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| ERROR_PNP_QUERY_REMOVE_UNRELATED_DEVICE_TIMEOUT | ERROR_INVALID_ADDRESS |
ERROR_DEVICE_HARDWARE_ERROR
The device reported a fatal hardware failure
ERROR_DEVICE_HARDWARE_ERROR means the storage or hardware stack could not complete the request because the device reported a serious failure. This is more severe than a transient busy or timeout condition and may indicate imminent data loss.
Immediate actions
- Stop unnecessary writes to the affected device.
- Preserve logs and hardware-health data.
- Back up readable data to another device if this can be done safely.
- Check cabling, power, controller, firmware, and device-reported diagnostics.
Diagnosis
Correlate the error with System event logs, storage-controller events, SMART or vendor health information, and repeated failures at the same logical block. Test whether the issue follows the device, port, cable, or controller.
Handling in software
Return a clear hardware-failure result and avoid endless retries. A small bounded retry can be justified for transport recovery, but persistent failure should mark the resource unhealthy and prevent destructive repair attempts.
Data-integrity note
Do not assume a successful retry proves the device is healthy. Intermittent hardware errors warrant replacement planning and integrity verification.
References
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