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Community Newsletter: Q&A: How do I stop Windows from reassigning my external drive letters?
- 4/11/08 12:57 PM
How do you guys get thru life?????
by jmtces - 3/24/08 2:33 AM In reply to: How do you guys get thru life????? by desirawsonI don't usually waste my time replying to know-it-alls who think that just because they have learned a littile about a subject, they have the right to put others down that haven't picked up that knowledge. It is not so simple as you say, most people are led to believe that you can plug and unplug a usb device at will (it's done on all the TV shows and by many IT guys. I've been an IT consultant for 37 years and though 9 times out of 10, I safely remove my USB devices, I do on the odd occassion remove it without clicking safely remove or eject. I do this because I have turned off malware scanning and system retore monitoring on my external drives and disabled write caching and know how to use disk management to reset the drive letter. The advice you gave must have came from somewhere or somebody or you managed after trial and error to put 2 and 2 together. Do pre-suppose that everyone has had the same experiences as you. You are either on this forum to help people less knowlegable than you or to get info from people who know more than you or both. Be kind and you will be rewarded in kind. By the way, you should know, being the expert that you are, that you don't have to insert the drive back in the same port to get the same drive letter assigned. The port makes no difference but I will leave it up to you to figure out what criteria windows uses to know how to reassign the drive leter to the same volume as set in disk management.
How do you guys get through life?
by fjord_fox - 3/24/08 7:12 AM In reply to: How do you guys get thru life????? by jmtcesI agree with what you said, Jmtces. I am writing this because I find it funny--and not in a funny way--that so many people are responding to a dead issue. It was already a dead issue when Lee Koo e-mailed it to us. He goes through the message boards, finds issues that have already been resolved, and then he asks us how WE would resolve the problem. Then he chooses a winner when the week is over. Has nobody but me noticed that the person with the "problem" never answers back? or that on these e-mailed "problems" there are not any moderators answering? That's because it is not a problem that needs to be resolved! It has already been resolved. I feel all that I am saying is true, because one time, I was searching for something, when I found the "problem of the week" that was dated about 3 years ago. Then I figured out what Lee Koo is doing to us.
This was last week's contest, and the winners were already chosen this week by the C/Net staff. The three winners are http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=44766821-cf27f6c1e9bc8cea0028b1eef63c7b03-bf&brand=CNET-SSA&s=5, http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=44766822-cf27f6c1e9bc8cea0028b1eef63c7b03-bf&brand=CNET-SSA&s=5, and http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=44766823-cf27f6c1e9bc8cea0028b1eef63c7b03-bf&brand=CNET-SSA&s=5. The "winners" in this contest win nothing--not even a T-shirt saying "I solved the C/Net Windows XP Problem of the Week".
It IS a dead issue. Can't we bury it now and let it rest in peace?
It's not a dead issue.
by DADSGETNDOWN - 3/24/08 7:03 PM In reply to: How do you guys get through life? by fjord_foxYou don't get it.
Even if you search and find this problem elsewhere here on CNET.
There many reasons to bring back an old problem.
I don't feel like giving a list to someone like you but I will give 3.
Saves searching through 503,503 topics/threads searched for.
New answers and solutions to "old" problems.
There are enough of those who still do, or do have this problem.
It's obvioulsy and plainly not dead.
the person with the "problem" never answers back?
by LandyReg - 3/27/08 10:08 AM In reply to: How do you guys get through life? by fjord_foxfjord_fox wrote:-
" I find it funny--and not in a funny way--that so many people are responding to a dead issue. It was already a dead issue when Lee Koo e-mailed it to us. He goes through the message boards, finds issues that have already been resolved, and then he asks us how WE would resolve the problem. Then he chooses a winner when the week is over. Has nobody but me noticed that the person with the "problem" never answers back? "
I provided the question a few weeks ago and it appeared just before I left home for a trip away. That is why I've not answered back.
I've read through the first 84 replies and no one has mentioned a sensible answer.
I have 'Computer Management' as an icon on my desktop and use it to set a drive letter. This works for a short time and then looses it's data.
I have been setting drive letters in DOS from when it became possible. I had Victor hardware with a removable hard drive slot. I had Zip drives and Novel networked drives.
As DOS started from C: going up and Novel started at Z: going down, I always used O: for my own and customer's CD drives. I set them up and they stayed set.
Why has M$ provided a feature that works for a short time and then losses it's data? That's the basic question.
I regularly also have to re-enter AutoPlay options as these also change.
When I open windows, why do they open in the same position and the same size for some time and then for no reason change to a different size and different position.
I asked just one simple question that was indicative of many 'features' of Windows (XP in my case) where Windows losses it's data.
I've not been removing without using the correct procedure (when it works!) or closing Windows, when it wont work!
There would also appear to be confusion between a 'port' and a 'bus'.
