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
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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.

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