Can't access External HDD on laptop.

RussPC

Honorable
Aug 2, 2015
3
0
10,510
So I have an issue that only appears on my laptop. I have a WD external HDD that I can't see in My Computer. It is in device manager and says it is working correctly. It's also in disk management but without a drive letter but when I try to do anything to it, the error message "The operation failed to complete because the Disk Management console view is not up-to-date. Refresh the view by using the refresh task. If the problem persists close the Disk Management console, then restart Disk Management or restart the computer" I tried what it suggested; no luck.
I also tried diskpart. It doesn't show up as a volume but it will as a disk but I can't seem to convert it or create a volume as it says it isn't a dynamic disk.
Despite all this, it works 100% fine on my desktop computer but that doesn't help when I'm travelling.
I've exhausted my knowledge so I'm lost as to what to try now.
 
Solution
Disable USB power suspend.
.
Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options >
Pick High Performance
Go to Change Plan Settings
Go to Change Advanced Power Settings
Expand USB Settings
Expand USB Selective Suspend Settings
Choose Disable.
.
Plug your HDD again. :)

Paperdoc

Polypheme
Ambassador
I'm wondering if this is your problem. Is this a new external HDD with a USB3 connection to the computer? Does your desktop unit have a USB3 port you plug it into so it works? I would bet that your laptop has only a USB2 connection.

IF that is your situation, here's the explanation. A USB3 external HDD VERY likely requires the full power supplied by a USB3 port (0.9 amps at 5 VDC) and it WILL work just fine when connected to a true USB3 port. Such devices are often sold as "compatible with USB2", BUT there's a big catch in that! A USB2 port can only supply 0.5 amps, not enough to run the USB3 drive unit. There are ways around this that work. So, IF this appears to be your problem, post that back here and I can give you details.
 

JPNpower

Honorable
Jun 7, 2013
1,072
0
11,360


As an add-on to this comment, dual USB2 "Y" cables are often used as a solution to this problem. They usually ship with the hard drive.
 

Roshen

Distinguished
Dec 13, 2013
69
1
18,645
Disable USB power suspend.
.
Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options >
Pick High Performance
Go to Change Plan Settings
Go to Change Advanced Power Settings
Expand USB Settings
Expand USB Selective Suspend Settings
Choose Disable.
.
Plug your HDD again. :)
 
Solution