Windows 10: Does CMD show recovery drives files differently than Win 11?

I’ve been trying to resolve a security issue and came across this and wanted to double check what could be happening here with the community. When I view the contents of this USB drive via recovery console I get a completely different set of files which I cannot find on the drive with hidden files in view in win 11. This is the only drive connected. Thanks for any ideas! It will not let me attach photos, because I am a new user but here’s an Imgur link:CMD vs Win 11

:)

 

How in WIN 11 do I change the drive letter of the CD/ROM drive?

Thanks, Greg.

So this is what worked, step by step.

Reboot

Drive is listed as E: in file explorer.

Drive not listed in Disk Management.

Insert DVD, it plays after short pause.

Disk management now shows Audio CD as E:

Right click, change letter to R: (while playing!)

Reboot.

Drive now shows as BD-RE drive as R: in File Explorer.

The bottom line is

- File Explorer does not provide for changing drive letter afics.

- Disk Management seems to need a disk to be in the drive for it to "see" the drive. I can't recall is this is Win 10 behaviour

I don't recall having any difficulty with this in Win 10 (its possible that the Win 10 default drive allocation was "after" my external drives; or I "just changed it").

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

Windows 11 File Explorer not showing external drive

If Windows 11 File Explorer is not showing an external drive that is connected to your device, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the connection: Make sure that the external drive is properly connected to your device. Try unplugging and replugging the drive, or connecting it to a different USB port.
   
2. Check Disk Management: Open Disk Management by pressing Windows key + X, then selecting Disk Management. Look for the external drive in the list of drives. If it appears but has no drive letter assigned, right-click on it and select "Change Drive Letter and Paths". Assign a drive letter to the external drive, and then check if it appears in File Explorer.
   
3. Update drivers: Make sure that your device's drivers are up to date, particularly the drivers for your USB ports. Use the Device Manager to check for any outdated or malfunctioning drivers, and update or reinstall them as needed.
   
4. Check power supply: If the external drive requires a separate power supply, make sure it is properly connected and functioning.
   
5. Test on another device: Try connecting the external drive to another device to see if it appears in File Explorer. This will help determine if the issue is with the drive itself or your device.
   

By following these steps, you may be able to resolve the issue of Windows 11 File Explorer not showing an external drive.

 

Installing Windows 11 from a recovery USB on Dell Inspiron 3580

Hi,

Background:

Drive was showing signs of death. Machine had Win 11 installed and updated.

• I created a USB recovery drive as per MS instructions.
  
• I removed the old drive, and added a new SSD drive.
  
• Upon boot Windows Setup launches. I select language, time and currency, and keyboard (all defaults) and click Next.
  
• I click Install Now.
  
• Setup starts.
  
• I respond to the applicable notices and license terms affirmatively and click Next.
  
• I am seeing 2 options: Upgrade which is not available because I am booting with a USB drive. I choose Custome, Install Windows Only. Which is fine by me.
  
• I choose the new drive from the list.
  
• The installation runs from Copying Windows files to Finishing up. All steps are marked complete.
  
• Then the Windows Setup launches again.
  

Dell diagnostics show the new drive is functional, and no other problems were found.

Can anyone please suggest what I might try next/differently, etc.?