"You need to format the disk in drive J: before you can use it"

Anonymous
2009-11-27T14:36:21+00:00

The error message says "You need to format the disk in drive J: before you can use it" I have a removable USB storage drive that i always plugged in to my computer everytime I download movies save disk space on my computer.  Now it want me to format this storage disk.  Also,where it used to label this disk as "Removable Disk", it is not labeled as Local Disk J:. I don't want to format this disk because it will erase all my files and folders on this removable USB storage disk.  Please help me.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-01-12T20:05:12+00:00

I had same problem.

And I have an solution for you... The problem is that when you plug in your HD first time, Windows 7 install your HD and associate it to only this USB port (let it be USB port "4") than if you wanna to use it (HD) again, you need to plug it, in the same USB port (USB port "4") where it was installed first time. It is Stupid!!!! But that's how it worked with my HD.

Just try all USB ports that you have on your PC.

Good luck.

Hope it was helpful. :D

PS: the same problem is with all divices you plug in to your pc.

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

82 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-01-24T15:31:54+00:00

    Please help...I am facing the same problem. I have a 500GB Seagate External HardDisk "FreeAgent Go" which connects to the laptop using USB. Whenever I plug it in, the device label is shown as Local Drive and an error turns up saying "You need to format this disk before you can use it". In the Disk Management i found that the file system of the drive has changed to RAW, where as it was supposed to be in NTFS. 

    I have a many college pictures and some documents which I do not want to loose if formatted. 

    I have tried connecting to other computers, systems with other OSes (I have Windows Vista Home Premium SP1) and also on all the 3 USB ports i have on my laptop, but all in vain. Please help

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-01-18T14:29:13+00:00

    Thanks for tip - guess I SHOULD have read above

    BUT the problem seems to have gone - after changing some [?] Win7 settings

    now plug any flash drive in any USB - dont get format message

    another Win7 mystery I think

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-01-18T13:47:54+00:00

    Worked fine for me, thanks, best tip ever!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2011-01-05T16:21:35+00:00

    HAPPY 2011

    Aint read all above but have same headline prob

    Summary

    plugged Transcend V10 flash drive into USB - got the dread message

    BUT drive has plug-play OK - all files work OK - as it does on my XP comp

    so whats wrong with Win 7 ?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments