Removable disk

Updated: 07/06/2021 by Computer Hope
Removable disk

A removable disk is media that enables users to move data between computers without opening their computer. A removable disk is sometimes called a removable drive, removable storage, or removable media.

Examples of removable disks

Note

Although hard drives that connect to a USB port allow you to move data between computers, they are often called an external drive and not a removable disk.

Why can I not access my removable disk?

It is not uncommon to see multiple removable disks listed on your computer. Today, these drives are usually in the form of a card reader. For example, the picture shows Removable Disk (F:), Removable Disk (G:), Removable Disk (H:), and Removable Disk (K:) are all slots in a card reader on the computer. For these to be accessible, you must put an SD card in its slot.

Removable media used during boot

Removable media can also be used as a boot drive when the computer is not working, needs to be troubleshot, or you want to use a different operating system. However, having a removable disk or drive in the computer during boot is one method viruses can infect the computer. If the removable media is bootable and infected, a computer may attempt to boot from it and infect the computer. If you have a removable disk (e.g., floppy disk or USB thumb drive) not being used as a boot device, leave it disconnected or out of the computer during boot. If it's used frequently, make sure it's the last boot device in the boot options.

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