Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Windows Error 0x00000015

0x00000015: The Device is not Ready

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What is 0x00000015 Error?


The Stop Code 0x00000015, also known as "The device is not ready", is a Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that typically indicates an issue with accessing a hardware device — such as a hard drive, USB, or other storage media. This error occurs when the system tries to read from or write to a device that isn’t responding or hasn’t been initialized properly. It can be triggered during boot, while launching a file, or when a connected device becomes unresponsive unexpectedly.

Causes

  • Disconnected or Failing Hardware: External drives or internal components like HDDs/SSDs may be improperly connected or have physical faults.
  • Driver Conflicts or Corruption: Outdated or incompatible drivers, especially for storage controllers, can fail to initialize the device properly.
  • Corrupt Disk or File System: File system errors or bad sectors on a hard drive may prevent access to the device.
  • USB Device Errors: Faulty or improperly removed USB drives can cause system instability and this BSOD.
  • Power Supply or Cable Issues: A weak power source or damaged cables can cause temporary device disconnection or failure.

Resolution Steps




1.Check Device Connection

  • Ensure all internal and external devices are properly connected.
  • Reseat SATA or USB cables.
  • Try using a different port or power source.

2.Update or Reinstall Drivers

  • Press Win + X and open Device Manager.
  • Locate the affected device (usually under Disk drives or USB controllers).
  • Right-click and select "Update driver" or "Uninstall device" and restart your PC.

3.Run CHKDSK for Disk Errors

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run the command: chkdsk C: /f /r
  • Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if needed.

4.Use the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

  • Press Win + R, type: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and press Enter.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to detect and resolve hardware issues.

5.Run SFC and DISM Tools

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run the following commands:
  • sfc /scannow
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • These tools will repair corrupted system files.

6.Perform a System Restore

  • Go to Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore.
  • Choose a restore point before the issue began.
  • Let Windows revert to a previous, stable configuration.


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