Initialize Disk

Question

I recently had to reset my computer to try and fix some problems it was having (it was crashing constantly). When I re-ran windows I attempted to access an external hard drive I use. When I plug the hard drive in windows makes the sound recognizing it and it shows up as a USB device. However, I cannot access the folders in the hard drive. When I check in disk management it shows up as Disk 1 but states that it is uninitialized. I do not want to lose the dataon the disk and when I attempt to intialize it gives me another error. Can someone assist in recovering the files?

Answer 1

Hi,

That message means the drive is not even formatted.

Plug it into another computer to see if it is recognized.

If not then the USB enclosure itself could have had a failure. Or something, possibly malware, removed the volume on the drive.

Why did you have to Reset that computer? Could that issue be related to this drive issue?

Hope this helps.

---

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows and Devices for IT : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.

Answer 2

Hi Eagle. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

Was the drive plugged in when you Reset Windows? Did you do the deep clean reset?

Have you tried the drive in another PC?

Look over the suggestions here: https://www.easeus.com/resource/disk-unknown-no...

If it wasn't wiped then you can try a Partition Recovery software like this one that has saved other drives that weren't formatted but lost their partitions:

http://www.partitionwizard.com/help/partition-r...

If that doesn't work then you can try Data Recovery software like this free starter program: http://www.piriform.com/recuva/features

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post helped you, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

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 3

I recently had to reset my computer to try and fix some problems it was having (it was crashing constantly). When I re-ran windows I attempted to access an external hard drive I use. When I plug the hard drive in windows makes the sound recognizing it and it shows up as a USB device. However, I cannot access the folders in the hard drive. When I check in disk management it shows up as Disk 1 but states that it is uninitialized. I do not want to lose the dataon the disk and when I attempt to intialize it gives me another error. Can someone assist in recovering the files?

 How is the problem disk connected to the pc,usb 

• #1. SATA SSD Interface.
• #2. mSATA SSD Interface.
• #3. SATA Express Interface.
• #4. PCIE SSD Interface.
• #5. M.2 Connectors.
• 2 SSD Protocols
• Did the drive have multiple partitions are part of a raid.
• Have you started the drive before the pc boots.
• Have you run diskpart to check the status of the drive and the disk layout.
• I just had a similar issue on win10 not initiating one out of 4 drive connected through
• a usb enclosure, but had no issues on win7.
• I do have some windows iso's on the drive , so could have been my issue.
• Can you take another pic in disk management,select top without anything blocking it.