Windows 10: Hard Drive OS Repair/Access on a hard drive attached as a external hard drive

I have a computer originally from my son. It had not been running for 5-7 years, burnt power supply. I was updating to most current Win 10 and the files got corrupted at version 1909 and it won't boot. In Win PE recovery mode I've tried system restore, system reset, advanced start options: all safe mode options, block driver signature; all to no avail. This will teach me to do backup/ restore points for each step. DISM running out of recovery environment gives messages that it is unable to access the image file. Originally planned to update and send all files, mostly pictures, to my grandson, should have done that first. My son died 2/02 this year. I have the password to the computer. It appears my son only used local user account and did not have a MS account. I've moved the drive to an external drive enclosure and connected via E SATA to my computer to try and repair the OS there, Got a lot of learning to do to get that done. Want to access files to move to a USB to send to Grandson, but security won't let me. Is there a way to enter the password from the old computer to allow access to the files?

:)

 

External hard drive is not accessible

Hi,

For us to provide a solution suited to your concern, we need additional information:

• Have you tried using different ports to connect your external hard drive?
• Did you try using other devices to connect your hard drive and access the files?

We'll wait for your response.

 

External hard drive not recognised

Thanks for this. I've done what you suggested and been through all the steps mentioned in the article. The hard drive works fine on a Mac computer, and I've managed to copy the information on it. It must be a Surface issue so I'll try to get a chat line tomorrow.

 

external hard drive

Hi Chrpee,

If you can't find external hard drive on Disk management than the next step is using the diskpart via command line, please follow the steps below:-

On the keyboard hit ((Windows logo key + R key)) than type ((CMD))

Now the windows command line will appear, the next steps is to type ((diskpart))

After that type ((list disk)) to show you the list of hard disks with partitions

If you found your external hard drive one of the list than you need to type ((select disk number)), note: the number is a disk number

Once you selected the hard disk or partitions than type ((clean))

than type ((create partition primary))

than type ((select partition 1))

than type ((active))

than type ((format fs=ntfs quick))

than type ((assign))

last type ((exit))

Check if the external hard drive appeared, if not please see the link below for more info and let me know if you need any assist

https://uk.pcmag.com/dvd-burners/120624/what-to...