Seagate Expansion Portable Device Recognized, But Then Disconnects. Blue Light Is Flashing

Feb 21, 2018
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Hi Everyone!
I have a 1TB Seagate Expansion Portable Device.
When I connect it, Windows makes the sound indicating an external device has been recognized, and in the tray I see the option to safely eject it. During this time, the blue light on the device is on.
However, after a few seconds Windows makes the sound indicating it has disconnected, and I can no longer find it in the tray. However, the blue light on the device is rapidly blinking (so it's still getting power).
I tried it on two different computers, via various USB ports, and the same happens.
Please help me!

Edit: I should add that during the time it is recognized by Windows, I cannot access its data and can't find it in My Computer.

Thank you :)
 
Solution
Well, external hard drives aren't native (typically, it's just a hard drive sitting inside an enclosure)
I'd suggest you remove the HDD from it's enclosure, and if possible, connect it via SATA>USB adapter (or a different enclosure)
It depends on whether it uses a detachable SATA>USB adapter, or has the USB port integrated into the drive itself.
If the USB port is integrated (no adapter used), then you'd be best getting a PCB replacement for it, refer to this post for more information:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-3647821/hard-drive-longer-bios.html#20726708
This of course provided you need the data on it, if you have nothing important on it, then just buy a new one (or use the warranty, if still valid)
Probably insufficient power from the USB port - - hence the connect/disconnect sound.

The fix for that is to buy a mains-powered USB hub and plug the external drive in to that instead.

I had to do exactly that with my USB-powered external hard drives, and it solved the problem.

Amazon is a good source for mains-powered USB hubs, that's where I got mine.
 
Feb 21, 2018
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Thank you for your reply!
The drive worked fine for years via USB.
I'm not familiar with the device you mentioned. I don't have access to Amazon in my country, but I'll see if I can get it in local stores.
By the way, I also tried connecting it to my monitor's USB connections. Still the same thing happens.
If you have any other solutions I'd be happy to hear them!
Thanks again :)
 
Sorry to hear you're running into trouble with your Expansion Portable. A couple of simple steps to try are things it sounds like you've already done (try a different port, try a different computer). The next step would be to try with a different USB cable.

We have a more in-depth troubleshooting guide here: Expansion Portable Guided Troubleshooter.

If you would like to look at potential warranty info on the drive, then here is our Warranty Validation Tool.
 
Feb 21, 2018
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Thank you for your replies!

It's connected via USB directly to the computer, no power adapter.
I have a second external drive. I tried using its cable, but the same thing still happens.
 

jason201

Prominent
Feb 20, 2018
231
8
765
Well, external hard drives aren't native (typically, it's just a hard drive sitting inside an enclosure)
I'd suggest you remove the HDD from it's enclosure, and if possible, connect it via SATA>USB adapter (or a different enclosure)
It depends on whether it uses a detachable SATA>USB adapter, or has the USB port integrated into the drive itself.
If the USB port is integrated (no adapter used), then you'd be best getting a PCB replacement for it, refer to this post for more information:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-3647821/hard-drive-longer-bios.html#20726708
This of course provided you need the data on it, if you have nothing important on it, then just buy a new one (or use the warranty, if still valid)
 
Solution