick or HDD (for purchase or loan). Your data will be dispatched on our secure, next day courier service. Once you have received your data any copies of your data will be permanently and securely erased from our servers after 7 days."

Established and Trusted

"40 years experience in the data recovery industry chairing ISO and BSI standards, we have developed a reputation for excellence at a price that is affordable. With extensive data recovery research and development capabilities, our success rates are second to none - without compromising on our prices! This is why over 36,000 companies and individuals come to us every year."

Safeguarding Your Data

"Your data is important to us, which is why all our data recovery procedures comply with the Association of Chief Police Officers Guidelines and Civil Procedure Rules for handling electronic evidence. Great care is taken when recovering and handling your data to ensure that its integrity is maintained and that there is a clear audit trail through the entire data recovery process."

Industry Leading Diagnostics

"Our data recovery laboratory completes over 120 successful recoveries every day from clients including the British Petroleum, NHS and EDF Energy. With ISO 27000 (Information Security) and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) accreditation - we are a data recovery company you can rely upon! Class 100 clean rooms, specialised platter removal jigs and software applications allow us to provide the most comprehensive service in the industry."

"Kept me informed at all times"

"They never promised anything and keep me informed at all times. When I got the call to say that they could recover 20 years' of family photos from a failed harddrive, I cried. I cried again when the files were delivered to me. The cost was insignificant next to the priceless value of the photos recovered."
Geoff Elliott
Five Star Review

"Excellent service"

"Excellent service, called back same day and arranged collection of my hard drive within a couple of days. Kept me informed all the time of what was happening. "
Susan Hall
Five Star Review

"Amazing service"

"Amazing Service, Very Professional. From start to finish this service was very professional, keeping me informed on progress and explaining each step. Totally trustworthy, and totally recommend."
Michael Downing
Four Star Review

"Thoroughly professional"

"Excellent service from a thoroughly professional company. Polite and attentive staff, prompt response, informed of progress, simple procedure to have your data recovered. Recommend to all."
Jon McKinnon
Five Star Review

"Attentive and communicative"

"DRS were very attentive and communicative. I received everything I needed from my old hard drive. It’s costly but a very particular and effective service!"
Video Blue
Four Star Review

"Highly recommend"

"I've used Data Recovery Specialists a couple of times now and each time their communication and response times have been excellent. Their team have achieved >95% data recovery for me. I would highly recommend them and will use them again should the need arise."
Ian Baker
Five Star Review

Stay Connected

0800 223 0162
sales@datarecoveryspecialists.co.uk

Data Recovery Services Limited | Registered Number 04417876 | VAT Number 803 1178 66

Website by IT Pie – web design Cardiff

To speak with one of our Sales Team call us on:
0800 223 0162
Alternatively enter your details below followed by your enquiry and one of our team will get back to you.

Quick Enquiry

Parameter incorrect error message