Studying for the A+, Network+ or Security+ exams? Get over 2,600 pages of FREE study guides at CertiGuide.com!
Join the PC homebuilding revolution! Read the all-new, FREE 200-page online guide: How to Build Your Own PC!
NOTE: Using robot software to mass-download the site degrades the server and is prohibited. See here for more.
Find The PC Guide helpful? Please consider a donation to The PC Guide Tip Jar. Visa/MC/Paypal accepted.
Take a virtual vacation any time at DesktopScenes.com - view my art photos online for FREE in either Flash or HTML!
Interested in current events? Read and share your opinions on news and topics of interest at CurEvents.com!

[ The PC Guide | Troubleshooting and Repair Guide | The Troubleshooting Expert | Troubleshooting The System Overall | Troubleshooting Run-Time Error Messages ]

Invalid drive specification

Explanation: You specified a drive letter in a command that does not exist.

Diagnosis: This usually results from incorrectly typing a drive letter. For example, typing "DIR Q:" will cause this error if there is no Q: volume on the machine. It can also result from a drive not being properly recognized by the system at boot time, for a variety of reasons.

Recommendation:

  • Try the command again using the right drive letter.
  • If you are trying to access a brand new hard disk before it has been partitioned and formatted (say by booting a floppy disk and typing "DIR C:" you will get this error. The hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you can use it.
  • If you get this error trying to access a floppy disk drive then this means that the drive has either failed or has not been set up properly in the BIOS setup. Check the BIOS settings first; if necessary troubleshoot the drive.
  • If you get this error on a CD-ROM drive, then this means that when the system booted, the device was not seen. You should troubleshoot this here.

Home  -  Search  -  Topics  -  Up

The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Site Version: 2.2.0 - Version Date: April 17, 2001
© Copyright 1997-2004 Charles M. Kozierok. All Rights Reserved.

Not responsible for any loss resulting from the use of this site.
Please read the Site Guide before using this material.
Google
Web The PC Guide