Error 0x800704c8 on Windows 10: Fixes That Work

Error 0x800704c8 on Windows 10 usually appears when you try to copy, move, or delete files, and it means Windows cannot complete the operation because the file is locked by another process or the disk has a problem. The fix is to close the locking program, run a disk check, or use a different copy method; below are the exact steps. This error is common on external drives, network shares, and even the local C: drive, and it often shows up with the message “The requested operation is unsuccessful.”

What Causes Error 0x800704c8?

The error code 0x800704c8 is a Windows system error that translates to ERROR_REQUEST_REFUSED. It means the operating system refused a request to read or write data, usually because the file is in use, the disk has bad sectors, or a driver is blocking the operation. The most common triggers are:

A file is open in another program (e.g., a Word document or a video file being played).
Antivirus or backup software is scanning the file at the same moment.
The disk has file system errors or bad sectors.
USB or external drive connection issues (loose cable, outdated driver).
Permission problems on network shares or folders.

How to Fix Error 0x800704c8: Step-by-Step

Try these fixes in order. The first one resolves most cases; the later ones handle deeper disk or system problems.

Close all programs that might be using the file. If the error happens when copying a file, close the program that created it (e.g., Excel, Photoshop, or a media player). Check the system tray for background apps. If you are copying a folder, make sure no file inside it is open.
Restart File Explorer. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer” under Processes, right-click it, and choose “Restart”. This releases many file locks.
Run a disk check. Open Command Prompt as administrator (type “cmd” in Start, right-click, “Run as administrator”), then type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter) and press Enter. If it is your system drive, you will be asked to schedule the check for the next restart. This fixes file system errors that cause the refusal.
Check for bad sectors. In the same Command Prompt, run chkdsk X: /r to locate and recover readable information from bad sectors. This can take hours on large drives, so plan accordingly.
Update or reinstall the disk driver. Open Device Manager (right-click Start), expand “Disk drives”, right-click your drive, choose “Update driver”, then “Search automatically”. If that fails, uninstall the device and restart Windows—it will reinstall automatically.
Copy with a different method. If the error persists, use robocopy (a built-in command-line tool) which can skip locked files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: robocopy "source folder" "destination folder" /E /R:1 /W:1. This copies everything, retries once, and continues past errors.

When the Error Appears on an External Drive or USB

External drives are a frequent source of this error. The drive may be disconnecting during the copy, or the USB port may not supply enough power. Try these steps:

Use a different USB port (preferably a USB 3.0 port directly on the computer, not a hub).
Replace the cable if it is old or damaged.
Check if the drive appears in File Explorer—if it disappears, it may be a power issue.
Run chkdsk on the external drive as described above.
Copy files in smaller batches instead of one huge folder.

How to Read the Error Correctly

Many users see the error code and assume it is a virus or a sign of hardware failure. In most cases it is neither. The code 0x800704c8 is a generic “request refused” message; it does not tell you which file or process caused it. To find the culprit, you can use Process Explorer (from Microsoft’s Sysinternals suite) to see which process has a file locked. Alternatively, try copying the files one by one to isolate the problem file. If a specific file always fails, it may be corrupted or have a permission issue—right-click it, select Properties, go to Security, and check that your user account has Full Control.

Common Misconceptions About This Error

One widespread myth is that error 0x800704c8 means your hard drive is failing. While a failing drive can cause it, the error is far more often due to a locked file or a transient USB issue. Another misconception is that it only happens on Windows 10—it also appears on Windows 7, 8, and 11, because the underlying error code is the same. Finally, some users think they need to reinstall Windows; that is almost never necessary. A simple restart or closing a program fixes the majority of cases.

Alternatives to Fixing the Error

If the standard fixes do not work, you have a few other options:

Use a different file manager. Try copying with a third-party tool like Total Commander or FreeCommander—they often handle locked files differently.
Boot into Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, so if the error disappears there, a background service or driver is the cause. To enter Safe Mode, hold Shift while clicking Restart, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press 4.
Check the Event Viewer. Open Event Viewer (type “eventvwr” in Start), go to Windows Logs > System, and look for errors around the time the issue occurred. The details may reveal the specific driver or service that refused the request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can error 0x800704c8 cause data loss?

No, the error itself does not delete or corrupt files; it simply prevents the copy or move operation from completing. However, if the disk has bad sectors, those sectors may already be damaged, so it is wise to back up important data and run a disk check.

Why does the error appear when copying from a network drive?

Network drives often have permission restrictions or the file may be open by another user on the network. Ask the network administrator to check share permissions, or copy the file to your local drive first, then to the destination.

Is this error related to Windows updates?

Not directly. Windows updates do not cause this error, but a recent update might have changed a driver that affects USB or disk access. If the error started after an update, try uninstalling that update (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates).

Can I ignore the error and continue?

You can, but you might end up with incomplete files or a corrupted copy. It is better to resolve the cause before proceeding, especially if you are copying important data.

Does the error affect SSDs and HDDs differently?

No, the error is the same on both. However, SSDs do not have bad sectors in the traditional sense, so a disk check may not find anything. If the error persists on an SSD, it could be a firmware issue or a failing controller—check the manufacturer’s tools.

Will running chkdsk fix the error permanently?

If the cause is file system corruption, yes. If the cause is a locked file, chkdsk will not help, and the error may reappear whenever that file is open. In that case, closing the program is the permanent fix.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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