How to Fix ‘Parameter is Incorrect’ External Hard Disk Issue on Windows 11

Are you getting a parameter incorrect message when you connect the external hard disk on your Windows 11 computer? Let us fix that issue in this guide with the simple troubleshooting tips that I have shared here. Also, let us discuss the possible reasons that lead to the “parameter is incorrect” error message on Windows along with the ‘Location is Not Available‘.

The primary reason for this issue can be due to the presence of corrupt system files or corrupted files on the external hard disk. The internal file system of Microsoft may have been corrupted. Other reasons for the parameter incorrect error can happen due to the presence of malware either on the computer or on the hard disk.

Best Ways to Fix External Hard Disk Parameter is Incorrect

Now that we know the reasons for the error, let us look at the best solutions to fix External Hard Disk Parameter is Incorrect Issue on Windows 11

1. Restart the Computer

This is the simple fix you can first try while trying to fix the parameter incorrect error when you connect the external hard drive to your computer.

Just restart your computer and reconnect the external hard disk. In most cases, users have reported that this fix has worked and resolved the issue with the hard drive.

1. Click the Windows key on the keyboard.
2. Then from the search console, click on the power icon.
3. Select Restart from the small menu that pops up.
   

After the PC restarts connect the external hard disk and check if you can access its contents without any error messages.

2. Run A Scan for Malware Presence on the External Hard Disk

Once the external hard disk is connected to the PC, you should always start by running a scan for malware that may be present within any files housed in the external hard disk. You may use the Windows Defender or any other third-party anti-virus you have on your PC.

1. Connect the External Hard disk to the PC.
2. Go to the This PC section of the computer.
3. Right-click on the icon that is displaying the external hard disk.
4. From the menu select Scan with Microsoft Defender.
   

Wait while the scanning process completes. Normally, Defender will detect any malware right away when you connect the hard drive. Still, after the scanning, if any malware is found, then Defender will notify you of the same. You can manually remove the infected files to remove the malware.

3. Check for Virus on Your Windows 11 Computer

Alternatively, you may also scan for viruses on your computer. Here is how you can do it.

1. Press the Windows key on the keyboard.
2. Type Virus and Threat Protection.
3. Click Open when the appropriate search result appears.
   
4. Now, click on Quick Scan.
   
5. Windows Defender will scan the PC for possible malware and report to you about unusual files or apps that may be present on the computer.
6. Then you can take actions such as quarantining or removing the infected files from the PC.

After the computer becomes virus-free you can again try to connect the external hard disk and check if you can access it or not.

4. Upgrade the Disk Drive to A Latest Build

Update the disk drives on the device manager to the latest build and this will fix the issue of incorrect parameter error.

1. Open the Device Manager.
2. Navigate to Disk Drives and click on it to expand.
3. Right-click on the external hard disk and select Update Driver.
   
4. On the next dialog box that shows up select Search Automatically for drivers.
5. The system will search for drivers and update the same for the disk drives of the external hard disk.

After the update, you should be able to access the external hard disk without getting the incorrect parameter error.

5. Completely Format the External Hard Drive

If it is possible for you, then you may format the external hard disk. This will permanently erase all the data present on the disk.

Also, formatting will get rid of corrupt files, malware, and everything else that are the unnecessary elements present on the hard drive.

To format a hard disk,

1. Make sure the external hard drive is connected to the computer.
2. Go to This PC.
3. Right-click on the External Hard Drive name.
4. From the menu select Format.
   
5. A small dialog box will appear.
6. Select the checkbox Quick Format.
7. Click on Start to begin the formatting process.
   

After the formatting is done, disconnect the hard disk and reconnect it once more. Now, you can start again by creating backups to this drive and you should not face any issue such as the incorrect parameter error message.

6. Scan for Corrupt System Files

To fix the incorrect parameter error shown after connecting the external hard disk you can use the command prompt to run the scan for finding and fixing corrupt system files.

1. Open the Command Prompt using the Windows search option.
   
2. Then enter the command sfc /scannow.
   
3. Press enter.

This process will scan the system, look for possible corrupt system files, and fix the same. It may take some time to complete.

7. Use DISM Scan to Fix the Issue

The Incorrect parameter error message may happen due to the presence of corrupt internal system files on some applications. To fix that and update the apps with the latest and correctly configured system files, you may use the command prompt to issue the DISM commands.

DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. Using the command will also fix other corrupt system files present on the computer.

1. Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet.
2. Open the command prompt on the PC.
   
3. Now enter the following commands one after another.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

4. Let the process complete and fix the corrupt files. Then you can reconnect the external hard disk and try to use it to take or restore a backup.

So, try these methods to troubleshoot the issue of the incorrect parameter error message that shows up when you connect the external hard disk to your Windows 11 computer.