1. Welcome Guest! In order to create a new topic or reply to an existing one, you must register first. It is easy and free. Click here to sign up now!.
    Dismiss Notice

How to format a USB external with no file system

Discussion in 'Windows 11' started by Old Man, Jul 26, 2024.

  1. Old Man

    Old Man Registered Members

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2023
    Messages:
    62
    Operating System:
    Windows 10
    I have a WD SATA USB 1 TB hard drive I would like to format and use as storage. When I try to format the drive, Windows cannot format it and goes unresponsive. Also, I got the error that this drive has no file system on it. I cannot use it unless it is formatted, but Windows cannot do it. I had thought of using G parted, but that requires burning it to a CD and my desk top has no CD-ROM drive. Is there another way I can get it formatted and usable?
     
    Old Man, Jul 26, 2024
    #1
  3. IJAC

    IJAC Super-Moderator Super Moderators

    Joined:
    May 8, 2017
    Messages:
    886
    Location:
    Here
    Operating System:
    Linux Based
    Computer Brand or Motherboard:
    I have a Asus prime Z270A MB
    CPU:
    Intel i5 Quad core
    Memory:
    Rip Jaw 32 GB
    Hard Drive:
    Samsung Evo 500 GB SS
    Graphics Card:
    Radeon R7 260X/360
    Power Supply:
    750 Watt Corsair
    Have you tried by right clicking on start, choose disk management, select the disk you want to format.
     
    IJAC, Jul 27, 2024
    #2
    allheart55 (Cindy E) and Tony D like this.
  4. Tony D

    Tony D Administrator Administrator

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Messages:
    5,062
    Location:
    SE Pennsylvania, USA
    Operating System:
    Windows XP Professional
    The drive may have failed. If it's in an enclosure, removed the drive from the enclosure and connect to your computer with known good SATA to USB adapter. If you still can't get it to format, the drive has failed.

    Another thought: If the drive gets its power from the USB connection, your computer may not be providing enought power to let the drive operate properly. Again, a know good SATA to USB adapter that gets its power from an electrical outlet can be used to check it.

    Something like this would work https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Exte...sprefix=sata+to+usb+caddy,aps,92&sr=8-13&th=1
     
    Tony D, Jul 29, 2024
    #3
    allheart55 (Cindy E) and IJAC like this.

Share This Page