how to fix external hard drive that topped to show in the computer it looks like file are lost?

Do not select MBR or GPT if this external drive previously contained files—cancel the Initialize Disk window, because initialization and subsequent partitioning or formatting can make the existing data inaccessible. Initialization is intended for a new, empty disk; formatting destroys data on the partition.^1^

“Unknown” or “Not Initialized” does not necessarily mean the files are gone. Windows may be unable to read the disk signature or partition information because of corruption, a connection problem, or failing hardware.^2^

Try these non-destructive checks

1. Cancel the initialization prompt.
   • Do not create a New Simple Volume, format the disk, or delete anything.
   • Avoid running chkdsk at this stage; the disk has no accessible drive letter, and the priority is recovering files without writing changes.
2. Check whether the disk is only Offline.
   • Right-click Start → Disk Management.
   • Find the external disk by its capacity.
   • If its status says Offline, right-click the disk label on the left and select Online.
   • If it then displays a Healthy partition but no letter, right-click that partition → Change Drive Letter and Paths → Add. It should then appear in File Explorer.^2^
3. Refresh and test the connection.
   • In Disk Management, select Action → Rescan Disks.
   • Connect the drive directly to another USB port, not through a hub.
   • Try another compatible USB cable.
   • If the enclosure has its own power supply, shut it down, reconnect its power, and restart it.
   • Test the drive on another computer.^2^
4. Check hardware detection.
   • Right-click Start → Device Manager → Disk drives.
   • Look for the external drive or a device showing an exclamation mark.
   • Open its Properties and note the device-status error, if any.

If it remains Unknown or Not Initialized

Use data-recovery software that can scan a physical disk without requiring a drive letter, and save recovered files to a different drive. Do not recover them back onto the affected disk. A closely matching Windows 11 case likewise recommends recovery before initialization or formatting when an existing external drive appears as unallocated or not initialized.^3^

If the drive:

• makes clicking or grinding sounds,
• repeatedly disconnects,
• reports the wrong capacity,
• is not detected on another PC, or
• contains irreplaceable files,

stop repeatedly powering or scanning it and contact a professional data-recovery service. Failure on another PC indicates that the drive or enclosure, rather than Windows, is likely the problem.^2^

When to choose GPT or MBR

Only proceed if the drive is new/empty, or after the files have been recovered and you accept erasing/recreating its storage layout:

• GPT: Preferred for modern Windows computers; more robust and supports volumes larger than 2 TB.
• MBR: Mainly for compatibility with older computers and operating systems.^4^

For an empty external drive used with Windows 11, select GPT, initialize it, right-click the resulting Unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, assign a drive letter, and format it. Do not perform these steps while trying to recover the old files.

References

1. Disk Management in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Troubleshoot Disk Management
3. I have a Noontec hard drive that isn't recognised on W11 file manager. How can I access it to determine what data exists there> - Microsoft Q&A
4. Initialize new disks