Your hard drive turns into raw data and formatting fails.
Your hard drive turns into raw data and formatting fails.
Discovered the issue isn't with Linux at all. Simply accessing the drive via phone resolved it, allowing Windows to connect too. Thanks for your assistance. You're correct—Windows-related factors are likely causing the problem. If anyone faces similar issues, consider formatting your external HDD through a phone connection; it might help. Updated notes on November 4, 2022 by Tallenta.
That's fascinating, a phone is a clever move I'll definitely add to my collection of advice. Thanks!