Can't format external HDD, except to exFat and 'quick format' enabled

[Difusal]

Hi,

So, the title basically says it all.

This is what happened:

My 1TB external hard drive worked just fine. I used to store there everything. It was using NTFS file system.
Last week I connected it to my laptop and it was really slow when I tried to move or delete files from my pc to the drive.
I disconnected and reconnected it to my laptop. Suddenly, it said that I had to format it! I couldn't even access it neither the files in it.
I managed to take some of the files to my laptop using recovery software and they are now safe.
I thought the trouble would be gone now. I thought now I would just format it and store my files again.
I was wrong. I can't even format it! I tried disk management, cmd, almos everything. I downloaded various programs to run tests and try to write everything zeros. Turned out quiting that cause it tells me it needs a lot of hours.

So: I tried a different approach that I was so stupid not to have tried yet. I tried formatting in other file system. I tried and it worked, well, almost... I can only successfully format it to exFat with the 'quick format' option enabled. If that option isn't enabled or I try to ormat it to NTFS, the formatting proccess takes forever or crashes. I would stay with my HDD formatted to exFat, but it is too slow...

HELP ME, TY!!!

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mate.


Have a look through the information below, you may just need to let a full clean all run though it will take hours, it may be the best option if you need the HDD for storage and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

   Information

Open an elevated command window from the Windows desktop and run the clean command as listed in Method One of this first tutorial linked below to over-write just the disk format information, if that doesn't work use the clean all instead to completely over-write the entire HDD with zeroes then use Windows disk management to create the desired NTFS partition(s) needed.

Secure Erase / Wipe : Definition and Methods

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information​

​

 

[Difusal]

Hello mate.


Have a look through the information below, you may just need to let a full clean all run though it will take hours, it may be the best option if you need the HDD for storage and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

   Information

Open an elevated command window from the Windows desktop and run the clean command as listed in Method One of this first tutorial linked below to over-write just the disk format information, if that doesn't work use the clean all instead to completely over-write the entire HDD with zeroes then use Windows disk management to create the desired NTFS partition(s) needed.

Secure Erase / Wipe : Definition and Methods

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information​

​

I'm running the clean all right now. It will take about 3/4 hours right? What if it gets stuck?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello.


It shouldn't 'get stuck' just leave it alone and let it run, you'll get the info below when it finishes.

Then use Windows disk management to create and format the partition(s) you need.

click to enlarge

​

 

[Difusal]

Hello.


It shouldn't 'get stuck' just leave it alone and let it run, you'll get the info below when it finishes.

Then use Windows disk management to create and format the partition(s) you need.

click to enlarge

​

as you can see, it's been a while and it hasn't completed yet x)

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

It's a 1TB HDD, just let it run as long as the cursor is blinking, it'll be finished before long.

 

[Difusal]

should I leave it all night? It hasn't stopped yet..

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Is the cursor still blinking?

 

[Difusal]

it is x)

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

It's probably taking longer because it's an external.

 

[Difusal]

what about now? x) the cursor is still blinking but nothing happened

 

[Difusal]

should I leave it alone? I haven't stopped the process yet..

 

[0pTicaL]

It seems like a controller problem to me. Not the controller on the physical HDD but the controller that converts SATA to USB, those controllers, for some reason, are notorious for failing.

Hello.


It shouldn't 'get stuck' just leave it alone and let it run, you'll get the info below when it finishes.

Then use Windows disk management to create and format the partition(s) you need.

click to enlarge

​

I don't mean to piggyback but is there a difference using diskpart in cmd vs. formatting the drive through Disk Management?

 

[Difusal]

probably you're right.. I can take apart my externa disk, and there is one controller thing (where you connect the usb and power supply) connected to the actual disk. Is there anyway I can replace it or use my actual disk in other way?