Error 0X800703ee is a common issue that Windows users face while copying a file to or from an external storage device. Users see the volume for a file has been altered externally. So, it is no longer a valid error code on their system screen. It has been seen to occur on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. This error has also been seen during burning discs or updating Windows 10. It is related to other programs that lock the needed file from copying. If you are also dealing with the same problem, we are here with tips that will help you know how to fix the 0X800703ee error on Windows 10.

How to Fix Error 0X800703ee on Windows 10

Usually, the error is caused by other programs that don’t allow the file to open on the system. Other than that, there are other errors too that can lead to this situation.

Contents

  • How to Fix Error 0X800703ee on Windows 10

  • Method 1: Perform SFC and DISM Scans

  • Method 2: Enable Windows Backup and Volume Shadow Copy

  • Method 3: Fix File System Errors

  • Method 4: Reinstall USB Drivers

  • Method 5: Delete Filter Drivers

  • Method 6: Disable Antivirus Temporarily (If Applicable)

  • Method 7: Restart Windows Update Service

  • Method 8: Uninstall Backup Program

  • Method 9: Perform Disk Cleanup

  • Method 10: Perform Clean Boot

  • Method 11: Perform System Restore

  • Antivirus issue is one of the main reasons behind the error 0X800703ee Windows 10. Protective antivirus can block a file from being copied or transferred to an external storage device.

  • If the file to be transferred is corrupt it can lead to error code 0X800703ee.

  • Systems usually use backup programs and if the file you want to transfer is open in such a program, it can cause the error.

  • Files that are being copied from an SD card or other external device usually tend to show the error due to conflict by burner software.

  • Third-party programs, in general, can also cause the error 0X800703ee on Windows.

  • If services like Windows backup and volume shadow copy are disabled on Windows, they can be a cause for error as these are relied upon while transferring files.

  • If your USB controller is not installed correctly, it can be responsible for the problem.

Let us discuss solutions for these problems in detail further in this article with illustrations to your aid.

Method 1: Perform SFC and DISM Scans

One of the main reasons behind the 0X800703 error code occurring on Windows is corrupted files. These corrupted files can be resolved by scanning SFC and DISM on your system. Both services are best at repairing corrupted files, while System File Checker (SFC) uses cached archives, and Deployment Image Servicing Management (DISM) uses Windows updates to resolve the issue. Read our guide on How to Repair System Files on Windows 10 to understand the steps and perform them on your computer to get rid of the error code 0X800703ee. Once the scans are done, restart your system to check if the error is resolved.

Method 2: Enable Windows Backup and Volume Shadow Copy

If Windows Backup and Volume Shadow Copy on your system are turned off due to manual settings or due to third-party app interference, it can also cause the file error to show up. Hence, it is best to enable it and set these two services on your system to Automatic to sort out the problem. Here are some useful steps for you to follow that will enable the two services on your desktop.

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box on your PC.

  2. Type services.msc in the given field and click on OK.

  3. Scroll down and right-click on Volume Shadow Copy.

  4. Click the Properties option.

  5. In the General tab, change the Startup type to Automatic, as shown.

  6. Click on OK.

  7. Now, scroll down to Windows Backup in the Services and right-click on it.

  8. Click on Properties, and set the Startup type to Automatic. Click on OK.

Once done, repeat the process of transferring the file to or from an external device to your system to check if the said issue has been resolved.

Also Read: Fix Windows Backup failed with error 0x807800C5

Method 3: Fix File System Errors

It is rare, but sometimes errors with the file system can also be the cause behind why you are unable to transfer the files from or to an external device. Hence, it is important to fix the file system. You can use the built-in file checking systems to resolve the issue by following the upcoming steps.

  1. Type File Explorer in the Windows search bar and click on Open, as shown.

  2. Right-click on a Local Disk and click on Properties, as shown.

  3. From the Tools tab, click on Check.

The file system will be scanned and if any problem persists within it, it will be automatically resolved.

Method 4: Reinstall USB Drivers

Another reason that many users have reported causing error 0X800703ee Windows 10 is faulty USB controllers. USB controllers can become corrupted during file transfer, which can result in an error popping up on your screen. The error that occurred due to USB controllers can be resolved by reinstalling them from the device manager. Let us look at some detailed steps that will help you explain better how to make that happen.

  1. Press Windows + X key, and click on Device Manager to open it.

  2. Click on Universal Serial Bus Controllers from the list, as shown.

  3. Right-click on each device under it and click on Uninstall one by one.

  4. Restart your PC once done.

Also Read: Fix BCM20702A0 Driver Error in Windows 10

Method 5: Delete Filter Drivers

While transferring a file or files from an external device like an SD card or a pen drive to your system, you might encounter the error 0X800703ee on Windows. If this is the case, it is most likely that the error is due to a conflict between your burner software and the external device used. Hence, you must delete the Filter Driver on your system from Registry Editor, as demonstrated in the steps below.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Enter regedit in the field and click OK.

