Need to fix disk signature collision to format a drive for return


  1. Posts : 17
    Windows 10 Pro 64 bit Version 10.0.18363 Build 18363
       #1

    Need to fix disk signature collision to format a drive for return


    I've had to replace a faulty drive and have used Macrium Rescue to move my OS and data intact to the new drive. That, in and of itself, is a wonderful thing!

    But I've put the old (faulty) drive in an enclosure and I want to inspect it, wipe it, deep format, etc. it and then return it since it's under warranty.

    I'm getting a message I found a number of threads on here but I don't want to re-incorporate this drive into my Windows (10) environment as the various solutions call for. I just want to be able to explore it. Is there a way to "break" the signature so there is none at all and my drive becomes yet another external satellite drive?

    Thanks much for the help. As usual.

    -G.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 31,398
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #2

    You can use Diskpart to change the disk ID of an MBR or GPT disk, even one in a usb enclosure. You only need to change one digit of the ID to remove the ID clash. I changed them all, just to make it obvious.

    See: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...mands/uniqueid

    MBR:
    Need to fix disk signature collision to format a drive for return-diskpart-uniqueid.png

    GPT:
    Need to fix disk signature collision to format a drive for return-image.png

    You may need to turn off Ransomware Protection in Windows Security, else it may block Diskpart from changing the ID.

    Enable or Disable Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10
    Last edited by Bree; 24 Feb 2020 at 13:14.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 17
    Windows 10 Pro 64 bit Version 10.0.18363 Build 18363
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Well I changed the id. Sort of. The GPT part is what came up with my query and I changed it there. How did you get it to run under MBR and do I need to change both? Thanks for this.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 31,398
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #4

    A disk can either MBR or GPT, not both. It will only have one ID, the type appropriate to the format of the drive.

    How did you get it to run under MBR...

    Those were two different usb sticks, the first was MBR, the second one I formatted as GPT for the demo.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 17
    Windows 10 Pro 64 bit Version 10.0.18363 Build 18363
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Oh good grief. I just used Microsoft's diskmgmt.msc and followed their instructions to right click online. And it seems to have solved it. Sorry to have bothered here and made it more complicated than it was.

    Now I'll have a look at some disk cleaning programs. From this forum I'm going to look at Disk Wipe first. But not until tomorrow. I have a rehearsal to get to.

    I can't say it enough. Thank you to all the gurus here. What a safety net you are!

    -G.
      My Computer


 

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