I have a LaCie 250 GB external hard drive, but every time I try to format it, I'm told it has failed. Help?

Question

I've tried to create partitions of several sizes, including the entirety of the drive. Nothing works. I've used Windows XP's Computer Management, and I've used Partition Magic. Nothing works.

I really don't want to spend more money on an external hard drive, so any guidance would be most appreciated.

And, just to be clear, the drive no longer is under warranty. But I used it maybe once before this happened.

Thanks for your help.

I've misplaced the CD that accompanied the hard drive. I can't recall whether it included formatting software, but I've looked on LaCie's site and didn't see a version I could download.

If I am to assume the worst -- that this drive is beyond repair -- what external drive of this or somewhat larger size is worth my investment?

Answer 1

I wish I could help you. I have two 500gb Lacie drives at work that I have thus far been unable to reformat as well, and I'm running into the same problem. It gets to the end of the formatting process and gives an error message that says nothing more than it was unable to complete the formatting process. I have tried several different methods of formatting them, on several different computers, and to no avail. I am told that with the Lacie's there is often more success when using a firewire port rather than a USB so I am waiting to try that method.

As far as other brands, I've used several and Lacie's are the only ones I've ever had a real problem with. I probably use SeaGate's the most, but again, have used so many different brands that I don't recall them all.

Good Luck. I'll let you know if I find anything more in my searching as well.

Answer 2

First ANY time you're making report equipment modifications to a stress there's a possibility of records loss. With this suggested I easily have used here instructions many circumstances without ever having a topic. a million(a). while you're working abode windows XP click start up then Run and variety CMD then click ok. this could take you to a command instantaneous then pass to step 2 a million(b) while you're working abode windows Vista click the commencing up image and variety CMD interior the quest, suitable click the CMD that looks and decide Run as Administrator. you will probable ought to click proceed interior the direction of the UAC of abode windows. this could take you to a command instantaneous then pass to step 2 2. variety "Convert x: /FS:NTFS" and press enter (do no longer contain the " marks) the place x: is the letter of your exterior stress this could artwork for any stress it extremely is formatted NTFS or in different formats. whether it incredibly is a equipment stress like your C: it incredibly is going to ask in case you prefer to do it the subsequent time you boot. purely say particular then shutdown and restart your computing gadget. warning however this could take a while for the conversion to end!

Answer 3

LaCies don't need any special software unless you're on Win98. It's just a bad drive.

Answer 4

have you tried LaCie's formatting software?

Answer 5

Please give us the exact error message you are getting.