Fix External Hard Drive Not Working (Not Responding) Asking to Format Issue

Everyone out there must be familiar with the usage or purpose of the hard drive. It is very much clear that users store lots of data in it, which they cannot afford to lose. So, whenever any issue encountered by the users, they immediately start looking for some solution. Among all those common issues, hard disk not responding asking format is the one. Now, if a hard drive is not responding to the Windows OS, then there can be many possible reasons behind it. It can be because of hardware related issue or some technical glitch and starts displaying error messages. You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it is the common one. Does not matter whatever is the reason, this blog will let users know how to fix hard disk not responding asking format issue in an efficient manner.

Error Message:

The error message is displayed like this on the screen but the drive name may vary from device to device.

If a user is getting the above screen on his or her system, then formatting the hard drive is not always the only option. It is because there are chances that there is a permanent loss of data. Thus, it is always advised to not format the disk on the spot. However, there are equal chances that it does not work even after formatting. So, move to the next part to know how to fix you need to format the disk drive before use issue.

Tricks to Fix Hard Disk Not Responding Error

There is no fixed reason behind the occurrence of the hard drive not responding asking to format error like bad sectors, virus or malware infection, and hardware or software issue. Thus, whatever is the reason, a user can try some of the solutions discussed below to fix hard disk not working issue.

1. Fix Disk Not Working Issue Using Different Post
2. Fix Hard Disk Not Responding Issue Using Windows DOS
3. Fix Hard Drive Not Responding Error Using Antivirus
4. Attach Disk to Other Computer to Fix Disk Not Responding
5. Secure Files Before Formatting Disk to Fix Not Responding Error

Trick 1: Use Different USB Ports to Fix Disk Not Responding Issue

If a user is facing disk not responding issue in an external hard disk, then it might be possible that there is some problem in the USB port. Thus, to confirm, try any other USB port and check if the problem still continues. Moreover, a user must check all USB ports that are there on the system. In few cases, this trick will work to resolve hard disk not responding asking to format issue.

Trick 2: Fix Need to Format Disk Before Using it Error via Windows DOS

Before performing the steps listed below, be sure that you are familiar with the command prompt and their commands. Because a wrong action can cause a serious error instead of fixing hard disk not responding and asking to format disk first issue.

Note: In DOS there will be no loss of data.
In order to Use DOS to resolve this issue, a user needs to follow the steps mentioned below:

1. To start the process, you need to hit Win+R key (Window key and R key) simultaneously. After that, a Run dialog box is displayed on the screen
2. Then, you have to type CMD in the given Run box and click on the OK button. (Note: Here, you need to run it as an administrator. Otherwise, you would get the prompt message.)
3. Next, you have to type chkdsk: /f. At last, hit Enter key.
   Here, from Your disk_letter means the name by which your hard disk has appeared in the PC. For example, your hard disk has appeared with drive letter “G”. In this case, you have to type “chkdsk G: /f”. The process is not completed successfully until it is 100% verified.

Trick 3: Run Antivirus and Fix Hard Drive Not Responding Error

The probability of virus attack on the computer system is very high always. It can easily corrupt or damage the hard drive as well as other Windows files. Therefore, if any certified Antivirus application is installed on the system, then one can scan the system and look for any such problem hard disk not working. Perform full system scan, after completion check the issue You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it resolved or not?

Trick 4: Check the Hard Disk on Different Computer

It can be possible that the problem is with the system not with the hard drive. To overcome hard disk not responding situation, a user is advised to plug the device to some other computer which is any of the Windows 10, 8, 7 installed Window. If the issue still continues, then it is clear that the hard drive is corrupted. Thus, a user either needs to buy new one or repair damaged hard drive. First, secure your important files saved in it by using the below-mentioned method and after that format the disk to fix the hard drive not responding asking to format error.

One-stop Solution to Fix Hard Disk Not Working Asking Format Issue

After trying all the above techniques if a user is still unable to fix the error you need to format the disk before using it, then try Hard Disk Recovery Wizard. It is the safest and reliable application that one can try to secure data files saved in the disk. This utility will easily retrieve all your files and folders in healthy stated from the hard drive which is not responding. After acquiring all your data files simply format the disk and reuse.

Conclusion

The hard drive is used by every user across the globe to store a large amount of data in it. However, if a user is unable to access the hard drive or it stops working (not working), then it will be a big problem. Hard Disk not responding asking format is among the common issues encountered by the users. In this situation before formatting, it is suggested to try multiple workarounds discussed in this post above. I hope after performing the above solutions you will easily fix you need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it issue on Windows 10, 8, 7 etc.