I/O Device Error When Copying Files

I experienced a few times when I try to copy files from thumbdrive or CD/DVD there is an error saying that cannot copy file because of the I/O device error. What is I/O device error actually? The Windows error “I/O Device Error” means there is an error in the computer’s ability to read data when you try to install a program or to copy data from your CD or DVD drive.

This issue is likely to occur when Windows tries to use a transfer mode that your CD drive cannot use or does not recognize. To resolve this issue, you will need to change the transfer mode in your IDE channel properties.

Steps To Change IDE Properties

1. Click the Start button
2. Right click My Computer
3. Select Manage from the resulting menu

4. In the Computer Management window, select Device Manager
5. In the right pane, click to expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers
6. Identify your CD/DVD drive in the expanded menu and right click the appropriate drive
7. Select Properties
8. In the Properties windows, click the Advanced Settings tab

9. In the Transfer Mode box that represents your CD/DVD drive (typically Device 1); open the dropdown menu and select PIO Only
10. Click OK and exit all windows

If this does not resolve your issue, then you will need to go back using the above procedure and change the Device 1 in step #9 back to “DMA if available“. Then, change Device 0 to “PIO Only” in the Transfer Mode box.

For reference, the Device 0 is the Primary IDE Channel and the Device 1 is the secondary IDE Channel.

After you change your settings, make sure you restart your system so that the computer recognizes the changes you have made. After you reboot, check the settings to make sure they are in effect. If they are, your device should now work properly.