An external hard drive not accessible, even thinking of it makes me feel so nervous. I know the pain of losing such precious data years ago. Since then, I’ve never taken my external hard drive lightly; I’ve purchased a good hard case cover, cleaned it on a regular basis, and ensured that it doesn’t overheat. Hard drives are typically delicate and sensitive. If you found out that your drive is not working or connecting to the computer, first of all, do not panic. Also, do not perform any extreme methods to fix it before it’s surety, or else you will end up losing your data. You must be thinking, can external hard drives be repaired, and the answer is yes, it can. However, identifying the issue first will make the process easier. So, let’s start with some basic to mid-level methods; try them out, and hopefully, you won’t need to visit a repair shop.
How to Fix External Hard Drive Not Accessible in Windows 10
External hard drive problems can be caused because of multiple reasons, including:
- Unplugged hard drive without proper ejection.
- Unsupported or outdated driver.
- Recently fallen or damaged.
- Error in either device ports or hard drive’s USB cable.
- Corrupted due to viruses or malware.
Kumbuka: Before we begin to solve your query regarding can external hard drives be repaired or not, do not even try to hit, gentle tapping, or shake the hard drive. The tapping and hitting mechanism may work with other electronic devices, but doing it on the hard drive will make the problem even worse. Also, while performing these methods, or if at any time you can access your hard drive on your PC, make sure to back up or transfer all the important data.
Njia ya 1: Hatua za Msingi za Utatuzi
Follow these basic steps to fix external hard drive problems in Windows 10.
- Anzisha tena mfumo wako and then try to connect it back.
- Remove the drive from its cover or case and place it on a flat surface before plugging it in.
- Unplug and try it on other ports of the PC. If you are using a USB 3.0 port, then try USB 2.0.
- Pia, try connecting to other external devices, such as a keyboard, printer, or mouse. If you have trouble connecting those devices as well, the problem could be with the ports or the drivers.
- Examine the USB cable from both ends. Check that it is not broken or damaged. Also, when connecting the hard drive, try a different USB cable; the problem could be in the cable.
- Test the hard drive on another PC. If it works, it means the issue is with the device or ports.
Method 2: Verify Hard Drive Format
There are two major drive formats, ExFAT which work on both Mac and Windows operating systems, whereas NTFS is only compatible with Windows. If you are connecting a hard drive that is in Mac OS format, then Windows will not detect it. Hence, to connect the hard drive to Windows, you need to format in ExFAT format. Follow the method 8 steps to change the format of hard drive. To check format of your hard drive, do the following:
1. Open file Explorer kwa kupiga Vifunguo vya Windows + E pamoja.
2. Bonyeza juu ya PC Hii, then right-click on your hard drive and click on Mali.
3. The format of your hard drive will be written in the General tab, next to mfumo wa faili.
Pia Soma: Rekebisha Ukaguzi wa Diski Haikuweza Kutekelezwa Kwa sababu Windows Haiwezi Kupata Diski
Njia ya 3: Sasisha Viendeshi vya Kifaa
One of the main reasons behind external hard drive not accessible error message appearance could be because of a faulty or outdated driver which doesn’t support your device. Follow our guide on how to update device drivers on Windows 10.
Njia ya 4: Weka tena Viendeshi vya Kifaa
The option Scan for hardware changes will identify all the hardware connected to your PC and based on that the default driver will be installed. To fix the error, you need to uninstall the disk drives and USB drivers temporarily and reinstall them again. Read our guide to uninstall and reinstall drivers on Windows 10.
Pia Soma: Rekebisha Viendeshi Vilivyopatikana vya Windows kwa Kifaa Chako lakini Ikakumbana na Hitilafu
Method 5: Run CHKDSK Scan
Chkdsk stands for Check Disk. It’s an inbuilt drive scanner that will identify and fix all errors that happen due to malware, corrupt system files, or improper shutdown. Follow our guide to check disk errors using chkdsk command.
Method 6: Test Hard Drive in Safe Mode
There are high chances that you can access the drive in safe mode if external hard drive not accessible on normal mode. Possibly there could be a file or settings that may be interfering in normal Windows mode. In safe mode, the functionality is limited and only the primary driver is loaded. Follow these steps to turn on safe mode to fix external hard drive problems.
