How to Fix 0x80070017 (Windows 10)
Quick Answer
Error code 0x80070017, or 'Data error (cyclic redundancy check)', indicates a problem with data integrity, often during file transfers, installations, or when accessing storage devices. The fastest initial fix involves checking the integrity of the storage device or source media.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted or damaged installation media (e.g., DVD, USB drive).
- Faulty hard drive or SSD sectors.
- Issues with RAM (Random Access Memory).
- Corrupted system files or registry entries.
- Problems with the data transfer cable (e.g., SATA cable, USB cable).
- Incomplete or interrupted file downloads.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Verify Installation Media or Source Files
- If installing software or Windows, ensure the installation media (USB drive, DVD) is not scratched, dirty, or corrupted. Try using a different USB port or DVD drive.
- If the files were downloaded, re-download them from a reliable source. Ensure the download completes without interruption.
- If using a USB drive, try recreating the bootable USB using a different tool or a different USB drive.
- For DVD installations, clean the disc with a soft cloth and try again. Consider creating a bootable USB from the same ISO if the DVD continues to fail.
2Run System File Checker (SFC) to Resolve 0x80070017
- Open the Start Menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.
- Allow the scan to complete. This process may take some time. Do not close the window until the verification is 100% complete.
- Review the scan results. If corrupted files were found and repaired, restart your computer and attempt the operation that previously caused the error.
3Check Disk for Errors (CHKDSK)
- Open File Explorer, right-click on the drive you suspect is causing the error (e.g., C: drive, or the drive where you are installing files), and select 'Properties'.
- Go to the 'Tools' tab and under 'Error checking', click 'Check'.
- If prompted, click 'Scan drive'. If errors are found, Windows will offer to repair them. For the system drive, you may be prompted to schedule the check on the next restart.
- Restart your computer if necessary to allow the disk check to complete. After the restart, attempt the operation again.
4Test RAM for Faults
- Open the Start Menu, type 'Windows Memory Diagnostic', and select the application.
- Choose 'Restart now and check for problems (recommended)'.
- Your computer will restart and run a memory test. This process can take several minutes.
- After the test completes, your computer will restart into Windows. Check the results in the Event Viewer (Windows Logs > System) for 'MemoryDiagnostic' entries. If errors are reported, consider replacing the faulty RAM module(s).
Advanced Fixes
Update or Reinstall Storage Device Drivers
- Open the Start Menu, type 'Device Manager', and select the application.
- Expand 'Disk drives' and 'Storage controllers'.
- Right-click on your storage device or controller, and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for updated driver software'.
- If no new drivers are found, visit the manufacturer's website for your motherboard or storage device to download the latest drivers. Install them manually.
- Restart your computer after updating drivers.
Perform a Clean Boot
- Open the Start Menu, type 'msconfig', and select 'System Configuration'.
- Go to the 'Services' tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services', and then click 'Disable all'.
- Go to the 'Startup' tab, click 'Open Task Manager'. For each startup item, right-click and select 'Disable'. Close Task Manager.
- Click 'OK' in System Configuration and restart your computer. Attempt the problematic operation. If the error is resolved, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 'cyclic redundancy check' mean?
A cyclic redundancy check (CRC) is an error-detecting code used to detect accidental changes to raw data. When you encounter a CRC error, it means the data being read or transferred does not match the expected data, indicating corruption or damage.
Can 0x80070017 be caused by external storage devices?
Yes, error 0x80070017 can frequently occur when transferring files to or from external storage devices like USB drives, external hard drives, or network drives. Issues with the device itself, the connection cable, or the USB port can trigger this error.
Is data recovery possible after a 0x80070017 error?
If the error is due to minor corruption on a storage device, running CHKDSK or similar disk repair utilities might recover some data. However, if the storage device has significant physical damage, data recovery may require specialized tools or professional services. Always back up important data regularly to prevent loss.
Does this error indicate a failing hard drive?
Error 0x80070017 can be an early indicator of a failing hard drive or SSD, especially if it occurs frequently and across different operations. Running disk health checks (like CHKDSK) and monitoring SMART data (using third-party tools) can help assess the drive's condition. Regular backups are recommended if this error persists.