external hard drive not detected

Pradeep Kr

Honorable
Apr 11, 2013
1
0
10,510
when i am connecting my external hdd its not getting detected even when the yellow light of the hdd is on. please suggest the appropriate solution to fix this
 
Solution
We need more information.

1. Is this a new external hard drive that you have never used? If that is the case, you probably have to Initialize that HDD, and there are simple tools in Windows to do that.

2. Is this a unit that you were using successfully before this, but now it suddenly does not work? In that case there are several possible problems, and hence a sequence of diagnostic tests to try to clarify the real source of your trouble.

Answer those, and we can advise on your next steps.

Paperdoc

Polypheme
Ambassador
We need more information.

1. Is this a new external hard drive that you have never used? If that is the case, you probably have to Initialize that HDD, and there are simple tools in Windows to do that.

2. Is this a unit that you were using successfully before this, but now it suddenly does not work? In that case there are several possible problems, and hence a sequence of diagnostic tests to try to clarify the real source of your trouble.

Answer those, and we can advise on your next steps.
 
Solution

Paperdoc

Polypheme
Ambassador
Actually, there are ways to use diagnostic tests on INTERNAL HDD's that can bypass a common OS and work directly with the HDD controllers. But they usually would require that the HDD unit in the external enclosure be removed and mounted internally in the computer (so there is no communications interface to deal with). However, there is no point in going to all that trouble unless you have good reason to suspect failed hardware. My post above was asking for more information so we could decide whether such testing was needed for OP's case. There was not enough info given originally to indicate whether there is a hardware issue, or whether the problem is much simpler, such as a user unfamiliar with how to install this new piece of equipment.
 

BosPatrollie

Reputable
Feb 25, 2014
2
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4,510
I am aware of methods and applications (Knoppix, for one, comes to mind and various other boot Cds) which can work around Windows not recognizing an INTERNAL HDD ( :) ) as you stated. My question was aimed at Roolyloo70 suggesting apps which are 'In O/S' based when clearly the O/S is not recognizing the drive. Your questions and suggestions were perfect mate.
 

needtofixthis

Reputable
May 20, 2014
1
0
4,510
Hey
Mine is an old HD and have been in use for sme time now
It lights up but I cant detect the HD
I need to retrieve the information and then i am planning to format it cos I think it s corrupt
I plan to sort my information and then put it back on HD
suggest appropriate way I can do this
 

D GeeK

Reputable
Jun 17, 2014
1
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4,510


there is a simple solution to this problem. it is so simple that promise me that you will not try to hit the wall by your head.(this method will work on every desktop computer)

step 1. unplug your external hard drive

step 2. turn around you computer's cpu

step 3. find the usb ports on back of it

step 4. plug your hard drive in any of the ports

step 5. say thank you
 

jhoiye

Reputable
Sep 11, 2014
1
0
4,510
hello
i have the same issue but my external is functioning im tranferring a file then it went off and i cant locate anymore the external.. i want to know how to solve it
thank.. please help me

jhoiye
 

bluefox143

Reputable
Dec 26, 2014
1
0
4,510
Same problem here.. got seagate 500gb that works well on my laptop when I need to transfer it to my desktop (which I think is infected) as my kid wanted to see cartoon movies.
After my kid was finished viewing the movie on the desktop I transferred the external drive on my laptop and thats it, the drive did not show up even as i tried it to all usb port available. however the drive is visible on the icon below which safely takeout the harddrive. Im thinking that it could be a virus? and hoping there is a solution to this coz I have important files on it.

I'm using window7 32 bit. Thanks.
 

sinani simba

Reputable
Dec 29, 2014
2
0
4,510