1. Waandishi wa habari Ufunguo wa Windows, aina Utekelezaji wa Mfumo, na waandishi wa habari kuingia ufunguo.
2. Kisha nenda kwa Boot tab, bofya Boot salama na bonyeza OK.
3. Baada ya hayo, bofya Anzisha tena.
4. Once your system reboots in safe mode, then launch file Explorer and check whether the external hard drive is accessible or not.
5. Then, go back to Utekelezaji wa Mfumo na bonyeza Mwanzo wa kawaida to boot normally or else it will keep booting into Safe mode. And, then click on OK.
6. Bonyeza juu ya Anzisha tena.
Pia Soma: Njia 10 za Kufungua Nafasi ya Diski Ngumu Kwenye Windows 10
Method 7: Change Drive Letter
External hard drive not accessible error occurs if there are two drives with a similar name which could be causing confusion between the paths. Make sure that each drive has its own unique name/letter. Here’s how to change it:
1. Waandishi wa habari Ufunguo wa Windows, aina Usimamizi wa Disk, na bofya Open kama inavyoonekana.
2. Bonyeza kulia kwenye yako gari na kisha bofya Badilisha Barua na Hifadhi ya Hifadhi ....
3. Bonyeza juu ya Badilisha ....
4. Then choose a barua mpya kutoka kwa menyu ya kushuka na ubonyeze OK.
5. Mwishowe, anzisha tena PC.
Method 8: Create Partition for New Hard Drive
If you are trying to connect a new or formatted hard drive and facing external hard drive not accessible problems, the reason could be that the drive is without any partition. Partition is used to allow storage space and allotment. Do the following to make a partition:
1. Plug in your ngumu kuendesha.
2. Uzindua Usimamizi wa Disk programu.
3. Bonyeza-kulia kwenye ngumu kuendesha where the black bar can be seen and click on Kitabu cha Rahisi Mpya ... chaguo kama inavyoonyeshwa hapa chini.
4. Bonyeza Ijayo> button.
5. Weka kawaida na jina for the drive on upcoming screens and click on Inayofuata.
6. Kisha chagua format this volume option and choose NTFS file format for Windows or ExFat which is compatible on Mac as well. And click on Ifuatayo>.
7. Na, bofya Kumaliza.
Kumbuka: By selecting the format option will erase all the data on your external hard drive.
Pia Soma: Rekebisha: Hifadhi mpya ngumu haionekani katika Usimamizi wa Diski
Method 9: Enable Hidden Devices to Display
In most of the Windows operating systems, hide empty driver option is enabled by default. Or, if mistakenly the option has turned on, that could be the reason you are going through external hard drive problems. Do the following to get rid of it:
Option I: Enable Hidden Device
1. Waandishi wa habari Ufunguo wa Windows, aina Amri ya haraka na bonyeza Run kama msimamizi.
2. Bonyeza juu ya Ndiyo kutoa ruhusa.
3. Kisha, andika yafuatayo amri na kugonga Ingiza ufunguo.
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
4. Sasa bonyeza kitufe Ufunguo wa Windows, aina Hila Meneja na bonyeza Open.
5. Ifuatayo, bonyeza Angalia na bonyeza Onyesha vifaa vya siri.
6. Replug your external hard drive and check whether it’s accessible or not.
Option II: Check Hidden files
1. Piga Windows + E keys pamoja kuzindua file Explorer.
2. Kisha, bonyeza Angalia tab na bofya Chaguzi.
3. Enda kwa Angalia tab, uncheck Hide empty drives chaguo na bonyeza OK.
Maswali yanayoulizwa (FAQs)
Q1. Why do I need to eject hard drive before unplugging it?
Majibu. Simply put, you need to instruct the computer to halt whatever process it is performing on the hard drive. If you unplug it without ejecting the drive, the files may become corrupted, resulting in a damaged hard drive.
Q2. How can I keep my hard drive in better condition?
Majibu. Keep it in a good case to protect it from dust and unintentional accidents. Keep it cool and unplug it when not in use; the more it is used, the shorter its life will be. It’s a highly sensitive device, do not drop or shake it. While in use, place on a flat surface and avoid putting over shaky or vibrating surfaces such as speakers or sound whopper. Clean it frequently with a dry cloth and avoid using it outside in direct sunlight.
Ilipendekeza:
Tunatumahi kuwa mwongozo huu ulikuwa muhimu na umeweza kurekebisha External Hard Drive not Accessible problem and also know about that can external hard drives be repaired or not. Let us know which method worked for you best. If you have any queries or suggestions regarding any tech-related issues, then feel free to drop them in the comments section below.