Messages 'need to format the Ext HDD' before I can access the files.

[Scorpio484]

I’ve been using Kaspersky Total Security for several years on a number of devices with an Ext HDD. Since installing their Premium version recently, I keep getting messages to say I need to format the Ext HDD before I can access the files. The common denominator is the change to Premium. I would be most grateful if  anyone can assist in helping me overcome this issue.

[Berny]

@Scorpio484 Welcome.
 

6 minutes ago, Scorpio484 said:

I keep getting messages

Can you please post a screenshot from a message.

[Scorpio484]

Hi Berny,

Many thanks for your reply. I didn't manage to take a screenshot of the original message, but have taken one a few minutes ago. Whilst I was writing this a brief Kaspersky message popped up to say that my Elements Ext drive needed to be scanned. This was done immediately after installing Premium. Is there anyway of excluding this Ext drive from  scans. It is a trusted back up

[Berny]

@Scorpio484 You are welcome.

I think you should be able to fix this issue with a Disk Partion tool. It looks like disk “I” is pointing to your hard disk “C” 🤔

First check if disk “I” is containing an EFI partition ? Also , please take care not to format your “C” drive ⚠️

[Scorpio484]

Hi Berny,

Many thanks for your reply. I didn't manage to take a screenshot of the original message, but have taken one a few minutes ago. Whilst I was writing this a brief Kaspersky message popped up to say that my Elements Ext drive needed to be scanned. This was done immediately after installing Premium. Is there anyway of excluding this Ext drive from  scans. It is a trusted back up

[Scorpio484]

Hi Berny, Thanks for getting back to me with suggestions. 

Sorry for the delay but I was scanning the 'I' drive which took over 13 hours with a break overnight for sleep. The screenshot below is the message that I received immediately after the scan. It wont let me access my documents but it would let me access 'My CA2' folder which contains images I download from my Pinterest boards and use in my Craft Artist2 program when designing greeting cards. I do this on a very regular basis throughout the year for family and friends. 

I've recently had all my documents from my previous pc installed on this one by my local computer repair shop. It was after this that I installed Premium and problems occurred. If I format the 'I' drive and then copy my files to this, would this solve the issue and allow me to use it for backup, as I've done for many years,

I'm a retired health care professional not a computer buff but enjoyed the transition from typewriters to computers for reports and professional correspondence. I've also used them to develop my knowledge, experience and skill in numerous hobbies since the early 80's,

I really appreciate your help and pearls of wisdom.

 

[Berny]

@Scorpio484 You are welcome.

Before formatting can you please perform from the start menu  CMD and perform ' CHKDSK I: ' (read-only) 🤔  ?

 

5 hours ago, Scorpio484 said:

 allow me to use it for backup, as I've done for many years,

After formatting YES , i assume that you have a backup from your "I" drive ?

 

[Scorpio484]

Hi Berny, Yes I bought a 2TB Seagate ext hdd drive for the computer shop to transfer all data from my previous pc. I was advised to keep this separate and not use it for regular backup.

Another smaller issue is that this pc doesn't pick up an integral 4GB flash drive and the laptop shows it is charged to 61%. I only tried this thinking I could copy a Craft Artist project from the laptop where I'd created it, at least until the 'I' drive was accessible again. The flash drive isn't listed on this pc either. Could Premium be blocking my ports?

 

Thanks again !

 

[Berny]

@Scorpio484

1 hour ago, Scorpio484 said:

Could Premium be blocking my ports?

According your above provided details this doesn't look like a Kaspersky Premium issue.

↓ To display all your drives ↓

1) Please check this ?

1. Windows Key +R
2. type ' diskmgmt.msc '
    

2) Please check this ?

1. Run CMD as ADMIN
2. Type ' diskpart ' to launch DISKPART>
3. After DISKPART> type ' list disk '

[Scorpio484]

Hi Berny, I’ve completed a CHKDSK on the ‘I’ drive followed by a format.  I’m now in the process of transferring files to this drive which will take some time.

Thanks for your suggestions regarding the issue with use of Integral flash drives. I will get to this later.

I really appreciate your help and support !