ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK: The Media May Have Changed [Solved]
Updating the drivers worked for most users
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The ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK Windows system error, with code 679 (0x2A7), appears when the system detects an inconsistency in one of the connected storage devices.
This typically happens due to misconfigured connections, outdated or corrupt drivers, file system issues, and the presence of conflicting apps. The message for Error Code 679 reads, {Media Changed} The media may have changed.
Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the computer, install pending Windows updates, and disconnect any non-critical devices.
How can I fix ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK in Windows?
1. Check the connections
Your primary approach when the ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK Win32 system error appears should be to check the connections. Here are a few points to remember:
- Make sure the storage drive is firmly connected and not loose.
- Switch to another port on the PC and avoid using a USB hub.
- Use the original connection cable provided by the manufacturer.
2. Update the storage device drivers
- Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Disk drives entry, right-click on the storage device that is throwing the error, and select Update driver.
- Click on Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best locally available version.
- Restart the PC to apply the changes.
In 2 out of 5 cases, outdated drivers were responsible for ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK 679 (0x2A7) {Media Changed} The media may have changed in Windows. So, updating the drivers will get things up and running!
If Windows can’t find a better version, go to the manufacturer’s website, locate the new releases, and then manually install the driver.
3. Run Check Disk
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and click on Run as administrator.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Paste the following Check Disk command and hit Enter:
chkdsk /r
- If asked to schedule the scan for the next reboot, press Y, hit Enter, and then restart the computer.
The built-in Check Disk utility will repair several issues with the drive, including bad sectors, which may be responsible for the Windows ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK system error.
4. Uninstall conflicting apps
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Select any app installed or updated around the same time the error first appeared, and click on Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and then reboot the PC.
If a quick removal doesn’t work, it might be the leftover files and Registry entries to blame. In this case, I recommend using a top-rated software uninstaller for Windows to wipe all traces of the app installation.
5. Perform a system restore
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and click on the relevant result.
- Click the System Restore button.
- Select the Choose a different restore point option, if available, and click Next.
- Pick the oldest restore point from the list and click Next.
- Verify the restore details, click Finish, and confirm the change.
- Wait for the restore to complete. It generally takes 15-45 minutes.
If you can’t figure out the underlying cause behind ERROR_MEDIA_CHECK Error Code 679 (0x2A7), a system restore will help clear out any recent misconfigurations. Just make sure you choose a restore point created before the error first appeared.
When everything fails to fix the system error, the last thing you can do is reinstall Windows. In case this, too, doesn’t work, it’s most certainly a hardware malfunction to blame, and you must contact the storage device’s manufacturer for more help.
Before you leave, discover common Windows 11 errors and expert solutions to prevent such issues from reappearing!
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
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