You cannot select or format a hard disk partition when you try to install Windows

This article provides solutions to an issue where you fail to select or format a hard disk partition when you try to install Windows.

Original product version: В Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2012 R2
Original KB number: В 927520

Support for Windows Vista without any service packs installed ended on April 13, 2010. To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you’re running Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2). For more information, see Support is ending for some versions of Windows.

Dynamic discs are only supported for:

• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Enterprise
• Windows Vista Ultimate.
• Windows 7 Enterprise
• Windows 7 Professional
• Windows 7 Ultimate
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard
• Windows Web Server 2008 R2

They are not supported for Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Starter, and Windows 7 Home Premium.

There is one exception. When you upgrade your computer from Windows XP Media Center Edition to Windows Vista Home Premium, some dynamic discs are handled and supported.

Symptoms

When you try to install Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

The hard disk on which you want to install Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008 R2is not listed.

You cannot select a hard disk partition on which to install Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008 R2.

You cannot format a hard disk partition or partitions.

You cannot set the correct size for a hard disk partition.

You receive the following error message:

Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation

Cause

This problem may occur for one of the following reasons:

• Windows is incompatible with a mass storage controller or a mass storage driver.
• A mass storage controller or a mass storage driver is outdated.
• The hard disk on which you want to install Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 is a dynamic disk.
• A data cable in the computer is loose, or another hardware issue has occurred.
• The hard disk or the Windows file system is damaged.
• You tried to select a FAT32 partition or another type of partition that is incompatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2.

To resolve this problem, use one or more of the following methods.

Resolution 1: Verify that partition is compatible with Windows

You cannot install Windows on a FAT32 partition. Additionally, you must correctly configure dynamic disks for use with Windows. To verify that the partition is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, follow these steps:

For a dynamic disk that has a simple volume, use the Diskpart.exe utility to configure the disk as an active disk. For more information about how to use the Diskpart.exe utility, see DiskPart Command-Line Options.

For a FAT32 partition, reformat the partition, or convert the partition to an NTFS file system partition by using the Convert.exe command.

When you format a partition, all data is removed from the partition. This data includes all the files on the partition.

Resolution 2: Update drivers for the hard disk controller

If you want to install Windows Vista Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as an upgrade, update the drivers for the hard disk controller to the latest drivers.

Windows Setup provides a feature to migrate current drivers to the new operating system. Therefore, Windows Setup may use the drivers that are currently installed on the computer. If the computer does not have the latest drivers installed, the Setup program may use the outdated drivers. In this case, you may experience compatibility problems.

Resolution 3: Provide correct drivers for hard disk controller

If you are trying to perform a clean installation of Windows, you must provide the correct drivers for the hard disk controller. When you are prompted to select the disk on which to install Windows, you must also click to select the Load Driver option. Windows Setup will guide you through the rest of the process.

Resolution 4: Examine Setupact.log file to verify that partition is active

If you receive the following error message, verify that the partition is active by examining the Setupact.log file:

Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation

If you install Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 as an upgrade, the Setupact.log file is located in the Drive:$WINDOWS.

BT\Sources\Panther folder. Drive represents the drive that contains the existing Windows installation.

If you perform a clean installation of Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, the Setupact.log file is located in the Drive:$WINDOWS\Sources\Panther folder. Drive represents the DVD drive that contains the Windows Setup files.

To verify that the partition is active, follow these steps:

Insert the DVD into the DVD drive.

On the disk selection screen, press SHIFT+F10. A Command Prompt (CMD) window opens.

Change the directory to locate the Setupact.log file, and then open the Setupact.log file.

Locate the DumpDiskInformation section. This section contains information about partition mapping.

In the DumpDiskInformation section, locate the log entry that resembles the following.

Disk [0] partition [1] is an active partition

If this log entry appears after an entry that resembles the following, the hard disk may not be configured to use a Windows-based operating system.

In this case, use the Diskpart.exe utility to configure a different partition as active.

This step prevents a third-party operating system from starting.

Close the Command Prompt window.

Resolution 5: Check for firmware updates and for system BIOS updates

For firmware updates and for system BIOS updates, contact the manufacturer of the hardware in the computer.

