Unfreezing Deadlocks: Fixing Windows' 'Semaphore Expired' Error
Unfreezing Deadlocks: Fixing Windows’ ‘Semaphore Expired’ Error
Error 0x80070079 is an issue that can arise when users try to copy (or transfer) files between external USB or network storage drives and Windows PCs. The error 0x80070079 message says, “The semaphore timeout period has expired.” As a result, users can’t copy or move files between their PCs and storage devices.
Some users might wonder what a semaphore is, which is an integer variable. The 0x80070079 error message highlights there’s been an operation timeout. This is how you can fix error 0x80070079 in Windows 11/10.
1. Try Transferring or Copying Files in Smaller Groups
It might be the case that the 0x80070079 error occurs on your PC because of an issue with one particularly large file in a group. So, try transferring (or copying) a smaller group of files to see if that makes a difference. If that works, move or copy more files of the files you need within another smaller batch.
2. Change the Connection Cable
Error 0x80070079 can arise if there’s an issue with the cable you’re using for connecting an external USB storage drive to the computer. Try utilizing a different USB cable if you have one available. If you can see your current cable is visibly damaged, consider purchasing a replacement.
3. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is a tool for fixing hardware-related issues in Windows. A few users have confirmed in forums that troubleshooter resolved error 0x80070079 on their PCs. This is how you can open and utilize the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter in Windows 11/10:
- Find Command Prompt by pressing the Win + S keys and typing CMD in the search box.
- Click on Command Prompt to run that app.
- Execute this Hardware and Devices troubleshooter command and hit Enter:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Select Next to start the troubleshooting and apply the fixes suggested.
Users who need to fix error 0x80070079 for network drives should consider utilizing the Network Adapter and Internet Connections troubleshooters. You can access both of those troubleshooters in Settings. Check out our guide about running troubleshooters in Windows for further details about how to open them in Windows 11/10.
4. Perform Generic Windows-Based Fixes for Troubleshooting USB Drives
If you’re still struggling with this error, here are some more general Windows-based fixes you can try:
Run a System File Check Scan
Corrupted or missing system files on your PC’s drive can cause operations to time out. To resolve such an issue, run a System File Checker command. You can repair the system files on an internal hard drive by executing a standard SFC command as outlined in our guide to running the SFC tool on Windows .
Run the CHKDSK Scan Command
CHKDSK is Windows’ Check Disk utility that scans and repairs bad drive sectors. That tool could be useful for fixing error 0x80070079 if it’s caused by disk errors on a drive you’re trying to transfer files to. So, try scanning the target drive by running the CHKDSK via the Command Prompt. Our guide on running Check Disk scans on Windows includes full instructions for applying this potential fix.
Turn Off Any Active Firewalls
Disabling firewalls might work when 0x80070079 occurs for wireless transfers from or to network drives. A firewall can block communication with a network drive. So, try temporarily disabling Windows Defender Firewall before transferring any data from or to a network drive. Or turn off any third-party firewall installed.
- Title: Unfreezing Deadlocks: Fixing Windows' 'Semaphore Expired' Error
- Author: Joseph
- Created at : 2024-08-31 22:07:30
- Updated at : 2024-09-01 22:07:30
- Link: https://windows11.techidaily.com/unfreezing-deadlocks-fixing-windows-semaphore-expired-error/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.