For example:
What does it mean when a drive is dirty?
Dirty, in this context, suggests that a certain file is corrupted.
Here’s how to clear dirtybitsand fix error 0x80071ac3.
republica / Getty Images
Instructions in this article apply toWindows 10,Windows 8, andWindows 7.
Cables can also lose effectiveness over time, so swap out any cords used by the drive.
This switch can be left in the locked position or get stuck.
Use Windows System Restore to return to a previous restore point.
If you installed a new drive for your box, runSystem Restoreand use the earliest restore point available.
Restore the system to its current version if the error is not resolved.
Otherwise, the system may be vulnerable to attacks and other errors.
Scan the hard drive using Error Checking.
The built-in error-checking tool can identify and resolve many common Windows errors.
execute the chkdsk command.
If you’re comfortable using theCommand Prompt, the chkdsk command provides more options for troubleshooting errors.
See further details in the section below.
If the primary hard drive is not functioning,boot from a USB equipment or an external hard drive.
Use theformat commandif you only have access to the Command Prompt.
Repeat the command for each drive until you find the dirty one.
Reboot the computerwith the drive connected and reopen the Command Prompt orPowerShell.
Enter the following to trigger the full chkdsk utility on the drive.
Enter the following code again:
The disk should come back asnot dirty.
This forces the computer to check the disk automatically.
The dirty bit is what theCPUrelies on to carry out this process.
Think of it like a switch: Error 0x80071ac3 informs you the switch on a particular drive is jammed.
