Error: Windows was unable to complete the format

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BeornJ

Commendable
Jul 18, 2016
2
0
1,510
I have a 2TB Seagate external hard drive. Whenever it is plugged in, Windows 7 tells me that it needs to be formatted to be accessed, so I click format and it gives me a window containing a few formatting options and then the start option. I click start and it begins formatting... then I get the error: Windows was unable to complete the format.

I have Googled around and have tried opening the disk manager and partition guru, however when I try and open these two programs with the hard drive plugged in, they simply do not respond.

How can I format and reuse this hard drive? Is it dead forever?
 
Solution
J
try formatting it on a usb 2.x port
if it works, then update the BIOS and UBS 3.0 drivers for your motherboard.
(generally usb 3.0 drivers are not updated with windows update)



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D_Know_WD

D_Know_WD

Judicious
Jul 30, 2014
6,633
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Hi there BeornJ,

Unfortunately, your HDD could be failing.

I believe you can start with attaching the drive with a different cable to another computer.
In case the issue persists, you can test the drive with a tool that can provide a SMART report. You can either use a brand specific or a third party one.
If the drive fails any of those, then you can just contact the place you got it from and eventually RMA it, if it is under warranty.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD :)
 
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BeornJ

Commendable
Jul 18, 2016
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1,510


I am using usb-like, but m-shaped plug from the drive to a usb 3 port in my computer.
 
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johnbl

Polypheme
Nov 4, 2012
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try formatting it on a usb 2.x port
if it works, then update the BIOS and UBS 3.0 drivers for your motherboard.
(generally usb 3.0 drivers are not updated with windows update)



 
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Solution
D

Dudu9stuff3

Commendable
Sep 8, 2016
2
0
1,510
Hello,
How do you format that device successfully?
I had 8 GB Kingston pen drive I would try to format and be given an error 'window was unable to complete the format’ Honestly, I did have tried many ways searched over the internet, but, got no success. However, finally format it with a drive formatter found online.
Overall, your thread gives me useful clues.
Thank you
 
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