External Hard Drive Access Denied

Question

I am not able to access my external HDD at all. It's a seagate 2TB 9SF2A8-500, if that helps?

I keep getting this message saying "Location is not available" "F:\ is not accessible. Access Denied".  I feel like I've tried everything!  

This started happening with the absolute worst timing, as I recently did a full reboot of my PC with Windows 10 and backed up all my files on there. It was working for a couple of weeks.  The drive shows up in the side menu on windows explorer and appears in Disk Management, also.

Does anyone know any methods to fixing this. I'm really hoping to avoid re-formatting the drive, if at all possible. 

During typing this I tried opening autoplay and clicking "Configure storage settings", and it comes up with another error message "F:\   The directory name is invalid.".

Here I've copy-pasted some methods I've already tried, but none have worked for me. I've also tried file recovery programs, and they will find the files, but won't recover them without a subscription/payment of some sort (usually quite expensive for a one-time use).

Method 1: Run the hardware troubleshooter and check if it helps.

1. Press Windows and X key together and select Control Panel.

Click on Troubleshooting.

1. Click on View all option on the left side of the Windows.
2. Click on Hardware and Devices option.
3. Click on Next and follow the onscreen instructions to troubleshoot the issue.

Method 2: Try connecting the external hard drive to a different USB port and check.

Method 3: Let’s check the disk management and see if the hard drive is detected. If it is detected, change the drive letter and go back to the Windows Explorer and check if you can open it.

1. Open Disk Manager by pressing Windows key + R, in the run prompt type diskmgmt.msc, hit Enter key, it will open the disk management that will list all the disks that are connected to the computer.
2. Check if you can see the USB drive. If it is listed.
3. Right-click the drive, and then click Change, click Assign the following drive letter, click the letter that you want to use, and then click OK.

I'm really trying my best here, but I'm absolutely stumped. Please help me if you can.

Answer 1

Hi SmoothDog75 and thanks for reaching out. My name is Joseph. I'm an independent advisor. I'll be happy to help you out today.

I found an existing article that will help you resolve your concern. You can check and see if the instructions provided can help you.

Try "Solution 1 & 2"

https://www.jiho.com/en/tips/fix-hard-drive-acc...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes.

Thank you!

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

THANK YOU SO MUCH, JOSEPH!!!

I couldn't believe my eyes when solution 1 worked! I've tried changing permissions to myself as administrator to no avail, but not this. It's so damn simple, but so damn overlooked!

Literal jaw drop (not even joking).

Thank you again!