Windows 8.1: Access Denied when initializing disk

[randle]

Hi,

 

I've just attached a brand new WD My Passport Ultra to my Windows 8.1 domain joined computer and naturally want to initialize this so that it can be used but when attempting this I get an "Accessed Denied" message.

 

I'm aware that we're not true admins on the local computer until UAC elevation and remember seeing that if UAC is disabled and in turn elevation not possible, there are limitations but for something this trivial.....?

 

Anyone else come across this?

[Arthur]

This happened to me once with a USB flash drive. To fix it I had to use DiskPart.

 

diskpart
list disk
select disk X
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=ntfs quick
assign
exit

 

X = the number of your external HDD.

[randle]

Hi Arthur,

 

It doesn't list the disk regardless of it being there but regardless, does recognize it when I enter "select disk 2" however, any further commands lead to an error

"Virtual Disk Service Error: The system's information about the object may not be up to date.

A rescan as it suggests makes no difference.

 

I could just do this on a Windows 7 machine and be done with it but want to get the bottom of why such a trivial task is now complicated!

[randle]

I think I need to go home. Appears to be working now

 

I was using a powered USB hub initially and appears this wasn't good enough for the initial connection. I just tried one of the computer USB ports and worked straight away. The more I learn the more I overlook the simple/obvious.....

 

Sorry to waste your time.

Edited April 29, 2014 by randle

[penfold]

Actually had a similar issue to @Arthur last week. The USB for some reason showed incorrect size and I couldn't do anything with it until I followed those instructions. Once I'd done that Windows allowed me to do whatever I wanted.

[Mertin]

Hi, when I try the above method I still get access denied when trying to create primary partition. Here is a copy of the events. Any help would be appreciated.

I've also tried windows disk management but had the same issue. Have also tried Paragon Partition Manager, but no luck..

 

Copyright © 1999-2013 Microsoft Corporation.

On computer: MY-PC

 

 

DISKPART> list disk

 

 

Disk ### Status Size Free Dyn Gpt

-------- ------------- ------- ------- --- ---

Disk 0 Online 465 GB 8 MB

Disk 1 Online 3725 GB 0 B

Disk 2 Online 2794 GB 2794 GB

Disk 3 Online 931 GB 6144 KB

 

 

DISKPART>

 

 

DISKPART> select disk 2

 

 

Disk 2 is now the selected disk.

 

 

DISKPART> clean

 

 

DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk.

 

 

DISKPART> create partition primary

 

 

Disk is uninitialized, initializing it to GPT.

 

 

DiskPart has encountered an error: Access is denied.

See the System Event Log for more information.