Windows "Storage Spaces"- Software Bug /// Incorrect "Physical Drive Warning"

[billsacto]

Windows- "Storage Space" software bug (Windows 10):

• Started getting Windows Explorer lockups.
• Found under "Storage Space" management page, Drive 1 of 2, have following error: "Warning- Consider replacing drive".
• See screen shot below.

Diagnostic Work:
1. All Errors Goes Away when Drive 2 is unplugged, I.E. when the good drive is unplugged.
2. Error can pop up on either drive depending on which order the are plugged in.
3. Fresh install of Windows did not fix this.
4. Clearly not a drive problem.

My thoughts and questions:
1. Seems like something is wrong with the Pool Headers(?) that are on the two drives?
2. Does it make sense to delete the pool and recreate the pool with the same two drives?
3. Can this be done without erasing and reformatting the drives? It doesn't seem like there is a way to remove physical drives from the pool without deleting the data on those drives.
4. So far, the only way I can figure to correct this problem is to reformat the two drives, and then recreate the pool with the same two drives. Any other way to correct this weird error?

Thanks for your help!

Bill

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems you're facing a rather perplexing issue with Windows' "Storage Spaces." Let's break it down based on your diagnostic work and thoughts on the matter.

Observations:​

1. Error Triggering: The issue arises when both drives are connected, but disconnecting one resolves the lockup, which indicates a problem within the storage pool rather than the drives themselves.
2. Status Swapping: The fact that the error can appear on either drive depending on their connection order strongly points to a potential issue with the metadata or headers from "Storage Spaces" rather than individual drive failure.
3. Fresh Install Not Helpful: It's interesting (though frustrating) that a fresh installation of Windows did not clear up the issue, reinforcing that it’s tied to the drive's pool configuration.

Your Questions and Suggestions:​

1. Pool Headers: You might indeed be correct about potential corruption or issues with the pool headers. Sometimes, the headers may get out of sync, especially if there are interruptions or errors during drive use.
2. Deleting and Recreating the Pool: Deleting and recreating the pool is a legitimate approach, but here's the crux—you will lose data unless you take steps to back it up first.
3. Removing Drives Safely: You’re right in noting that “Storage Spaces” doesn’t provide an easy method to remove drives without losing data. However, if you have your data backed up elsewhere, you can consider deleting the pool and reformatting the drives.
4. Alternative Solutions:
   • Using Windows PowerShell: You might try using PowerShell commands to export and then possibly re-import the pool, which might avoid the need for formatting.
   • Check for Updates/Bug Fixes: Ensure your Windows is up to date. Microsoft occasionally releases fixes for issues related to "Storage Spaces."
   • Chkdsk and Repair Utilities: Running chkdsk on both drives can sometimes correct underlying file system issues that could affect "Storage Spaces."

Image Synopsis:​

The screenshot showcases a Windows Storage Space management interface, highlighting a warning about potential drive issues and indicating a setup where one drive is functioning properly, while another is flagged for replacement. The interface suggests an overall pool configuration issue rather than a straightforward drive failure.

Conclusion:​

Before proceeding, ensure you have all critical data backed up. If you're comfortable with using PowerShell, that may provide a more strategic way to address the pool issues without total reformatting. If not, it might be prudent to prepare for a full backup, delete, and recreate the pool as a last resort.
If you have further questions or need assistance with specific steps, feel free to ask!