Fix Error “You Need to Format the Disk in Drive Before Using it “

Summary: Are you looking for the correct way to fix the error message ‘You need to format the disk in the drive before using it’? If you are, then continue reading this blog to the end to discover the right solution. This article will provide step-by-step instructions using manual method and automated method with the Hard Drive Recovery tool on how to recover the data from the drive and then format it properly. First, let’s understand what this problem is and why it happens. Download Now   Purchase Now

User Query: ”As I plugged in my Sandisk SD memory card today, Windows asked me that I needed to format the disk in drive R before I could use it. Is there any way to correct this issue without losing my data?”

Yes! Of course, here we are going to show you the best aspects to solve this error. The “You need to format the disk in the drive before you can use it” error often happens when you attempt to access your external storage unit. Here we are sharing with you the best manual approaches to solve this issue.

you need to format disk before use

Why are Users Facing the “You Need to Format the Disk in the Drive Before Using it” Error?

Usually, people often remove their SD cards, USB drives, external hard drives, or other removable devices without using the ‘Safely Remove’ option. This can cause the device’s partition table to get messed up and turn into a format called RAW, which Windows can’t read. As a result, when they try to access the storage device, they might see an error message that says ‘You need to format the disk in drive G before you can use it. Want to format it?’ But this isn’t the only reason why disk formatting can fail.

Important Reasons Behind this Blunder

  • A sudden power loss was suffered by the storage device.
  • The storage device is infected with a virus.
  • A disk file system is not compatible with Windows.
  • Poor sectors occur in the USB flash drive, SD card, memory card, and external hard drive.

How to Fix “You Need to Format the Disk in Drive Before Using it “Error

If you are facing this issue then try to opt for these DIYs. There is a big possibility that the error will be resolved.

1. Use Different PC

Consider connecting the drive to another Windows PC if connecting to that USB port does not help. See if you can navigate the ride. Go to the next advanced solutions if the same error occurs on the device.

2. Run Antivirus Software to Scan Your PC

The virus may cause a problem. Use it to scan your device to find the problem if you have downloaded antivirus software.

3. Use Different USB Ports

Link your computer to another USB port and see if there is a problem. Use all your USB ports on your PC.

4. With CMD, Check Your Device’s Working

Several users reported that this method helped them to solve the problem of “you need to format the disk in the drive before you can use it.” This method would automatically check the disk error and correct it.

  • Type cmd and click the “Windows” button.
  • Right-click and select “Run as administrator”
  • Type chkdsk G:/f in the CMD window and click “Enter” (Replace “G” with your external storage device’s drive letter.)

Then Windows will start checking and restoring disk errors and files that have been destroyed. Wait for the end of the cycle.

If none of the above approaches helped you out and the problem persists then there is a possibility for corruption. Try to restore the disk drive using a recovery utility and then format it.

Recover the Drive’s Data Using Automated Method and Format It

Windows data recovery utility can help you to recover all information from internal/external drives and Zip disks. It can recover all kinds of data including images, videos, mp3, zip, etc. from external drives such as USB Flash Drive or Pen Drive, external hard drives, etc. Windows Data Recovery is designed with sophisticated recovery methods that help users cope with file corruption at different levels. This operates on three recovery modes that are Standard Mode, Sophisticated Mode, and Deep Mode to address the mild, medium, and extreme levels of corruption. It also facilitates the recovery of recently permanently deleted files from your computer.

How the Utility Works?

  1. Run the Windows Data Recovery tool on your PC

    Select the issued drive.
  2. Next, choose Volume or Physical Drive and tap on Next.

    Choose the recovery method.
  3. After that, Volume details will be shown on your screen. Hit on the Next button.

    Wait for the scanning process.
  4. Pick the Recovery mode option and tap on the Next button.

    Wait for the scanning process.
  5. Then, the scanning procedure of your selected volume or Disk Drive (C:/) has been started.

    Wait for the completion of recovery process.
  6. After finishing the scanning process hit on the OK.

    Wait for the scanning process.
  7. Pick out the destination path or make the path to store the recovered volume data and then hit the save button.

    Wait for the scanning process.
  8. Now, tap yes to save deleted files.

    Wait for the completion of recovery process.
  9. In the end, your data is successfully stored at the desired location. Tap on the OK.

    Wait for the completion of recovery process.

You can’t miss Windows Data Recovery Wizard, the reliable hard drive recovery utility, to restore data from the inaccessible disk. It will move all files to another safe location on your problematic disk. After that, without worrying, you can format your external storage unit.

Conclusion

Besides “You need to format the disk in the drive before using it” there are other problems related to formatting that can happen with your external storage unit. In such cases, installing a Windows Data Recovery wizard on your computer is a good choice, which will restore your data once you have lost your files. I hope it helped you to cope with your driving issues.

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About The Author:

I'm a Tech Geek who loves technology and like to resolve issues, related to Data Entities. I like to write blogs that related to Email Migrations, Database Recovery, Email Backup, Tech, Mac, and Windows,

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