Error 0x80071AC3: Volume is Dirty

Many Windows users are having issues with their external drives. They get an 0x80071AC3 error when they are trying to move files into their SD card, flash drive or external hard drive. It says “the operation could not be completed because the volume is dirty“. And they can’t save anything on their drive. This is very annoying. If you are also having this issue, don’t worry. The following are some methods that have helped a lot of Windows users.

Method 1: Check your drive for errors

You may get the 0x80071AC3 error because there are bad sector issues with your drive. To see if that’s the case for you, try running a scan of your disk on your computer. To do so: 1) Go to File Explorer (press the Windows logo key and E on your keyboard at the same time). 2) Right click your drive and click Properties.

3) Click the Tools tab, then click Check or Check Now.

4) If you’re on Windows 10, click Scan and repair drive.

If you’re on Windows 7, check all options and then click Start.

5) Wait for the scan to complete, and check to see if this is able to get rid of your error.

Method 2: Slide your SD card lock

This is an effective solution to your 0x80071AC3 error if you’re having this issue when using an SD card. Try sliding the lock on your SD card back and forth a few times. Then connect it to your computer and see if this method resolves your problem.

Method 3: Format your drive

You can format your external drive to fix many of its issues, including your 0x80071AC3 error.

IMPORTANT: Formatting your drive will erase all your files and data on it.

To format your drive: 1) Go to File Explorer (press the Windows logo key and E on your keyboard at the same time). 2) Right click your drive and click Format.