Device settings not migrated from previous installation due to partial or ambiguous device match.

Figrat 20 Reputation points
2025-10-15T09:35:45.44+00:00

I installed an SSD into my Dell computer. All went well, when I was configuring it in disc management, I foolishly gave it drive letter E. Unfortunately, I had an external USB hard drive which was also E.
I changed the SSD drive letter to Z. That didn't work. I uninstalled the SSD, and reinstalled it (but I didn't format it first). It immediately picked it up as drive Z, but the settings still haven't migrated.
I can access the SSD fine, but I can't use it to change default locations for apps etc, which is why I installed it in the first place.
I'm thinking that if I uninstall both the USB and the SSD and try again, maybe that would work?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Emmanuel Santana 40,210 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-10-15T10:16:13.6466667+00:00

Hello. That might help but only if you also clear Windows’ stored mount-point data before reconnecting them. Otherwise, the same ambiguous mapping will return. Do this instead:

  1. Disconnect both the USB and the SSD.
  2. Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: 
       mountvol /R
    This deletes all old volume-letter records.
  3. Open regedit, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\MountedDevices, and confirm there are no entries left like \DosDevices\E: or \DosDevices\Z:.
  4. Reboot, then reconnect only the SSD first. Assign it a fresh letter (for example, D).
  5. Reconnect your USB drive after that—Windows will assign it automatically and without overlap.

Let me know how it goes.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.