Fixing Error 0x87e00002: Easy Solutions for Game Transfers in Windows

Error messages tend to feel like roadblocks that pop up at the precise moment you’re about to reach the finish line—and Error 0x87e00002 is no exception. This pesky issue raises its head when transferring games on Windows 10 or Windows 11 PCs, particularly when juggling data between internal and external drives or working with gaming platforms like Steam or Xbox Game Pass for PC. But don’t worry: whether you're a casual gamer or someone managing a colossal game library across multiple storage devices, we'll unpack the issue, diagnose the causes, and walk you through foolproof fixes!
So, grab your external drive and dive in.

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The Anatomy of Error 0x87e00002​

Error 0x87e00002 might look like a typical mishap, but it has underlying (and surprisingly varied) causes. Here’s what’s likely lying beneath the surface:

What Causes Error 0x87e00002?​

• Drive Recognition Problems: The external drive might not be properly detected by the operating system, introducing hiccups during data transfer.
• Conflicting Background Processes: Simultaneously downloading or moving files can overburden the system.
• Drive Permission Restrictions: Game platforms or user accounts may lack the necessary permissions to access or modify files on the storage device.
• Corrupted Game Files: Incomplete or damaged installations can throw this error when attempting to move a game.
• Network Instability: When moving data heavily reliant on cloud validation (such as Xbox or Steam save files), unstable networks can create problems.
• Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible storage drivers can wreak havoc.

But the good news? Each of these is solvable with a few straightforward steps.

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Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Error 0x87e00002​

Below are the tested methods you can apply to quash Error 0x87e00002 for good. Follow these solutions sequentially to see what works best for your specific scenario.

1. Restart Your PC and Reconnect Drives​

Sometimes, the simplest tricks are the most effective. Restarting your system refreshes system resources and re-establishes communication with hardware.

• Save any ongoing work and close all applications.
• Safely eject external drives (right-click the drive in the notification area > Eject).
• Restart your PC: Start Menu > Power > Restart.
• Reconnect the external drives securely.
• Retry moving the game files.

Pro Tip: USB ports can sometimes act finicky. If your external drive isn't recognized, try connecting it to a different port or use another cable.

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2. Pause Downloads While Transferring Files​

Ever tried downloading a game while moving other files? Bad idea. Transferring large files already taxes the system, so adding downloads to the mix can trigger this error.
Fix? Just pause the downloads first. Here’s how you can do this from both Steam and Xbox apps:

For Steam:​

• Navigate to your Download Manager in Steam.
• Pause any ongoing downloads before transferring files.

For Xbox:​

• Open the Xbox App.
• Locate the active downloads under Queue.
• Pause all downloads temporarily.

Once your game transfer successfully finishes, resume those big downloads.

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3. Verify and Repair Corrupted Game Files​

Game files can easily go haywire due to incomplete downloads, crashes, or storage errors. Most gaming platforms (thankfully!) come with built-in tools to verify and repair such files.

Steps to Verify Files in Steam:​

• Open Steam Client > Head to your Library.
• Right-click the problematic game > Select Properties.
• Under Local Files or Installed Files, choose Verify Integrity of Game Files.
• Let Steam scan for and fix any corruption.

For the Xbox App or Epic Games Launcher, you’ll find similar verification options under game settings. The process ensures all game files are present and valid before moving them.

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4. Check Drive and User Permissions​

Sometimes, the OS (or gaming client) blocks access to drives due to user or system-level permission settings. Fixing such access barriers is crucial for smooth file transfers.

Fix Drive Permissions:​

• Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
• Right-click on the Target Drive > Select Properties.
• Move to the Security Tab > Review access under Group or User Names.
• Ensure your account has Full Control permissions.

For Game Platforms (e.g., Steam):​

• Navigate to the folder where Steam or the Xbox app is installed.
• Right-click the folder > Choose Properties.
• Assign Full Control access to the logged-in user or “Authenticated Users.”

Warning: Be cautious when modifying permissions on system drives (typically labeled "C:"); changes here can result in unstable configurations.

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5. Scan and Repair External Drive Errors​

External drives can develop bad sectors or minor storage abnormalities over time. Running Windows’ built-in disk repair tools can resolve these issues.
Steps to Fix the Drive:

• Open File Explorer and locate the external drive under This PC.
• Right-click the drive > Select Properties.
• Go to the Tools tab > Under “Error Checking”, click Check.
• Let Windows identify and fix storage errors.

A clean and error-free drive is the cornerstone of successful file transfer.

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6. Update Disk Drivers​

Drivers act like translators that allow your operating system to communicate properly with hardware. Out-of-date or buggy multi-drive controller drivers can directly contribute to Error 0x87e00002.

How to Update Disk Drivers Manually:​

• Press Win + X > Choose Device Manager.
• Expand Disk Drives.
• Right-click your external drive > Select Update Driver.
• Choose Search Automatically for Drivers.

You can also look for updated drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website for your external HDD/SSD.

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Additional Notes & Preventive Tips​

• Avoid Fragmentation: Fragmented drives can strain resources. Periodically defrag HDDs (skip this for SSDs!).
• Back Up Files Before Troubleshooting: Always backup essential data before initiating any repairs or tweaks.
• Consider Drive Compatibility: If you’re consistently facing transfer issues, your external drive may not be fully compatible with your OS. Check manufacturer specifications.

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Still Facing Trouble? Here's the Wrap-Up​

Error 0x87e00002 can feel like a stubborn speed bump, but this doesn’t mean you’re stuck indefinitely. By following these guided resolutions—from restarting your machine to checking permissions and updating drivers—you’ll have your games happily leaping across drives in no time.
Have other storage-related questions? Share your experiences in the forum below. Let’s troubleshoot it together—because no one should suffer through error popups alone! Plus, free brownie points if you explain why Half-Life 3 is still a digital myth...

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Source: The Windows Club https://www.thewindowsclub.com/error-0x87e00002-when-transferring-a-game-on-pc