Resolution 6: Verify that system BIOS correctly detects hard disk

For information about how to verify that the system BIOS correctly detects the hard disk, contact the manufacturer of the computer hardware.

Resolution 7: Use Chkdsk.exe to check for problems

Run the Chkdsk.exe utility to check for disk problems. Replace the hard disk if it is damaged.

Resolution 8: Use Diskpart.exe to clean disk and rerun Windows Setup

If you have tried all the methods that are listed in this section and the problem persists, use the Diskpart.exe utility to clean the disk, and then run Windows Setup again.

Use this method only if you want to perform a clean installation of Windows. When you clean the hard disk, it is formatted. All partitions and all data on the hard disk are permanently removed. We strongly recommend that you back up the files on the hard disk before you clean the disk.

To use the Diskpart.exe utility to clean the hard disk, follow these steps:

1. Insert the DVD into the DVD drive.
2. On the disk selection screen, press SHIFT+F10. A Command Prompt window opens.
3. Type diskpart, and then press ENTER to open the diskpart tool.
4. Type list disk , and then press ENTER. A list of available hard disks is displayed.
5. Type sel disk number , and then press ENTER. number is the number of the hard disk that you want to clean. The hard disk is now selected.
6. Type det disk , and then press ENTER. A list of partitions on the hard disk is displayed. Use this information to verify that the correct disk is selected.
7. Make sure that the disk does not contain required data, type clean all , and then press ENTER to clean the disk. All the partitions and all the data on the disk is permanently removed.
8. Type exit , and then press ENTER to close the diskpart tool.
9. Close the Command Prompt window.
10. Click the Refresh button to update the disk selection screen. This step lists the disk.
11. Run Windows Setup to perform a clean installation of Windows.

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How Do I Fix «Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format» Error [Partition Magic]

By Rodin | Follow | Last Updated November 28, 2020

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Summary :

Cannot access a partition on removable disk because Windows was unable to complete the format? If you keep receiving «Windows was unable to format removable disk» error or the similiar, you can have a try on the solutions explained here. And, first and formost, remember to recover data from inaccessible disks.

Quick Navigation :

Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format

Disk formatting is quite efficient in cleaning up disk partition files, and is usually adopted by us when we are going to emptying an internal hard drive or a removable disk. However, sometimes when we carry out formatting on a removable disk, Windows gives us a prompt saying «Windows was unable to complete the format«, just as shown in the figure below.

More Details on This Issue

Windows was unable to complete the format always happen on USB flash drive or SD card. Before we come across this error message, another phenomenon is that when we trying to open the removable disk, Windows tells that «you need to format the disk in drive N before you can use it, do you want to format it?»

At this time if we ignore this message, then we see «[drive letter] is not accessible. The volume does not contain a recognized file system.»

But if we accept the suggestion, then we see «Windows was unable to complete the formatting» soon.

Example

«Hello, I’m new to these little things. How can I open my flash drive when it says «You need to format the disk before you can use it». But when I format it, a pop up message appears saying «Windows was unable to complete the format». How can I open it when I can’t format it? Hope you’ll help me. Thanks.» By Allen420 from CCM

From the simple description, we know the USB flash drive turns inaccessible and can’t be formatted. And the author really needs help to be able to format it and make it normal to use. If you encounter such a situation when formatting a USB flash drive, what should you do to format it? What caused these prompts? Then how about the data in it?

Now, please focus on this post because it introduces the causes and step-by-step solutions to «Windows was unable to complete the format». What’s more, it tells how to recover data from USB drives that can’t be formatted.

Are you searching for why Windows could not format a partition during installation? Read «Windows could not format a partition on disk 0» to find the solution.

Possible Reasons for Windows Was Unable to Format Pen Drive

Before we get to the solutions, we would like to tell the possible reasons for this error. In this way you may avoid the possibility of getting such error. Normally, five factors may lead to Windows was unable to complete the format:

1. The Drive Is Write Protected

Since formatting is a kind of writing operation, you need to remove the write protection before formatting it. How do you know it is write protected? Well, copy something to it. If you see the following message: «The disk is write protected. Remove the write protection or use another disk», then it is write protected indeed.

