WD Elements 1042 1TB not working on usb2 but works on usb3

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
I

issayatim

Commendable
Feb 21, 2016
4
0
1,510
I Have WD elements 1TB P/N WDBPCK0010BBK-01.
it works perfectly on USB3 Ports but not on USB2.
I tried more than 10 computers with the same problem, as soon as I connect it to usb3 port, it pops up immediately, but it fails to install the drivers when I plug it in into USB2 port. same thing happens on all computers,
Please help,
 
Solution
P
Here's a possibility, but I could not find any trace of confirmation in the form of a power requirement specification.

That unit is marketed as a USB3 external drive, backwards compatible with USB2. I commonly see in the marketplace some loose use of the term "compatible". A standard USB3 port can supply up to 0.9 amps at 5 VDC to an attached device, and that's normally enough to run a HDD designed for low-power use in a portable drive unit. However, USB2 only supplies up to 0.5 amps, and often that is NOT enough for an external drive. That is why some USB2 portable hard drive units came with a special cable that had TWO USB2 connectors on one end. You were supposed to plug both of them into separate USB2 ports of the host computer so...
Sort by date Sort by votes
P

Paperdoc

Polypheme
Ambassador
Oct 19, 2006
11,303
1,045
69,340
Here's a possibility, but I could not find any trace of confirmation in the form of a power requirement specification.

That unit is marketed as a USB3 external drive, backwards compatible with USB2. I commonly see in the marketplace some loose use of the term "compatible". A standard USB3 port can supply up to 0.9 amps at 5 VDC to an attached device, and that's normally enough to run a HDD designed for low-power use in a portable drive unit. However, USB2 only supplies up to 0.5 amps, and often that is NOT enough for an external drive. That is why some USB2 portable hard drive units came with a special cable that had TWO USB2 connectors on one end. You were supposed to plug both of them into separate USB2 ports of the host computer so that the drive could access sufficient power to run.

The recent advance to USB3 ports not only allowed much faster data transfer rates, it also allowed easier power supply to external devices like HDD units. USB3 devices are backwards compatible with USB2 ports in terms of cable use and data signalling (they automatically negotiate to run at the slower data transfer rate) BUT not for power! And many sellers of USB3 portable drives do not spell out the trick for this. What you should try is to get one of those USB2 double-connector cables. Plug the single connector on one end into your Elements unit, and plug both at the other end into two USB2 ports. I suspect it will work then, but at the slower USB2 data transfer rate.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
I

issayatim

Commendable
Feb 21, 2016
4
0
1,510
thanks for your solution,

the HDD used to work on usb2 before but suddenly it stopped with the original cable the came with it. I tried different cable from another usb3 HD but also didn't work.
I used to have an old 2.5" external hard drives with two USB ports at the end, but that was for Mini USB connector. I don't know if I can find USB3 cable ( micro connector) with 2 USB endings.
I will try to look for one or make one to give it a try.

by the way, the drive was working perfectly with my smart TV, but now its not detected anymore.
( currently its working only with computers with USB3 ports)

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
P

Paperdoc

Polypheme
Ambassador
Oct 19, 2006
11,303
1,045
69,340
You won't find a USB3 cable with two plugs on one end. Because the USB3 ports can supply 0.9 amps, the need for using two connectors on one end of the cable has been eliminated.

You situation is not that exactly. You are trying to plug a USB3 device into a USB2 port. Now, since the USB2 port is what is limiting performance, you do NOT need a USB3 cable to make that connection. Any USB2 cable will do the same job. BUT to get enough power to your drive, you'll need a USB2 cable with 2 connectors on one end.

You hinted at "make one". You have a similar cable now, but with a Mini USB2 connector on one end. IF you are willing to sacrifice that connector, you could take any standard USB2 cable, cut the connector off one end, cut the Mini USB connector off the 2-headed cable you have, and splice the standard USB2 connector onto the end of the double-headed cable to "make your own".
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom