Will I Lose Data If I Initialize Disk?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Actually, it

does not mean initializing

a disk will erase the data. The purpose to initialize the disk is to rebuild MBR which will not erase data on your disk. However, to make the disk usable again, you need to format the disk and this action will wipe out your data.

Can you initialize a disk without losing data?

The answer is

both “Yes” and “No”

. Solely initializing a disk won’t erase its data. But in order to use the disk, you need to further partition and format the disk, which will cause data loss. Thus, if you don’t want to lose files existing on your hard drive, using data recovery software is necessary.

What happens if I initialize a disk?

Initializing a disk

erases everything on it and prepares it for use by Windows

, after which you can format it and then store files on it. If your disk already has files on it that you care about, don’t initialize it – you’ll lose all the files.

Can you recover data after initializing?

To perform a data recovery after disk initialization, you may need a

professional data recovery utility

. Recoverit Pro is such a tool. It enables you to retrieve data from all data loss scenarios in Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP. All file types can be supported by this reliable software like photos, videos and other files.

How do I initialize my external hard drive without losing data?

Go to Start with the right mouse button. Select Disk Management. In a new window, click on the new hard drive; if it is “Offline”, then change the status to “Online”. Then right-click on it and

select “initialize new disk

”.

How can I recover data from uninitialized disk?

Select your uninitialized hard drive, and click the “Start” button to scan data on it. A quick scan will start first. You can simply preview the recovered files once it completes. If you can’t find any files, go to

scan again with “All-Around Recovery”

.

Will rebuilding MBR erase data?


Rebuild MBR would not lead to any kind of data loss

. However, improperly Rebuild corrupted MBR might cause your computer unbootable.

How do I fix disk initialization error?

  1. Right-click “My Computer” > “Manage” to run Disk Management.
  2. Here, right-click the hard drive and click “Initialize Disk”.
  3. In the dialogue box, select the disk(s) to initialize and choose MBR or GPT partition style. After initializing the disk, you can now recover data from your disk.

Which is better MBR or GPT?

An

MBR disk can

be basic or dynamic, just like a GPT disk can be basic or dynamic. Compared with an MBR disk, a GPT disk performs better in the following aspects: ▶GPT supports disks larger than 2 TB in size while MBR cannot.

What is better for SSD MBR or GPT?

When Disk Management opens, a pop-up will appear and prompt you to initialize the SSD. Select GUID partition table (GPT) and click OK.

MBR (Master Boot Record) is best

for certain legacy software compatibility, but GPT is better for modern systems and higher capacity storage devices.

Which is the best data recovery software?

  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
  • Advanced Disk Recovery.
  • R-Studio Data Recovery Software.
  • PhotoRec.
  • TestDisk.
  • PC Inspector File Recovery.
  • Wise Data Recovery.
  • Undelete 360.

How can I recover my data for free?

  1. READ FIRST: Data Recovery Software Basics.
  2. The #1 for 2021 – Stellar Data Recovery.
  3. #2 – EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Second to Stellar Data Recovery.
  4. #3 – Disk Drill – The Runner-Up.
  5. #4 – Advanced Disk Recovery – The Ultimate Data Recovery Software.
  6. #5 – MiniTool Power Data Recovery FREE – Disk Drill’s Alternative.

Should I initialize MBR or GPT?

You should choose to initialize any data storage device you are using for the first time to either

MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table)

. Since Windows initialize to MBR by default, it is natural for most people to directly click “OK” to perform this initialization without choosing GPT.

How do I fix my WD external hard drive not initialized?

  1. Right click the “This PC” icon on the desktop and hit the “Manage” option. …
  2. Right click on the WD drive that needs initializing and select “Initialize Disk”.
  3. Follow the wizard to initialize the WD drive as MBR or GPT disk.

Does New Simple Volume erase data?


Yes it will erase the data

. Use something like EASEUS Partition Master Free Edtition to recover the partition. As it installs it asks about different software it wants to install as well, select “Custom” install and uncheck the boxes on each one it asks about.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.