2. The Drive Has Bad Sectors

Files stored on hard drives usually occupy many sectors. Sectors are the smallest units for data storage. If a sector is damaged and cannot be read or write, it is called bad sector. Bad sector can affect the formatting operation as well as the data recovery operation. What caused bad sectors? Bad quality, excessive defragmentation, or falsely unplug the USB drive, etc.

3. The Drive Is Physically Damaged

Physical damage is another important reason that leads to storage device inaccessible, so Windows requires formatting it. Professional repair center can repair the bad spots but the cost is not low at all. So you may consider changing another removable disk.

4. The drive Suffers from Virus Infection

Since USB drives are often carried by users and are connected to various computers, they are more likely to get virus infection than other hard drives. The virus often fills the USB drives with dangerous files and makes them out of service.

5. The Drive Is Empty

The last reason for Windows was unable to format removable disk is that there is no partition on the hard drive. However, you will find there is a drive letter for it. Thus you are able to see the removable disk in Disk Management and then receive the formatting suggestion. As formatting is based on partition instead of unallocated space, Windows is unable to complete the formatting.

Best Solutions for Windows Was Unable to Format Removable Disk

If your USB drive can’t be formatted properly and reports «Windows was unable to complete the format», please do not abandon the drive before you have tried the solutions below to fix this issue. However, please note that all these solutions will not work if the USB drive is physically damaged.

Situation 1: The Drive Has No Partition

If there is no partition on the removable disk, only unallocated space is presented, then you will need to recreate a partition on it. There are three ways for you to create new partition.

Solution ①: Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to Create

MiniTool Partition Wizard is an all-in-one solution for disk/partition management in Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10. It offers powerful solutions to deal with all kinds of hard drive issues like resize partition, rebuild MBR, convert file system, copy disk/ partition, and so on. Its concise interface and user-friendly operations has helped million of users manage their hard drives better. When it comes to creating partition, do the followings:

Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition and enter its main interface. Then click on the removable disk and choose «Create Partition«.

Step 2: In the new presented window, specify the details of the new partition like Partition Label, Partition Type, File System, Drive Letter, and so on. Then click «OK» to continue.

Step 3: Back to the main interface and you will see there is a partition on the removable disk. But this is just a preview. If you want to make some changes, you can click «Undo» or «Discard» to recreate partition. If you confirm the change, just press «Apply«, then the new partition is created.

Maybe such brief introduction cannot help you understand this tool as well as its powerful function clearly. To know more, the following video is worth recommending.

Solution ②: Use Disk Management to Create

Disk Management is also a good solution to manage partitions and disks for Windows computers. With a few simple clicks, you are able to create new volume on the removable disk that Windows cannot format.

Step 1: Right click «My Computer», select «Manage», and then «Disk Management» OR run «DISKMGMT.MSC» to launch Disk Management. Then right-click on the removable disk and choose «New Simple Volume«.

Step 2: In the new presented window, follow the guidance to specify the volume size, assign drive letter, format partition to finish partition creation.

Solution ③: Use Command Line to Create

Another reliable solution to create a partition based on Windows is command line. It looks like this method is complicated to common users, but it is not always in fact. Please follow the steps below and check whether it can get everything done.

Step 1: At Windows Start menu, run «Diskpart«.

Step 2: In the command prompt window, enter the following commands in order (each should end up with Enter key):

• «list disk»;
• «select disk n» where n is the disk number of the removable disk;
• «clean»;
• «create partition primary»
• «format FS=FAT32 quick» or «format FS=NTFS quick»;
• «assign letter N:» where N: can be other drive letter not occupied currently;
• «exit».

When any of the three solutions is carried out, the removable disk can be used normally.

Situation 2: The Drive Has RAW File System

RAW drive is a hard drive/partition which has not been formatted with the one of the following file system: FAT12/FAT16/FAT32 or NTFS. RAW drive can be caused by many reasons like virus infection, format failure, power outages, unrecognized file system, etc. To fix RAW file system, you can do one of the following solutions to reformat the removable disk.

