Unable to convert WD Elements from exFAT to NTFS

[vsid93]

Hi
Since past 3 weeks, I am unable to create system restore of Windows 7 (64 bit) on my WD Elements (Portable external HDD) 2TB
I have tried Windows Backup and Macrium Reflect Free but to no success
The file system of my laptop is NTFS whereas that of external HDD is exFAT which can't handle file size > 4 GB
I have searched hundreds of websites but still not getting any success
I have tried following methods unsuccessfully:
1) Right click -> Format-->Change to NTFS
It always fails "Windows was unable to complete the format" and then my HDD becomes undetectable and then I have to unplug and plug and then format to exFAT so that device becomes detectable
2) Computer Management-->Device Management -> Right click-> Change to NTFS
It always says "format completed unsuccessfully" and then device becomes undetectable
3) cmd->diskpart->format commands. etc...
It says sometimes "Access denied"
& sometimes "Cannot convert exFAT to NTFS"
4) cmd-> format H: /FS:NTFS
It says sometimes "Access denied"
& sometimes "Cannot convert exFAT to NTFS"
5) cmd-> convert H: /FS:NTFS
It says sometimes "Access denied"
& sometimes "Cannot convert exFAT to NTFS"

Please please help anybody
My Internal HDD has only 15 GB free space and all this headache is testing my patience

 

[okcnaline]

I highly doubt exFAT can be converted. It's only FAT32, but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[vsid93]

I highly doubt exFAT can be converted. It's only FAT32, but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks okcnaline for your quick reply

One thing is very strange -- when I click on My computer -> (external HDD location) H: ----> Right click ---> Format---> I see only 2 options :- "exFAT(default)" and "NTFS" but "FAT32" is not displayed

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

I suspect you have to go to disk management
remove partition on external drive
re create partition
then re Format

BUT before doing re format run WD data lifeguard for Windows to check external hard drive is in good condition


note Ex FAT allows files greater than 4GB it is FAT 32 which does not

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExFAT

regards
Mike Barnes

 

[vsid93]

Hi

I suspect you have to go to disk management
remove partition on external drive
re create partition
then re Format

BUT before doing re format run WD data lifeguard for Windows to check external hard drive is in good condition


note Ex FAT allows files greater than 4GB it is FAT 32 which does not

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ExFAT

regards
Mike Barnes

Hi mbarnes
Thanks for help

Can you please tell the steps for reformatting and re-partition?

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, vsid93!

I'm sorry to hear about your issues with the WD Elements! 🙁 I'd suggest you to check the tutorial from our KB that explains the whole partitioning & formatting process here: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=ALjei2

Here's a more specific one about formatting your WD external in exFAT or FAT32: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=9QIJ1p

Indeed, FAT32 offers the best compatibility for operating systems but there are some limitations you should be familiar with:
http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=P1yEfN

Hope these help you out!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[okcnaline]

Really. You boiled it down to partitioning, while the OP needs to convert his drive. Go work for Verizon.

OP, go to disk manager, right click on the white box beside the drive labeled for the WD Elements, delete it, then create new partition.

 

[vsid93]

Really. You boiled it down to partitioning, while the OP needs to convert his drive. Go work for Verizon.

OP, go to disk manager, right click on the white box beside the drive labeled for the WD Elements, delete it, then create new partition.

Hi okcnaline
Unfortunately, the "delete volume" option is grayed(disabled)

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hi again, vsid93!

Maybe you should try from CMD's diskpart again, just make sure you open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator), otherwise it would explain why you're given the error "Access denied". If that doesn't help, another thing you can try to re-format the drive is using a third-party software tool, so you might want to check this thread too: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-1917370/delete-partition-hard-drive.html

Good luck! Hope this helps!
SuperSoph_WD