External SSD asks to format before use: protect the files first
Request My external SSD used to have files on it, but Windows now says the drive must be formatted before I can use it. I need the files and do not want to erase the drive. Do not format the drive if the files matter. Formatting, initializing, running aggressive repair tools, or copying new files to the SSD can make recovery harder. First separate a simple connection problem from a damaged filesystem or failing enclosure. ...