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Hello --- I have a usb drive connected to my computer --- I use it to clone the 2nd hard drive in my computer --- that drive is a "data disk" which also includes backup
files.

The other day when I tried to run my clone job ( robocopy ) I got errors and the contents of one directory is now empty -- check disk would not even run.

now, when I connect that drive to the computer I get a message that it has to be formatted --

Is it possible to fix / repair this? if so where is the best place to start in the manual ---

Thanks

Use Testdisk and search for partitions. Look inside each partition and use the "p"-function to list files. If you can't find your files, try using photorec or third-party software.
You could rerun Testdisk using "deep search" as well, even though your description suggests that your partition is still there.
Manual reference: "9.6 Quick Search for partitions" mentions the p-function to list files.

thanks for the info