What's the best way to format an HDD?

HDD
1

Recently, my external hard drive started acting up and I can’t access my files. I think formatting it might solve the issue, but I’m not sure how to do it. Can anyone guide me through the process? I need my drive working ASAP and I appreciate any help!

2

Formatting an HDD can definitely help if your external hard drive is acting up, but before you jump into that, remember that formatting will erase all data on the drive. So, if there’s any chance you can back up your data, try to do that first. Here’s a straightforward way to format your external HDD, based on your operating system.

For Windows:

  1. Connect your HDD: Ensure the external hard drive is connected to your computer.
  2. Open File Explorer: Press Windows Key + E or find File Explorer from the start menu.
  3. Locate the Drive: Find your external hard drive under ‘This PC’.
  4. Right Click: Right-click on the drive and select ‘Format…’.
  5. Choose Format Settings:
    • File System: For most users, NTFS is the best option. If you plan to use this drive both on Windows and Mac, consider using exFAT.
    • Allocation unit size: Leave it at default unless you have a specific need to change it.
    • Volume label: Give a name to the drive.
  6. Start Format: Click ‘Start’ and confirm the prompt. The process will take a few minutes.

For Mac:

  1. Connect your HDD: Plug in the external hard drive.
  2. Open Disk Utility: Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  3. Select the Drive: Choose your external drive from the list on the left.
  4. Erase Tab: Click on the ‘Erase’ tab.
  5. Choose Format Settings:
    • Name: Set a name for your drive.
    • Format: macOS Extended (Journaled) if it’s a Mac-only drive or exFAT for cross-compatibility with Windows.
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map for most users.
  6. Erase: Click ‘Erase’ and confirm.

Alternative way, if you are willing to try something interesting, use third-party tools like GParted if you’re comfortable with a Linux environment. It offers more control over the partitions but can be a bit complex if you’re new to it.

For those wary types, you might want to run some disk checking utilities first like chkdsk on Windows or First Aid in Disk Utility on Mac. Sometimes the issues might be fixed without formatting. If you’ve got sensitive data which cannot be easily backed up, these tools might help you to diagnose and possibly fix the disk without the need for formatting.

Lastly, keep an eye out for physical issues. If your drive is making strange clicking noises or showing any signs of hardware failure, no amount of formatting will save it, and you might need to consider professional help for data recovery. Good luck спасing your drive!

3

Mixing in my two cents, I gotta slightly disagree with a couple points @codecrafter made. While the steps are on point, there are other nuances to consider for getting your external HDD back on track aside from just formatting outright.

Prioritize Data Recovery BEFORE Format

First off, before you head straight into formatting, prioritize data recovery. If your drive is going flaky and you suspect data corruption or loss, there are several tools that can help before you go nuclear. Try using:

  • Recuva: A user-friendly data recovery tool for Windows.
  • TestDisk and PhotoRec: Great for deeper dives and more tech-savvy users.
  • Disk Drill: It’s available for both Windows and macOS and can safely pull your data out before you format.

Assess Drive Health

Second, assess the health of your drive. Yes, formatting might help, but if your drive is failing physically, you’ll be just pouring water into a sieve. Use tools like:

  • CrystalDiskInfo (Windows): Gives a detailed report on your drive’s health.
  • SMART Utility (Mac): Similar to CrystalDiskInfo for those on Mac.

If your external drive shows signs of physical damage (like the infamous click of death), save yourself the hassle and just go for recovery services. No amount of DIY will make it working again. Mechanical issues mean you might need a pro.

Command-Line Formatting (For Advanced Users)

For those of you who enjoy a bit of command-line wizardry, especially more than they should, here are some options:

Advanced Windows Approach

  1. Connect Your HDD: Make sure it’s connected.
  2. Open Diskpart: Use Win+R and type cmd to open Command Prompt. Then type diskpart and hit Enter.
  3. List Disks: Run list disk to display all connected drives.
  4. Select Disk: Identify your external drive from the list and type select disk X (replace X with your drive number).
  5. Clean Disk: Type clean to erase everything from the drive.
  6. Create Partition: Then create partition primary.
  7. Format: Run format fs=ntfs quick label=YourDriveName or format fs=exfat quick label=YourDriveName if you need cross-platform compatibility.
  8. Assign Letter: Lastly, use assign letter=Z to give your drive a letter.

Advanced Mac Approach

  1. Connect HDD: Plug it in first.
  2. Open Terminal: Use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) to find Terminal.
  3. List Disks: Type diskutil list to see all connected disks.
  4. Identify Drive: Find the identifier of your drive (e.g., /dev/disk2).
  5. Erase: Type diskutil eraseDisk EXFAT YourDriveName GPT /dev/diskX and replace X with the appropriate number.

Third-Party Tools: More Than GParted

While GParted is great, especially for Linux folks, it’s a bit intimidating if you’re not into delving deep. There are user-friendly third-parties like:

  • AOMEI Partition Assistant: Comprehensive partition management tool for Windows users.
  • Paragon Hard Disk Manager: Advanced features for both Windows and Mac.

Possible Downside of Reformatting

Reformatting might not always solve the problem if the issue lies deeper. Especially with recurring glitches, a bad sector problem, or even firmware issues. Watch out for:

  • Strange noises or vibrations (hardware problem likely)
  • Repeated corruption or inability to retain data (bad sectors)

If these exist, consider professional help or even replacement of the drive itself.

Long-Term Health: Keep Your Drive Running Smooth

To prevent issues:

  1. Routine Backups: Always the golden rule. Use tools like Time Machine, Windows Backup, or third-party cloud services.
  2. Safely Eject: Don’t just yank the drive. Use safe eject options to avoid data corruption.
  3. Regular Scans: Use antivirus software that offers regular scans to keep malware from corrupting your drive.
  4. Environment: Keep your drive in a stable, cool, and dry place. Extreme conditions can accelerate hardware degradation.

Ultimately, formatting can be a fix but it’s not always the silver bullet. Proper diagnosis and careful steps can save a lot of headaches and, possibly, your valuable data. Good luck, mate!

4

Formatting—seriously? Jumping straight to formatting is like cutting a cake with a chainsaw. As others mentioned, formatting wipes everything, which should be last resort. Before taking the drastic step, have you tried booting your PC in Safe Mode and accessing the drive? Sometimes, it’s just a software conflict, not the drive.

Tools like Recuva or TestDisk are great for data recovery. But here’s something that’s overlooked: run a full antivirus scan on another system. Malware can mess things up massively. Other quick checks—change the USB cable or try another port. External drives can be finicky.

Let’s be real. If the drive makes clicking noises, no formatting wizardry can save you—might as well look at services like DriveSavers. If you’re absolutely sure you want to format (though it’s nuclear), GParted is tedious for non-Linux users. AOMEI Partition Assistant isn’t more user-friendly.

Alos, consider the long-term—routine backups, safe ejections, and environment control. Just pray it’s not a hardware issue and more headaches ahead. Keep that in mind before you format!