A port, such as 'Serial 1' is completely different to 'Serial 2'.
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a bus and _not_ a port. Hewlett-Packard developed the HP-IB, which was used on the first personal computers under it's wider name - IEEE-488. Any device could be plugged in anywhere and still work the same.
That's the major difference between a bus and ports.
If M$ has incorrectly identified every connector on the Universal Serial Bus as a different device then that's something I've not looked into. But one of my laptops (Thoughbook CF-71) only has one USB connector! So I can't plug into a different connector.
OK I could use an Apple, but like another poster, I like Apple less than Windows. Why? Well the original Apple personal computer only had uppercase letters, whereas the PET, which came before it, had both upper and lower case. They have always cost a lot more for a lot less.
For a bit of fun, just look at Apple's logo. Yes, it's a bite (byte) short of a whole apple.
I chose the EPOC OS as used on Psion computers many years ago. Very stable and no boot time or close down time. But Mr Potter decided that selling the OS as Symbian, got him more money for doing nothing more. So ended the line of computers that so many now desire.
I'd use Linux, having used some Unix in the past, but certain things can only be done on Windows as other OSs don't have the programs.
If the problem has been solved,. then what is the answer, fjord_fox?
Heh, I love it.
by DADSGETNDOWN - 3/27/08 8:03 PM In reply to: the person with the "problem" never answers back? by LandyRegHAH!.Yep I really do love it.
This is close to what You have tried I think I haven't tried it,
maybe you have ? I did fire it up, looks different than Computer
Mangement.
(POST 88)
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-4_102-0.html?forumID=7&threadID=287775&messageID=2733272#2733272
will we get a stupid response, or the solved answer, or the person
who wrote this never returns syndrome?..:D
changing drive letters
by jdandkitty - 3/19/08 6:44 PM In reply to: How do I stop Windows from reassigning my external drive letters? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have 7 different drives of assorted flavors for different reasons. I also seem to end up configuring laptops for people that can barely type.
I also had big problems with rotating drive letters. But since I started using the Computer Management tool I have been amazed that a drive's info is so specific that when I plug it in, the computer gives it the correct drive letter even after upgrades.
If you run MMC /a.
File menu Add Snap-In.
Select disk Management.
Right click the drive and select the change the drive letter.
Save the Console.
So far in 6 years (even with Vista 64) is has stuck.
I'm sure many writers will tell you other plans, but this is easy and it works for me on every computer I manage.
Kitty
Listen to this person
by tetrachord - 3/21/08 8:06 PM In reply to: changing drive letters by jdandkittyKitty is right -- I do it the same way and never have an issue. If you go to Control Panels >> Administrative Tools >> Computer Management >> Disk Management, you can change (set) the drive letter. Evidently, this letter is somehow stored, as I never have problems with my removables changing letters anymore.
Hope this helps!
changing drive letters.
by bakgeo - 3/21/08 8:11 PM In reply to: changing drive letters by jdandkittyI have ran into the same problem, with a USB multi reader, each of the 7 slots was assigned a logical drive past the typical a, b, c, d, e drives. As a consequence, any 'mapped' networked drives would be re- allocated by windows, making them inaccessible. Simple solution, use disk management tool to force windows to allocate each of the reader slots to use drive letters starting backwords from Z. Then, while your devices are plugged in, use explorer to map the same corresponding drive letter to each device. Make sure you check off the 'reconnect at logon' option. haven't had a problem since, and this is a multi user workstation.
How do I stop Windows from reassigning my external drive let
by jmtces - 3/23/08 7:27 PM In reply to: changing drive letters. by bakgeoThe "Savely Remove Icon" (SR) that appears in the system tray when an external USB storage device is there for a reason. When this is clicked before removing the device, it insures that all file handles to this device is released. If a file handle is still open when the device is removed, it will get a different drive letter when plugged in the next time because it thinks the drive letter is still in use. Sometimes when you click the SR, you will get a message saying that the deviced "Cannot be stopped right now". This tells you that even though you are finished with it, the system is still using it. This can be the result of it being scanned by your malware software, windows creating a system restore point, a forgotten minimised window with a file or folder open on the device, the write back cache buffer not being emptied, etc. Make sure that the SR releases the drive if you want the same drive letter the next time.
MMC /a
by LandyReg - 3/27/08 10:29 AM In reply to: changing drive letters by jdandkittyThanks Kitty.
Done as you suggest and made the changes (again) in Computer Management. But this time within MMC.
Let's hope the changes remain and don't change as in the past when using Computer Management direct.
Why did Windows decide to make changes to our settings
by bus - 3/20/08 9:15 AM In reply to: How do I stop Windows from reassigning my external drive letters? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I believe that your inquiry is “Why don’t the assigned drive letters stay assigned even when the drive is or is not present and if the target of a shortcut has moved or gone missing, why can’t the Windows operating system find it?” Let us look at the drive letter assignment part first. A common problem area that occurs when trying to assign drive letters is not following/understanding the basic rule of drive letter assignment. The basic rule is ‘The drive letter being assigned must be unassigned nor can it conflict with a mapped network drive letter and once assigned no drive can be removed without a reassignment’.
