RepairWindows

Device Was Not Migrated Due to Partial or Ambiguous Match

Jack

By Jack Lin

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Was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match

“Was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match” is the message I get in the event viewer. I get this issue after connecting a new HDD to the external HDD reader. Is it just because of the bad sectors? Or is there another reason?

In fact, this is not the first HDD that gives the same error on my PC. Can an expert help me out?

For people using a PC that runs on Windows 10, you may occasionally experience the above-mentioned error. Just like the error message says, the error appears due to a partial or ambiguous match.

There can be various reasons behind was not being migrated due to partial or ambiguous match errors.

However, it can mainly appear when a device cannot successfully migrate to a new system. In addition to that, when this error appears, you will have to check the computer thoroughly. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find the exact issue and address it.

In the following sections of this article, we will explain what you can do to find it.

Also, we explain how to solve the “was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match” issue. So, continue reading and learn everything about it.


Part 1: Diagnosing Was Not Migrated Due to Partial or Ambiguous Match Error on Windows 10

Before moving to the solutions segment, you are supposed to diagnose the issue properly. That means you are supposed to identify if the respective issue is appearing on your Windows.

To do that, you can use a built-in tool found in Windows operating system. You can use Device Manager on the Windows PC and the Event Viewer to view the error.

Steps to Access this Error on Your Windows 10.

  • First, you should open a tool called ‘Device Manager.’ You can do it by using the search feature located in the Start Menu. Once the Device Manager is found, you can open it to see the home interface.
Diagnosing "was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match" error on Windows 10
  • Now, you should locate the menu labeled ‘Disk Drives.’ Then, you should click on it to expand it. Once the Disk Drives menu is expanded, just right-click on the faulty drive label. Then, choose the ‘Properties’ option.
Diagnosing "was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match" error on Windows 10
  • Go to the ‘Events’ option on the Properties window. You can see the ‘hard drive was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match’ error.
Diagnosing "was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match" error on Windows 10
  • If such an error can be seen, you’ll have to follow the instructions mentioned in the following section.

PS: let’s learn more about the top solutions to fix issues like A device attached to the system is not functioning.


Part 2: Fixing Device Was Not Migrated Due to Partial or Ambiguous Match Error?

Now that you have made sure about the existence of the errors, you should look for the fixes. This part will explain the practical solutions you can use to address this issue.

We hope that at least one of the below-mentioned methods will get you out of the situation. So, let’s learn how to do it.

01. Use Different Ports to Fix the Faulty Device

This could be the simplest fix for the ‘was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match’ issue. As per this method, you should plug the same device into different USB ports.

That means you have to connect the hard drive to a different USB port and check if it works. If it is caused due to an issue on the port, this method will fix it for you.

02. Reinstall the Drivers for the Device

Windows operating system identifies its hardware components through the corresponding drivers. Each hardware component has a unique driver to communicate with the operating system. Failures in drivers can lead to various issues in your system.

Sometimes, the aforementioned issue can trigger an error associated with the drivers of the hard drive too. That means it can happen if the drivers are outdated or corrupted.

If that is the case, the best thing you should do is to uninstall those drivers and reinstall them. As a result of updating the drivers, your hard disk will start to function normally.

If You Wonder How to Reinstall the Drivers Manually, Mentioned Below Are the Required Instructions.

  • Launch the ‘Device Manager’ on your PC. You can use the Start Menu on your PC to get it done.
Reinstall the drivers for the device
  • Once you have found the Device Manager, right-click on the hard drive, which is in question. Then, you will see a popup menu. Just select the Update Driver option.
Reinstall the drivers for the device
  • You will notice a couple of options. Choose the most appropriate option and update the drivers.
Reinstall the drivers for the device
  • If the issue has occurred by a faulty driver, it should be resolved now.

03. Update the Drivers for the Chipset

If the device drivers were working fine, but the issue persists, we should turn to Chipset drivers.

If the chipset drivers are outdated or corrupted, ‘was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match’ can trigger. Faulty chipset drivers can cause various issues on your computer and annoy you.

So, if You Want to Fix It, You Can Follow the Steps Mentioned Below.

  • First, you should launch the Device Manager on your computer. You already know that because we did the same in previous fixes.
Diagnosing "was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match" error on Windows 10
  • Now, you should right-click on the chipset to proceed.
  • Once the popup menu appears, just choose the ‘Update Drivers’ option to finish it.
Update the Drivers for Chipset
  • Now, to complete the installation, you should reboot the PC.
  • When the computer reboots, the device drivers will be updated, and the issue will be resolved.

