External USB HD detection problem

Discussion in 'Storage Devices' started by Conqueror36, Sep 14, 2007.

  1. Conqueror36

    Conqueror36 Geek Trainee

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    I recently got a new 500 WD gb external USB 2.0 hard drive. It was fine when I got it, but windows explorer can't detect it anymore. I can see it in the Device Manager as just "WD" under Disk Drive but not in my computer. Also when I right click on My Computer and select Manage then go to the Disk Management tab, I can't see it anywhere in there. Does anyone know what's wrong with it and the solution to it. I also try it on my laptop and the same thing happen. This is driving me crazy.
     
  2. gazaway

    gazaway Geek Trainee

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    Would you happen to be running SP1 or below? I think XP had troubles untill SP2 detecting anything over a certain size.
     
  3. Conqueror36

    Conqueror36 Geek Trainee

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    I got SP2, but I don't think that's the case. When I first got it, it works fine. I let my brother burrow it so he can copy some stuff. Then when i put it back it just doesn't detect anymore.
     
  4. gazaway

    gazaway Geek Trainee

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    Is this an external drive that is ONLY an external drive? Or is this an internal drive that's inside an external drive case. If so, could it be that your brother changed the internals of the external drive (maybe he was, you know, just being curious or screwing around.)
     
  5. Conqueror36

    Conqueror36 Geek Trainee

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    It's an external only HD. There's really nothing to configure outside the box.
     
  6. donkey42

    donkey42 plank

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    yes you right gazaway before XP SP1, XP could only recognize upto 137Gb, however, back to the problem at hand, has anything changed on your system, what antivirus & firewall are you using and have you tried scanning with Ad-Aware & Spybot S & D

    BTW: also update all definitions of all scanning software before scanning

    Edit: do all the scanning with the HDD disconnected then try connecting it when scanning is complete
     
  7. edijs

    edijs Programmer

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    i had a similar issue with a external hard drive. try using another casing.
     
  8. roy92

    roy92 CSS HAXOR

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    another scenario may be, your brother had an improperly setup USB front panel port and may have damaged your HD. (I know this by experience, blown an Ipod Shuffle and a couple of Flash Drives!)
     
  9. Conqueror36

    Conqueror36 Geek Trainee

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    I don' think he did anything with the front usb panel or anything like that. I'll try donkey advice though. Since I know my brother computer is very up to date on his anti viruses or adware stuff.
     
  10. roy92

    roy92 CSS HAXOR

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    what I meant, is that the usb port in the his computer, where he connected the hard drive is faulty or improperly set up. Just wondering though because it can happen.
     
  11. Conqueror36

    Conqueror36 Geek Trainee

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    Still got the problem after all that spyware software. No the USB port isn't faulty or anything. He got 2 of those and i got 6. I try all those and it's the same.
     
  12. roy92

    roy92 CSS HAXOR

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    Can you hear the drive spinning? Does it even power up?
     
  13. Conqueror36

    Conqueror36 Geek Trainee

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    I guess the drive is broken or something, because when I power down my PC it's still making the spinning sound.
     
  14. donkey42

    donkey42 plank

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    strange, do you have more than 1 USB connector to connect the drive to your USB ?

    as USB HDDs usually require more than 900mA, whereas a single USB port can only supply a maximum of 500mA


    Source


    Edit: does the external HDD keep spinning when your system is turned off & when the HDD is unplugged from the USB port
     

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