Can't format external harddrive

Hello Bleepers.

I have a 'Mobile Desk' external hard-drive that I use for backing up my c:drive local disc - but I'm now finding I'm unable to format it.

I'm sure nothing is using the ext drive, no windows open, etc.

I'd appreciate any help with this.

When I try to format it, I get a couple of successive notices like this:

Drive manufacturer and model?

If you use it...why are you trying to format it?

Louis

Drive manufacturer and model?

If you use it...why are you trying to format it?

Louis

I don't know the driver manufacturer. I've only known it as 'Mobile Desk' model HD-337-u2p (160GB).

Something went wrong the last time I backed up to it. It created two separate folders of different capacity. I was having virus problems at the time. I've since taken up a subscription with anti-virus TRENDmicro.

I thought I'd better wipe the disc clean and use my Acronis to make a new back-up.

Thanks for helping.

Beyond Micro seems to be manufacturer and they have gone out of business, from what I see.

160GB drives are rather old...could be a problem with the drive itself or with the enclosure.

<<Something went wrong the last time I backed up to it. It created two separate folders of different capacity. I was having virus problems at the time. I've since taken up a subscription with anti-virus TRENDmicro>>

If you made a backup while infected...that could be a contributing factor, IMO. Since you were infected then...it seeems possible that your O/S may be still infected or is newly infected.

Let's forget about the backup drive, for a minute.

When did this infection take place? What makes you think that you are not infected now? How is your system running now?

Louis

I agree with Louis that malware may be the problem. However, have you tried forcing the format from within disk management?

I'm sure I have no infection now.

I had a professional winkle out all the nasties and then install TRENDmicro.

I'm wondering if it isn't the 'Acronis True Image' software that isn't corrupted. I'll download an updated version of Acronis.