Skip to main content

Error while writing a file on USB drive

Thread needs solution

This problem has plaqued me for years.

When doing an incremental backup to an external USB drive, Acronis 2011 will give me an "Error while writing the file" error.

If I do a reformat, backups may work fine for a while. Then the errors start while the disk is only half full. If I'm at my computer and the error screen pops up, I can hit "retry" a few times and the backup will complete. If I'm not around I get cancelled by user.... which only irritates me to no end!

I've used Acronis since 07, so what the heck am I doing wrong?!?

0 Users found this helpful

Is the external a direct connect to a usb connector on the computer?

If yes, and a desktop, try using a rear connector and another usb cable. Do not use a usb-hub.

Also, try changing the write speed. This option is part of the backup options. You can also extend the time of error notification. This can be found inside the help section in upper right corner.

There is also a couple other settings which can be changed in the device mgr. Let me see if I can find them.

Try Grover's suggestions first as they are the easiest and cheapest to try.

It's also possible that the disk has one or more weak spots -- they don't always read/write correctly but succeed after enough retires. Formatting will take away the very weakest ones but won't prevent new ones. When a hdisk goes bad it is usually with bad sectors showing up ever increasing frequency. Try a different disk and see if the prob persists. If not then you probably need to replace the disk.