Solution ①: Use Partition Wizard to Format

Step 1: Launch MiniTool to its main interface. In the middle pane you can see the RAW drive is shown as «Unformatted». Now click on this partition and choose «Format Partition«.

Step 2: In the new presented window, confirm the Partition Label, File System, Cluster Size and click «OK» to continue.

Step 3: See the partition on the removable disk will be changed. Now click «Apply» to save the changes.

Solution ②: Use Disk Management to Format

Step 1: Go to Disk Management and you can see the USB drive is listed on the middle panel.

Step 2: Right click the USB drive and select «Format» option to perform a quick format.

Step 3: In the new presented window, confirm the volume label, file system, allocation unit size, and choose whether to perform a quick format, then click «OK«.

Step 4: Disk Management will warn you that «Formatting this volume will erase all data on it. Back up any data you want to keep before formatting.» If you already have a copy of the hard drive and want to continue, click «OK«, otherwise choose «Cancel» to prepare data rescue. Once formatting is done, the pen drive is ready for use.

Solution ③: Use Command Line to Format

Sometimes Disk Management is not as helpful as command prompt. Although using command prompt may seem complicated, it still deserves a trying.

Step 1: Run «cmd» at Windows Start menu.

Step 2: Type «format N:/fs:FAT32» (N: refers to the target partition, and FAT32 can be replaced by NTFS). This process may last long.

Do you know the limitation about FAT32? If you want to convert FAT32 to NTFS after a lot of data is saved on removable disk, you can read this post to get new skills on how to break FAT32 limitations without losing data.

If all these solutions fail, you should consider whether there is something wrong with the removable disk. You should carry out virus checking and killing, you should check and repair bad sectors or you can check whether the hard drive is write protected and remove the protection. Finally, repeat these solutions.

How to Transfer Data from USB Drives We Cannot Access

Remember all data will get lost once we perform «Format»? So it is significant to backup the important data in the USB drive if it holds important documents. But since we cannot access the hard drive and Windows keeps asking us to format it, we have to rely on data recovery software to do this job. Here MiniTool Power Data Recovery is strongly recommended.

Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to Rescue Data

MiniTool® Software Ltd. has developed professional data recovery tool for both Windows users to resolve kinds of disk recovery issues. As we are talking about Windows was unable to format pen drive, MiniTool Partition Wizard which works on Windows Vista/XP/7/8/10 should be the right choice.

You should know that not all the data can be recovered if the USB hard drive is damaged, but data recovery is still the most reliable way to keep data integrated. Considering no one wants to pay for useless software, we strongly recommend you to download the Free Edition to have a try first.

Step 1: Make sure Windows can recognize the USB drive and run MiniTool Partition Wizard. On the main interface, choose Data Recovery.

Step 2: Select the USB drive to make a Scan (or double clikc the USB drive partition to start the scanning).

Step 3: During the scanning, you are able to choose the files you want to recover and select a destination path. We suggest selecting any location except the original drive, for fear that the recovery result is not satisfying. Then just wait for the success.

What We Learned

USB flash drives or memory cards are useful storage devices in modern society, as they are capable of storing a large amount of data and are easy to carry and transfer data. USB drives are important to us and it’s necessary to learn skills to solve the common issues occurred on removable disks like File or Directory Is Corrupted and Unreadable. So please be more careful when we use USB flash drives to avoid some errors. If Windows was unable to format pen drive happens, try solutions by yourself before you give up.

Now It’s Your Turn

Ok now we have gone through Why Windows was unable to complete the format and how to deal with this issue based on two situations. If you are trying to open a removable disk and happen to meet such an formatting error, you can try these solutions and see whether they are helpful. Please remember to recover the data first before you go to formatting and recreation. For any questions and useful suggestions, please leave us comments underneath or send email to [email protected] . We read every thread.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Position: Columnist

Rodin is an enthusiastic IT writer focusing on Windows trends, disk partition management and data recovery. She loves to write and share her idea about the useful tips and tricks on personal computers’ maintenance.

If you are looking for methods to improve your computer performance, manage hard drives and recover data from different devices, Rodin can provide reliable solutions for data management.