“The semaphore timeout period has expired” error may be displayed when you try to copy large files over the network or when transferring files from an external USB drive to your computer. In other cases the “Error 0x80070079: The semaphore timeout period has expired”, appears when you try to copy files from a USB connected device (e.g. from your photo camera, mobile phone, etc.).
In this guide you ‘ll find several ways to resolve the “semaphore timeout period has expired. Error 0x80070079” when copying files from/to Network or USB, in Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7 or Vista.
How to FIX: Error Copying File or Folder. The semaphore period has expired.
PART 1. FIX ‘Semaphore Period has Expired’ when Copying Files from USB.
PART 2. FIX ‘Semaphore Period has Expired’ when Copying Files from Network.
PART 1. FIX ‘Semaphore Period has Expired’ when Copying Files from USB.
If your receive the ‘Semaphore Period has Expired’ error when you copy files from a USB device (e.g. from an external USB disk, or from your digital camera), try the following to fix the issue:
1. Close all open programs and restart your computer.
2. Connect the USB Device to another USB port. If your computer owns a USB 2.0 port then connect the USB device in that port.
3. Use a different USB cable to connect the USB device with your computer.
4. If you want to copy files from a USB device (e.g. your mobile phone or your digital camera), that owns an SD card, then remove and reinsert the SD card. Additionally, remove the SD card from the USB device and attach it to a card reader (if you own one).
5. Check and repair errors on the USB drive using the ‘chkdsk‘ command. To do that:
1. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: *
- chkdsk X: /F /R
* Note: Replace the drive letter X according to the letter of the USB drive.
PART 2. FIX ‘Semaphore Period has Expired’ when Copying Files Over Network.
If your receive the ‘Semaphore Period has Expired’ error when you try to copy files over the Network, then try the following:
Method 1. Use a Static IP Address.
If you ‘re using DHCP, then disable it and specify a static IP address on both network computers.
Method 2. Update the Network Drivers on both computers.
- If you own a laptop computer, try the following:
- If you ‘re connected via Wi-Fi, then try to copy the files using the Ethernet (LAN) connection, or…
- Navigate to your laptop’s manufacturer support site to download and install the latest network drivers.
- If you own a desktop computer, download the latest drivers for your network card, from motherboard’s manufacturer support site.
TIP: If you cannot find the model of your laptop or your motherboard, then do the following:
1. Press the Windows
+ R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type: devmgmt.msc & click OK to open ‘Device Manager’.
3. In Device Manager expand the Network Adapters.
4. Right click on your Network Adapter and click Update Driver.
5. Let Windows to search automatically for an update driver for the network adapter. *
*Note: If Windows cannot find an updated driver, then use the adapter’s name (e.g. “Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter”) and search for an updated driver manually.
Method 3. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily.
The next method to fix the ‘Semaphore Period has Expired” issue, is to temporarily disable the Windows Firewall and your Antivirus program. To disable the Windows Firewall:
1. Press the Windows 
+ R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type: control & click OK.
3. Set the “View by:” to Small Icons to display all control panel items.
4. Open Windows Firewall (or “Windows Defender Firewall” in Windows 10).
5. Click at Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
6. Check the “Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)” option and click OK.
7. Restart your computer and then copy the files. *
* Note: After copying the files, follow the above steps to re-enable the Windows Firewall.
That’s all folks! Did it work for you?
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