Windows 10: How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data?

Discus and support How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data? in Windows 10 Ask Insider to solve the problem; I want to copy/back up/move/use/access the data on my old WD drive, but W10 only recognizes it as "Unknown" and "Not Initialized." I've hit a catch-22... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Ask Insider' started by /u/Chuck_Walla, Jan 3, 2020.

  1. /U/CHUCK_WALLA
    /u/Chuck_Walla Win User

    How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data?


    I want to copy/back up/move/use/access the data on my old WD drive, but W10 only recognizes it as "Unknown" and "Not Initialized." I've hit a catch-22 where the PC won't recognize my data without reformatting the drive, which would erase all my data.

    Full disclosure: I'm a recent, resistant convert to W10 from 7. Forgive me. I'm still nostalgic for the straightforwardness of DOS. I'm sure all this is in service of some greater purpose. But what are we the consumer supposed to do with our old data?

    submitted by /u/Chuck_Walla
    [link] [comments]

    :)
     
    /u/Chuck_Walla, Jan 3, 2020
    #1
  2. TIREDCHRISNEWBIE
    tiredchrisNEWBIE Win User

    Win10 - Backup & Restore to Ext HDD,etc

    Hi,I Just can't figure out How to take a screenshot of 'Disk Management',but as MY Computer Won't recognise the Ext HDD,it Dosn't matter... How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data? :(

    - The Next Problem to be solved is to get MY computer to recognise it Has an Ext HDD connected to it... How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data? :(

    Untill THAT Problem is Solved No data can be transfered... How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data? :(
     
    tiredchrisNEWBIE, Jan 3, 2020
    #2
  3. MARKFULLER2
    MarkFuller2 Win User
    reformat hdd

    I am trying to reformat an old dell ispirion 5100 pata hdd with w7 from a new hp laptop using a usb adapter for the hdd. I can boot the hp to the w7 startup menu, but it doesn't give me the option of choosing the hdd connected with the usb adapter, it
    only lists the partitions on the hp internal hdd. Can I format this hdd with the hp computer using a usb adapter? The dvd I am using is an oem version that comes with its own product key that I purchased from eBay.
     
    MarkFuller2, Jan 3, 2020
    #3
  4. FREDERIK LONG
    Frederik Long Win User

    How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data?

    reformat hdd

    To illustrate your question, please open the Disk Manager (diskmgmt.msc), then use snippingtool.exe to take a snapshot of the Disk Manager frame. Save the snapshot to your desktop, then attach it to your reply.

    What is the relevance of the OEM DVD for your reformat activity?
     
    Frederik Long, Jan 3, 2020
    #4
Thema:

How to read Ext HDD without reformatting all my data?

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