How to View 32bit Hard Drive on 64bit System

[basils57]

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?

 

[Bongo]

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

 

[Anak]

Would this approach help? Post #2: http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/229276-how-view-32bit-hard-drive-64bit-system.html

 

[basils57]

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?

 

[Bongo]

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

Jerry

 

[strollin]

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.

 

[Layback Bear]

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.




Please use this to post the picture.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[strollin]

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.

 

[Layback Bear]

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.

 

[basils57]

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.

 

[tinmar49]

Try downloading the free version of "mini tool partition wizard" it can often see a drive that Windows cannot.