Applies to: All editions
Initial scan
DriveErase scans the computer for physical storage devices when the application starts. The results are displayed in the device list and used to build the available per-device settings.
A detected device can appear differently depending on the controller, storage bridge, enclosure, driver, or virtual platform. For example, a USB-to-SATA bridge may expose a generic enclosure identity instead of the underlying drive model or may prevent reliable media classification.
Refresh the list
Use Scan Devices after:
- Connecting or disconnecting external storage;
- Powering on an enclosure;
- Changing a hot-swap bay;
- Changing a controller or HBA path;
- Attaching a virtual disk;
- Completing a storage-management operation that changes the device set.
Before refreshing, cancel any unconfirmed settings review. A refresh can rebuild the list and may change disk indexes.
Hot-plug precautions
Do not connect or disconnect a target after the sanitization job has been confirmed. The signed job records the intended device identity and disk path. Hardware changes between job creation and execution can cause the target-resolution checks to reject the operation.
When hot-plugging is supported by the hardware:
- Use the manufacturer’s safe connection procedure.
- Wait for Windows to finish device discovery.
- Refresh DriveErase.
- Confirm all identity fields.
- Reapply and review the device settings.
Missing devices
When a device is absent:
- Confirm power, cables, enclosure status, and controller configuration;
- Check whether Windows Disk Management or Device Manager detects it;
- Load the approved controller driver where required;
- Test direct attachment when a bridge or enclosure is suspected;
- Confirm the device is not hidden behind a storage abstraction unavailable as a physical disk.
A device that cannot be detected reliably should not be sanitized through an assumed disk index.