External Hard Disk Showing 0 Bytes Error

Sometimes users face this message “External Hard Disk Showing 0 Bytes Error” while operating the system. This makes the user uncomfortable if he doesn’t know the right procedure to perform or what to do in this scenario. So if you are also struggling from the same situation, then just go through the article once. The approaches that are simple to use and can be operated by anyone.  

So let’s start first with the different approaches. 

Useful Article – Fix Hard Drive Failure

Quick DIY Tips to fix Hard Drive Shows 0 Bytes in BIOS Error

1. Try to rename the Hard Drive Letter

Users can rename the hard drive letter by using these instructions:

• First, press ‘Windows+R’ and type diskmgmt.msc and snap ‘Enter’. Now, the Disk Management window will show.
• Right-tap on the hard drive that displays 0 bytes free space and select ‘Change Drive Letter and Paths…’
• Tap the ‘Change…’ button and pick a drive letter from the drop-down list.
• Tap ‘OK’ and tap ‘Yes’ when prompted. Now, snap ‘OK’ to verify and close the box.

Then, start the system again. Users are now able to access the drive and files stored on the drive.

2. Rejoin with external hard drive

This can also be one of the reasons that can occur on an external hard drive. And it will not harm the main internal hard drive although this can occur on a second internal drive. Users can remove it to fix the error. Lastly, start the computer again and connect it again.

3. Improve drivers

To operate this procedure user has to use these steps-

1. Firstly, download the latest updates on the device from the developer’s website.
2. Then, install it through the Wizard, or the user can improve or update the drivers via the Device Manager.
3. Then, right-tap on Start and choose Device Manager.
4. Now, open all the drivers and right-tap the disk showing “External Hard Disk Showing 0 Bytes Error”. Then, tap on the Update list then tap on “Automatically find driver updates”. After that, press Enter and wait until the whole process is completed. By default new Updates will be installed, then provide a reboot.
5. At last, inspect the disk health.

4. Operate the CHKDSK Utility

The CHKDSK utility helps its users to fix the corrupt file System. These files get corrupted due to the presence of the bad sectors in the drive. This utility not only fixes this issue but also provides user access to the drive data.

This utility can be operated by using the following steps:

• First, press ‘Windows+S’ and type cmd.
• Right-snap on Command Prompt and pick ‘Run as administrator’. This will show the Command Prompt window.
• Then, type chkdsk X: /r /f  in which X is the hard drive letter that represents 0 bytes; and /r & /f are the chkdsk parameters. Tap the ‘Enter’ key to operate chkdsk.

Then users have to wait until the process is completed. Then, start the system again and make an attempt to access the hard drive.

5. Try Microsoft Safety Scanner

This scanner offers a way to avoid viruses and other malicious software and applications installed on the system. These applications can be the cause behind this error. It is a freeware tool from Microsoft that runs with your previous antivirus or anti-malware software.

Meanwhile, if it finds a bad sector during scanning then it will fix External Hard Disk Showing 0 Bytes Error at once. That can cause data loss to the user. So beware of using it. 

Why does the Hard Drive Shows 0 Bytes in BIOS Error?

Although the occurrence of an error can be due to several reasons. Some of them are written or mentioned below:

1. If the external hard disk is removed in an improper way
2. Sudden or abrupt shutdown the network
3. Due to virus or malware infection
4. During disk formatting, it randomly gets interrupted or splitting of the hard drive
5. Due to bad sectors and a corrupt file system, the disk file system becomes RAW

So these were the factors due to which Error occurs. As we know the reasons that ultimately lead to this error. Now, let’s move to the manual procedures to fix this issue. 

Conclusion

This blog contains remedies for the External Hard Disk Showing 0 Bytes Error. Users can use manual procedures to fix this issue.