windows 8.1 not recognizing external hard drive

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gogooj

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Dec 22, 2014
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I recently purchased a lenovo thinkpad touch with windows 8.1 along with a Samsung HDD external hard drive case so I could utilize the hard drive if my former computer.

The drive was working flawlessly till I made a big mistake. In an attempt to organize all the files on the hard drive into one folder I selected all the files and selected cut intending to paste it in one folder.

Immediately the computer stopped recognzing the hard drive and now every times I plug it in the computer gives me the message USB device not recognized device descriptor request failed.

Did I somehow ruin the hard drive by cutting everything in it. How can I fix this?
 
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Jonas Magnusson

Jonas Magnusson

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Nov 7, 2014
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Try to find the right drivers for your external HDD on the Internet first by typing in the HDD model.
You may also try:
-Putting it in another USB port on the computer
-get oracle virtualbox> install a legal version of windows in it or any linux distrobution> mount the HDD in it
-in worst case scenario if you can't perform any of the things above and you don't have anything to personal on it you should format it
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, gogooj!

I'd suggest to go to Device Manager and uninstall all the USB drivers under (Universal Serial Bus controllers).
You need to simply right-click on each driver and uninstall them, afterwards you just need to restart your system and wait for Windows Updates to re-install them.
Another troubleshooting tip you could try is plugging the external on another computer and see how it will react there.

Keep me posted. Hope this helps you! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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gogooj

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Dec 22, 2014
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That's soph but I'd rather not mess with that and potentially create more problems. And Jonas I have tried those things to no avail. I'd rather not format since I have important documents on it.
 
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Ninjawithagun

Ninjawithagun

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Aug 28, 2007
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Try accessing the drive using a LINUX based tool such as Parted Magic. You will need to make a boot CD or boot USB stick, then access the hard drive using one of the tools that are included with Parted Magic. Once you are able to access the drive, copy the files over to your main hard drive. Parted Magic can be found here:


http://partedmagic.com/

...or the free version (older version) here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/parted_magic.html
 
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gogooj

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Dec 22, 2014
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Thanks ninja I will try bit to access the files but I need to be able to use the drive with other coniuters as well. For any other who answer if I format it in a windows 7 computer mfht out work in my windows8.1
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hi again, gogooj!

Uninstalling the drivers for the USB controllers on Device manager wouldn't cause you problems, especially if you've set your Windows to update automatically. If not, you can simply update them manually as well by going to your computer manufacturer's website, find the model of your computer and download the USB drivers for it.
This is a very simply and basic troubleshooting step when it comes to connectivity issues with external hard drives.
Here are a couple of links that can explain the process and help you with the steps of the procedure:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc725782.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff553572%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

Hope this helps you! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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gogooj

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Dec 22, 2014
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Well I tried everything. Uninstalled the drivers, checked disk management. It works just fine in my xp desktop so I formatted it. Nothing.

This is frustrating
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Merry Christmas, gogooj!

It must frustrating, indeed. :(
However, at least we know it's the Win 8.1 that's having problems recognizing the external.
I'd suggest to maybe try running Windows Update, this can fix bugs when there are USB connection problems.
Have you tried connecting any other USB devices to your laptop?
You can also try scanning for any malware/viruses on it as well, because they can also affect the detection of USB devices.

Let me know how it goes & Happy Holidays! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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Jonas Magnusson

Jonas Magnusson

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Nov 7, 2014
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I have a final method for you to try.
Download this application: Driver Booster by iObit
BTW it is NOT a "booster", it checks your drivers if they are up to date and installs the latest one's for you.

You need to have the HDD Mounted to your computer in order for this to maybe work.

Also if nothing else works, check the manufactures website for help and see if it really is compatible with your pc's current OS.

Oh and Merry Xmas to you!
 
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gogooj

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Dec 22, 2014
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Merry Christmas all! I will be sure to try the new solutions. I recently backup and completely restored my computer to factory state. Still not working. Now that I'm free to visiot the cafe I'll try the downloads and see if they work.
 
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