04. Remove Potentially Corrupted System Files using the System File Checker

If your Windows OS has some corrupted system files, that can hinder smooth operation.

As a result, issues like ‘was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match’ can trigger. But the good news is that you can fix those errors using a utility in the operating system itself.

Windows Operating System comes with a command to scan the computer and find corrupted files. It can be done using the command prompt.

You can fix the corrupted files with this option and get rid of those errors. As a result, the system will start to run smoothly and identify the hardware components.

For Those Who Don’t Know How to Perform a System Check, Mentioned Below Are the Steps.

  • Launch Command Prompt on your PC in administrator mode. To do that, just do the following.
    • Press the ‘Windows’ + ‘R’ keys simultaneously and open the ‘Run’ utility.
    • Enter the text ‘CMD’ in the “Run” box.
    • Now, press the Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys simultaneously to launch the command line with Administrator privileges.
Remove potentially Corrupted System Files using System File Checker
  • Once the CMD is opened in Administrator mode, you should enter the following command.
    sfc /scannow
  • Now, hit ‘Enter’ to start the scan and fix the corrupted files.
Remove potentially Corrupted System Files using System File Checker

This fix should work if the issue occurred by a corrupted system file.

05. Reset the BIOS Settings of the Computer

However, if no one solution we mentioned earlier worked for you, you should reset the BIOS settings.

For many users, resetting BIOS has worked as a solution. So, follow the steps below to solve the “was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match” error.

  • Press the “Shift” on your keyboard & hold it while clicking on the “Restart” on the PC.
  • Go to the “Troubleshoot” option and then move to “Advanced Options.”
  • After that, go to the option labeled “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
Reset the BIOS settings of the computer
  • Now, press the “F9” key on the keyboard so the BIOS settings will be reset.

This should fix the “was not migrated due to partial or ambiguous match” error for you.


Part 3: Recovering the Files Lost Due to Was Not Migrated Due to Partial or Ambiguous Match Error

It is a pretty common instance to experience data loss due to this error. What if you have come across such a situation?

Do you have to give up on those files? Probably not. There is a very smart and effective way to recover lost data on your hard drive. In fact, as per this method, we use a special tool called Tenorshare 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery.

Although there’re plenty of tools to recover lost data from hard disks, Tenorshare 4DDiG stands out from the crowd. There are plenty of reasons for us to consider 4DDiG as the best in the business.

4DDiG is a very simple and incredibly powerful application that can recover data from hard drives on Windows systems. It is user-friendly, and on top of that, it requires no technical expertise from users to recover deleted data.

Follow the Easy Instructions to Recover Lost Data from Your Hard Disk

First, download Tenorshare 4DDiG for Windows Data Recovery on your computer from their official website. Then, install it and launch it on the PC.

After that, you should select the drive (which is in question) and hit the ‘Scan’ button.

Tenorshare 4DDiG for Windows Data Recovery

You can preview the files before you actually recover them. Then you can select the files you intend to recover and select the ‘Recover’ option.

Tenorshare 4DDiG for Windows Data Recovery

Now, you should select a destination so the recovered files will be saved there.

Tenorshare 4DDiG for Windows Data Recovery

That’s it. Tenorshare 4DDiG will save the recovered files in the folder you have already defined.


FAQs

Simply put, this message says that the system could not complete the migration process with the hard drive.

There are plenty of reasons. It can be an issue with the hardware, port, drivers, software incompatibility, and so on.

  • Check if the USB ports are working properly.
  • Check the drivers and reinstall them.
  • Perform an update on chipset drivers
  • Perform a System File Check (sfc /scannnow)
  • Resetting the PC’s BIOS to fix it.

To prevent device migration failures, perform regular updates, verify compatibility before migration, double-check device configurations, ensure stable network connection, and follow correct migration procedures.

For more detailed information on device migration, refer to the documentation provided by your operating system or device manufacturer.

Conclusion

Device migration is a valuable process that facilitates the seamless transition between devices. However, partial or ambiguous matches can lead to migration failures, causing inconvenience and device functionality issues.

By understanding the reasons behind migration failures and following the troubleshooting tips provided, users can address these issues effectively.

Additionally, taking preventive measures such as regular updates, compatibility verification, and following correct migration procedures can significantly reduce the chances of encountering migration failures.

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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