  3. Enter the following path in the navigation bar and press the Enter key on the keyboard, as illustrated below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

  1. Locate and right-click on the 4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318 file from the list. Then, click on Export and transfer your files to a suitable location to back them.

  2. Next, click on 4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318 file.

  3. Locate and double-click on the LowerFilters and UpperFilters one by one.

  4. Click on the Delete option from the context menu, as shown.

  5. Once done, Restart your PC to check if the error has been resolved or not.

Method 6: Disable Antivirus Temporarily (If Applicable)

Antivirus in the system can be one of the first reasons to cause the error for a file that you want to transfer or copy. Antivirus keeps a security check on the files while they are being processed. And if it takes longer, the 0X800703ee can appear on your PC screen. Therefore, it is best to disable any third-party antivirus on your system while you process the file. Read our guide on How to Disable Antivirus Temporarily on Windows 10 to learn all the steps required to do so and check if the issue is fixed or not afterward.

Also Read: 13 Best Free Voice Changer Software for Windows 10

Method 7: Restart Windows Update Service

The reason for the files not being able to transfer from or to an external device occurs is majorly due to a problem with the Windows update service. Restarting it has been seen to cancel out the error for many users.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to bring up the Run dialog box.

  2. Type out services.msc in the dialog box field and hit Enter key.

  3. Scroll down and right-click on Windows Update from the list, as shown.

  4. Click on Properties from the context menu.

  5. Set the Startup type as Disabled and click OK, as highlighted below.

  6. Restart your computer and follow steps 1 to 4 as instructed in this method.

  7. Finally, set the Startup type to Automatic and click on OK.

Method 8: Uninstall Backup Program

Each system has a backup program running in the background, which helps to restore and save files for later use. Sometimes, while copying a file to or from an external device, such programs can cause the issue of the file not being able to transfer. This issue can be resolved by uninstalling the backup program and restarting the system. If this is the case with you, you can perform the steps mentioned below.

  1. Press Windows + R keys to launch the Run dialog box.

  2. Type appwiz.cpl in the given field and click OK, as shown.

  3. Locate the backup program from the list.

  4. Right-click on it and click Uninstall option, as shown.

  5. Finally, Restart your PC.

Also Read: How to Uninstall Steam Games

Method 9: Perform Disk Cleanup

Launching programs or files results in temporary files that are stored on the disks. These files accumulate to become an error while a file is being copied to or from an external device to your system. Hence, cleaning the disk is important to get rid of the issue. You can follow the below-mentioned steps for disk cleaning on your system.

  1. Type  Disk Cleanup in the Windows search bar and click on Open.

  2. Select the desired drive to clean from the Disk Cleanup : Drive Selection drop-down menu, as shown.

  3. Select the Files to delete and click OK.

  4. Finally, Restart your PC to see the changes.

Method 10: Perform Clean Boot

If none of the methods have resolved the error 0X800703ee Windows 10 popping up, it is time to run clean boot on your system. Read and follow our guide on how to Perform Clean boot in Windows 10 and see if it can fix the issue for you.

Also Read: Fix OneDrive Error 0x8007016a in Windows 10

Method 11: Perform System Restore

If you have come to an end and are still struggling with the issue, it is time to restore the system. Software conflict can be one of the reasons for the error. And with a healthy system restore, you can get rid of the error for good. Read our guide on How to use System Restore on Windows 10 to learn all the steps required to complete the process and fix the desired issue.

Q1. What does it mean by error 0X800703ee?

Ans. Error 0X800703ee is an error code that shows the volume for a file has been externally altered. So, the opened file is no longer valid on the screen of your system when you try to copy a file to or from an external device.

Q2. Does error 0X800703ee show up on Windows 10?

Ans. The error 0X800703ee has been showing up on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. It is not specific to Windows 10 in any manner.

Q3. Is copying a file from an external device corrupting my system?

Ans. Yes. Copying a file using an external device like an SD card or a pen drive can corrupt your system if the device is corrupted with a bug. Nonetheless, the issue can be resolved using an antivirus system or by scanning the device before transferring the file. Read this article from the start again to get your doubts resolved instantly.

Q4. How can I prevent error 0X800703ee from recurring?

Ans. If you see the error on your system every time you transfer a file to or from an external device then it is best suggested to run a clean boot on your system. Read and follow the methods mentioned above in this article carefully to prevent this error from recurring.

Q5. Can Windows update be a reason behind the 0x800703ee error on my system?

Ans. Yes. A corrupted Windows update can be a reason behind the error code on your system. You can resolve the issue by updating your Windows again with a bug-free version.

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We hope that this article was a great help for you in finding out how to fix the 0X800703ee error on Windows 10 and other versions as well. Let us know which one of the methods was a saving grace for you. If you have any further questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below.