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Can i use my external hdd after pc crash?

Power Outage Sparks PC Troubles | Gamers Seek Solutions to HDD Dilemma

By

Maya Thompson

Apr 26, 2025, 04:12 PM

Edited By

Samir Patel

Snappy read

A person connecting an external hard drive to a new PC to retrieve game data for Baldur's Gate 3 after a power outage

A recent power outage has left many gamers scrambling for answers, particularly those relying on external hard drives for their game installations. A Baldur's Gate 3 player is among those seeking guidance on whether they need to reinstall the game after their desktop went down.

Context of the Situation

In a community forum, a gamer shared their experience of losing a desktop during a neighborhood blackout. They had installed their game on an external hard drive due to insufficient internal space. Now, with a new CPU on the horizon, they wonder if reinstalling is necessary and how to ensure Steam recognizes their existing game files.

What Gamers Are Saying

Commenters have weighed in with some solid advice:

  • "It takes 5 seconds to add the library to a new install of Steam and auto-detect all your games."

  • "Power outages often come with surges that can fry components, and a good UPS can mitigate future issues."

  • โ€œAnything connected can be at risk; just plugging into a basic power strip isnโ€™t enough.โ€

The mixed sentiment reveals concerns over hardware failures and a reliance on preventative measures in terms of surge protection.

"Thank you so much!" many people echo in response to helpful suggestions.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ’พ Easy Library Addition: Adding the library in Steam is straightforward and quick.

  • โšก Surge Risks: Power surges can damage components while standard protection may not suffice.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Hardware Discussion: A technician suggests motherboard issues could lie at the heart of these failures.

This discussion reveals a significant concern for gamers who often rely on power-hungry systems to enjoy rich gaming experiences like Baldur's Gate 3.

Final Thoughts

As gamers move forward in an age of more demanding hardware needs, what steps are they taking to protect their investments? The advice shared in user boards underscores the importance of robust surge protection methods and the need for community support during hardships.