Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
ie8 fix

Storage forum: Computer not recognizing external hard drive

by: svevenstar February 14, 2010 9:06 PM PST

Like this

0 people like this thread

Staff pick

Computer not recognizing external hard drive

by svevenstar - 2/14/10 9:06 PM

Last summer I purchased a 1T Lacie external hard drive, and lately it's been acting up. Every once in a while the computer wouldn't recognize it, but if I restarted the external hard drive that usually solved it. Last night, however, my computer stopped recognizing the drive, and nothing I've done has helped (restarting the computer, restarting the hard drive, and trying a different USB port). When I turn on the hard drive my computer makes the "ding" sound that I usually take to mean it recognizes it, but when I go to my computer the hard drive either doesn't appear or only "Local Disc (F:)" appears without the usual ____ gb/____gb used and when I double click on it the My Computer folder freezes and I can't access the hard drive.

Any help would be greatly appreciate!


Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

Drive or enclosure issue

by Steven Haninger - 2/15/10 3:03 AM

In Reply to: Computer not recognizing external hard drive by svevenstar

I'd try the drive directly connected to the MB if possible. They do go bad. If it works that way, there's an issue with the enclosure or its power supply. You can try to put the drive in another enclosure and see if it works.


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

Attaching it to the MB

by svevenstar - 2/15/10 9:12 AM

In Reply to: Drive or enclosure issue by Steven Haninger

I'm sorry, I'm a bit lacking in knowledge when it comes to computers. How would I attach it directly to the MB?

Thanks so much!


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

You'd need to remove the drive from the enclosure first

by Steven Haninger - 2/15/10 10:42 AM

In Reply to: Attaching it to the MB by svevenstar

and then open the computer's case. You'd need to determine whether the drive was SATA or PATA by the rear connectors. You'd need to attach the drive to an available port on the MB if SATA. If PATA, it could be attached by an unused plug on a cable or open IDE port on the MB but there may be jumpers to deal with. It's not that difficult but depends on your own comfort level with trying this.


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

Working now

by svevenstar - 2/18/10 3:27 PM

In Reply to: You'd need to remove the drive from the enclosure first by Steven Haninger

I plugged my hard drive into another power outlet and now it's working fine. Thanks so much for your help! happy


Was this reply helpful? (0)   (0)

Staff pick

Reply
Report offensive post
Email to friend

More Discussions

Forum Icon Legend

  • UnreadUnread
  • ReadRead
  • Locked threadLocked thread
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • ModeratorModerator
  • CNET StaffCNET Staff
  • Samsung StaffSamsung Staff
  • Norton Authorized Support TeamNorton Authorized Support Team
  • AVG StaffAVG Staff
  • avast! Staffavast! Staff
  • Webroot Support TeamWebroot Support Team
  • Acer Customer Experience TeamAcer Customer Experience Team
  • Windows Outreach TeamWindows Outreach Team
  • DISH staffDISH staff
  • Dell StaffDell Staff
  • Intel StaffIntel Staff
  • QuestionQuestion
  • Resolved questionResolved question
  • General discussionGeneral discussion
  • TipTip
  • Alert or warningAlert or warning
  • PraisePraise
  • RantRant

You are e-mailing the following post: Post Subject

Your e-mail address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the e-mail and in case of transmission error. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose.

Sorry, there was a problem emailing this post. Please try again.

Submit Email Cancel

Thank you. Sent email to

Close

Thank you. Sent email to

Close

You are reporting the following post: Post Subject

If you believe this post is offensive or violates the CNET Forums' Usage policies, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the post). Once reported, our moderators will be notified and the post will be reviewed.

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language

Spam: Advertisements or commercial links

Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users

Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content

Sorry, there was a problem submitting your post. Please try again.

Submit Report Cancel

Your message has been submitted and will be reviewed by our staff. Thank you for helping us maintain CNET's great community.

Close

Your message has been submitted and will be reviewed by our staff. Thank you for helping us maintain CNET's great community.

Close

You are posting a reply to: Post Subject

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. Please refer to the CNET Forums policies for details. All submitted content is subject to CBS Interactive Site Terms of Use.

You are currently tracking this discussion. Click here to manage your tracked discussions.

If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem. Also please exercise your best judgment when posting in the forums--revealing personal information such as your e-mail address, telephone number, and address is not recommended.

Sorry, there was a problem submitting your post. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem generating the preview. Please try again.

Duplicate posts are not allowed in the forums. Please edit your post and submit again.

Submit Reply Preview Cancel

Thank you, , your post has been submitted.

> Click here to view your post. > Manage your tracked discussions. > Track this discussion. Close

Thank you, , your post has been submitted and will appear on our site shortly.

Close