You receive an I/O device error message when you try to use your CD drive in Windows XP (891894)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Template: zGeneric Problem Article

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install a program or to copy data from your CD drive in Microsoft Windows XP, you may receive one of the following error messages:
The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.
Only part of a readprocessmemory or writeprocessmemory request was completed

CAUSE

This issue may occur when Windows tries to use a transfer mode that your CD drive cannot use.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, change the transfer mode for your CD drive in IDE Channel Properties. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
  2. Under Computer Management (Local), click Device Manager.
  3. In the right pane, expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.
  4. Right-click the channel where your CD drive is connected, and then click Properties. Typically, this channel is Secondary IDE Channel.
  5. On the Advanced Settings tab, in the Transfer Mode box for the device that represents your CD drive, click PIO Only. Typically, this device is Device 1. Then click OK.
If the issue is not resolved after you change the transfer mode for the secondary IDE channel device 1, your CD drive may not be located there. Use the same procedure to change the transfer mode back to DMA if available. Then, repeat these steps to change the transfer mode for IDE devices in the following order until the issue is resolved:
  • Primary IDE channel, device 1
  • Secondary IDE channel, device 0
Note Primary IDE channel, device 1 is connected to your boot disk. This is the hard disk that typically contains your operating system.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:2/3/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB891894 kbAudEndUser
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