When using Computer management's Disk Manager, you are directing the operating system to assign the drive letters via this basic rule. Once the assignment has been made and the user continues to use the computer while the basic rule is not violated then the drive letters will remain correct and all corresponding shortcuts will work correctly. If a drive is removed or added and this action results in a drive letter conflict, then the basic rule is violated. Then a predetermined algorithm will reassign the drive letters. See the first link below for a detailed introduction to this algorithm.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_letter_assignment
The linked reference document contains, a description of the algorithm, a short history of how this algorithm came about, and a link to a program that may provide a work-around (program name USBDLM, site, http://www.uwe-sieber.de/usbdlm_e.html, read through the site’s info).
After reading through the information presented one can see that Microsoft inherited this system and therefore any Windows operating system simply makes use of it. Taking it a step farther, Microsoft makes software to function in a present day hardware environment and that hardware environment uses this algorithm to function.
Now let us focus on a case where there are no mapped drives and no drive removal going on but drive letter reassignment is still occurring. The basic rule of drive letter assignment is still being violated. In this case the problem might be a failing drive. Just a few weeks ago a Cnet member submitted a question about a failing external drive. Here is the link, which also includes repair suggestions. http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=7&threadID=281361&messageID=2688505#2688505
This case illustrates that hardware problems can also cause the conditions of the submitted examples. Giving light to the possibility that not all cases of the submitted examples are being caused by Microsoft’s operating systems.
Now let us look at what Microsoft is doing to resolve this issue. By reading KB307889 one can see that with the introduction of the XP operating system, Microsoft has been moving towards providing a means to make temporary storage extensions easily mountable without the need for reassigned drive letters. What maybe the out come of this is users can just setup a folder within an already in place drive. This folder would be linked/mounted to another storage device and thereby increase the storage capacity of the already in place drive without need of the usual labor involved with refitting the computer with new non-removal drives. Here is the link.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307889
This may lead to changes in the way USB mass storage devices are handled. One possible effect maybe the user will be able to determine that the USB mass storage device is defective without having to trace down whether or not the drive letter has just been reassigned by the drive letter algorithm.
None of the solutions presented by the industry will ever be a good fit for every user and in order to keep their operating systems acceptable Microsoft will continue to add more user friendly methods to allow user customizations. However, they will have to balance these methods with the level of comfort the end user will tolerate, the hardware environment, and marketability. Which, Reg, leaves you and me wondering, in the heat of the moment, “Why did Windows decide to make changes to our settings?”
Why
by programatix - 3/21/08 8:30 PM In reply to: Why did Windows decide to make changes to our settings by busHi,
I'm not sure why it happens to you but I nearly never have the problem except when I'm experimenting on something.
As Bus stated, as long as there is no Drive Letter conflict, Windows normally will not intefere with the Drive Letter. Anyway, the configuration is kept in the registry located at HKLM\SYSTEM\MountedDevices. If you delete everything here, Windows will reassign all the drives again.
So, as far as I know these are the possiblities on when your drive letter will be reassigned:
1) Drive letter conflict (there is another drive using the drive letter when you plug in the external storage which is set to that drive)
2) The registry in HKLM\SYSTEM\MountedDevices is cleared
3) You installed games with copy protection which installed some driver
4) Windows refreshed the drivers in your system (well, it happens when you change the motherboard)
One more reason
by programatix - 3/21/08 8:32 PM In reply to: Why by programatix5) You run a software that clean up the registry which removed the setting?
I had the same issue
by The Yoder - 3/21/08 9:59 PM In reply to: How do I stop Windows from reassigning my external drive letters? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My soution to the problem was this ( I haven't read all the other posts so sorry if this is a repeat) I heave 3 external drives all of which come on and off my system ona daily basis. I simply went into the control panel accessed the administrator tools and went to disk management. From there I assigned my three drives letters X, Y, and Z. Since this is the end of the line for letter assignment, those drive letters never get assigned to my flash drives and other non important removable drives. So each time I plug em in they always come up with the right letter and my paths for playlist for example never get screwed up.
In bios set raid to 0.
by Tinkatoy4000 - 3/22/08 2:06 AM In reply to: How do I stop Windows from reassigning my external drive letters? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Restart your computer when you see your computer logo press F2 for bios and look for raid. Set the raid to 0 so you are using 1 hard drive at a time instead of mirroring. Which ever is your primary hard drive. When my primary hard drive which is C is filled up it will go to the next hard drive. See what happens when you install games ect. it will copy your primary hard drive and then copy to your other hard drive.
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