How to View 32bit Hard Drive on 64bit System

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 150
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.
       #1

    How to View 32bit Hard Drive on 64bit System


    I'm trying to check a HD that's might have 'died' with an external adapter, but the subject is 32 bit and the only machines available to me are 64 bit.

    Any ideas please?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 12,120
    Win 7 Pro x64 / Win 10 Pro
       #2

    If you are using an external adapter it should be able to read the hard drive rather it was 32-bit or 64-bit OS on it.

    Jerry
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,605
    Originally Win 7 Hm Prem x64 Ver 6.1.7600 Build 7601-SP1 | Upgraded to Windows 10 December 14, 2019
       #3

    Would this approach help? Post #2: How to View 32bit Hard Drive on 64bit System?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 150
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks for the response guys.
    Jerry, when I switch the external adapter on, I have to wait about 5 mins. for a response, and then get a message saying that I need to format the disk before I can use it?

    Also, I've just tried a different HD (32bit) and this reads OK.
    Would you say the HD is shot?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12,120
    Win 7 Pro x64 / Win 10 Pro
       #5

    I am not a hardware expert so not sure, wait for others to reply.

    Jerry
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #6

    The files on a hard drive aren't 32 or 64 bit so the files should be able to be read regardless. If you were attempting to boot the drive with a 64-bit OS, then a 64-bit capable processor would be required.

    My guess is that the hdd has failed. Have you tried connecting this drive to another PC? Another factor would be what filesystem the hdd has on it. Did it come from a Windows machine? If it came from a Linux or Mac machine, for instance, the file system will probably not be readable by a Windows machine.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #7

    Hard drives are not 32 or 64 bit, only the information (data) that is on them are 32 or 64 bit.
    According to your specs your system you should be able to use 32 or 64 bit data if the hard drive can be accessed.

    Please post a full picture of your Disk Management.


    How to View 32bit Hard Drive on 64bit System-disk-management.png

    Please use this to post the picture.

    Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #8

    Layback - The data is neither 32-bit or 64-bit, the programs (and OS) on system are designed to handle data in 32-bit or 64-bit chunks but the data itself is in bytes, a byte is 8-bits. In theory, a 64-bit system could read the data 8 bytes at a time while a 32-bit system could only handle 4 bytes at a time. That's a very simplistic view but enough to hopefully explain that the data is neither 32 or 64 bit.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #9

    I understand what you are saying strollin.
    I didn't think getting more technical would help the OP.
    I don't believe the physical hare drive has any control over 4 bit or 8 bit at a time just like it doesn't have control over a 32 or 64 bit data. The hard drive is dumb. If the hard drive is accessible and formated properly with a drive letter it should work with what ever bit data is sent to it or requested from it 4 bit or 8 bit looking at the OP Specs.
    I think a picture of Disk Management would be helpful.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 150
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Hi again guys.
    I finally couldn't get the HD to respond at all, so have replaced it with a new HD - albeit 500GB rather than the 1TB which failed, and have even managed to get Windows activated.

    Thanks for your help and assistance.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 00:52.
Find Us