Learn how to prevent Windows from formatting a drive. For further details, check the full guide.

F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Learn how to prevent Windows from formatting a drive. For further details, check the full guide.

MiniKoshak
Junior Member

01-19-2026, 01:20 AM

He wanted to switch to SSD because his HDD was slowing down. I set up a backup on my gaming PC just in case using minitools. When Windows asked to format, I did it but the files got corrupted afterward. After recovery, many files disappeared, so I moved them to the backup. Now I’m waiting while I restore the backup data onto the HDD. I’m checking if there’s a way to avoid formatting on his PC or keep everything visible, especially since business files are still being transferred for another hour.

MiniKoshak

01-19-2026, 01:20 AM #1

zLeoZiin
Senior Member

503

02-07-2026, 05:54 PM

After backing up the data, the system prompted for formatting the drive.

zLeoZiin

02-07-2026, 05:54 PM #2

After backing up the data, the system prompted for formatting the drive.

Matke04
Posting Freak

825

02-08-2026, 09:54 AM

Only when time comes, this applies to brand new drives or a corrupted filesystem. The best way to copy files is by cloning the HDD contents to a new drive if possible.

Matke04

02-08-2026, 09:54 AM #3

Only when time comes, this applies to brand new drives or a corrupted filesystem. The best way to copy files is by cloning the HDD contents to a new drive if possible.