Windows 8 and removable storage question

[mikeymikec]

On older versions of Windows, when plugging in a USB storage device I would get a message essentially asking me what I want to do with this device.

On every Windows 8 machine I've tried it on, I get a purple message near the top-right corner that asks me what I would like to do in future with this class of removable storage. If I select an option from there, I'm pretty sure that it then decides to take that course of action automatically in future.

If I'm correct, is there a way for Windows 8 to ask me what I would like to do with this removable storage device on this occasion only?

 

[mikeymikec]

I'm *bumping* this because I'm guessing that this question was missed through the generally large amounts of posts that the AT forums receive, and I'd be surprised if someone couldn't answer this question one way or the other.

 

[ViRGE]

At least in my case you're not being ignored. I honestly don't have an answer for this one, mikey.🙁 You can set autoplay to "Ask Me Every Time", but I don't think that's quite what you're after.

 

[mikeymikec]

Is there an option for it to ask you every time? I don't have the Win8 laptop to hand at the moment so I can't easily check.

 

[Bubbaleone]

Is there an option for it to ask you every time? I don't have the Win8 laptop to hand at the moment so I can't easily check.

In Windows 8 use the shortcut keys, Windows Key+W, to open Search, and then click Settings. Type Autoplay in the search box.

Top left of same page; click AutoPlay to open the AutoPlay dialog.

For removable drives, select Ask me every time, then save.

When a removable drive is first connected, immediately click this prompt...

...which will now open this option menu as the default.

.

 

[mikeymikec]

Re: last screenshot - however when you pick say 'open folder to view files', from what I've experienced it will do that automatically in future without asking.

 

[Bubbaleone]

Try it before dismissing it. This was thoroughly tested, and the screenshots taken, on my personal Windows 8 Pro machine. I wouldn't have posted this reply to your inquiry if it didn't work exactly as demonstrated. The option menu will be available every time you connect a removable drive.

 

[mikeymikec]

I just tried it. I read your previous instructive post's first few steps as being a guide to restoring the default behaviour, then the last being 'now try it', whereas what I think you meant was "Windows 8 by default will ask you what you would like to do with this class of device automatically in future, these instructions are how to get it to act the way you would like it to (ie. ask every time).

Cool, I've learnt something about Win8, thanks for your help 🙂

I find it odd that they've changed the default behaviour like that. I preferred the 'always ask unless I tell you otherwise' approach as a default OS setting. I suppose some might prefer the simpler/more restrictive approach though.

 

[Bubbaleone]

I loved Windows 7 from day one; but now that I'm getting rid of the airbags, grab rails, and training wheels that Microsoft included in Windows 8 for the protection of the clueless masses, I'm finding it to be a superior operating system in every aspect. Glad I could help get you sorted...:thumbsup:

 

[Gintaras]

On older versions of Windows, when plugging in a USB storage device I would get a message essentially asking me what I want to do with this device.

On every Windows 8 machine I've tried it on, I get a purple message near the top-right corner that asks me what I would like to do in future with this class of removable storage. If I select an option from there, I'm pretty sure that it then decides to take that course of action automatically in future.

If I'm correct, is there a way for Windows 8 to ask me what I would like to do with this removable storage device on this occasion only?

Everytime I plug in external HDD, I get message: "Drive has errors and has to be scanned and fixed"...I just iognore that and that HDD had never had a problem - everything is just fine...

 

[mikeymikec]

Everytime I plug in external HDD, I get message: "Drive has errors and has to be scanned and fixed"...I just iognore that and that HDD had never had a problem - everything is just fine...

That means the external HDD has a file system issue which ought to be fixed. It also probably means you haven't been using the 'safe unplug' feature in Windows, so you've been treating the external disk as badly as pulling the power on your computer instead of shutting it down properly.