"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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-08-04T11:00:58+00:00

    Hi!! I've Got the same problem with my seagate drive...I just don't understand where I have to write that chkdsk<usb drive letter:>... I have windows 7... I went to run option but I'm really confused about what exactly I have to write when the blank page appears...I would be greatful if you could give me some more analytic advices about the steps I have to follow....thank you in advance!!!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-07-21T12:19:23+00:00

    I have the exact same problem! And i've been using the same USB drive the whole time?

    Any idea how to get my files off before i have to format it?

    This has never happened before, and i've been using it for about a year now!

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-07-03T05:18:20+00:00

    I have this problem. Have switched USB ports with no change. Tried chkdsk and got the same response (chkdsk is not available). Doesn't seem to matter what type of USB stick I use, the format message keeps  coming up. I even tried formatting (out of desperation) and it then tells me that "windows was unable to complete the format".

    There must be something in Windows 7 that needs to be changed. Who can tell me what it is???

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-06-20T16:44:43+00:00

    Same issue here on Windows 7. Plugged an external HDD in and got "You need to format the disk in Drive x".

    At the advice of someone on this thread, I picked a different USB port and it worked!

    Thanks!

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