Ext USB 2.0 HD XP will not boot

I have a Freecom Classic Hard Drive External 80GB USB 2.0 and when I boot XP (Home Edition) it hangs at the first boot screen so I cannot even look in the BIOS if I switch off and unplug the drive (USB) and re-boot all is okay, I can then attach the drive and use it , all I have done to the drive was to format as a NTSC partion.

If any body can help it would be appreciated
Tried Freecom Forums but no replies

Paul

 

Paul,
I've just purchased a Maxtor "one touch" 120GB USB2 drive that came formatted FAT32. I reformatted it to NTFS.
Mine detects OK on bootup, although I tend to connect it AFTER bootup, and always uninstall it via the tray icon and physically disconnect it BEFORE shutdown or reboot. Obviously on a lockup or BSOD it can't be uninstalled.

Unfortunately these drives like the USB "pen/stck" drives don't have very good front end protection, and consequently the warning states that data loss or drive failure could happen if it isn't uninstalled before removal or shutdown. I've not read any warning regarding leaving it connected and then powering up, but I'm a little cautious.
The unplug warning is for Maxtor and Western Digital external drives, so would expect it also applies to yours?

Not specific help for your problem. But a practice change may get you around the problem, and for me it is worth it to help protect nearly AU$300 worth of drive!

Cheers,

Paul

 

Paul

Yes I have exactly the same warnings, It looks like I will have to carry out the same procedures, I wanted to have it permently connected it seems strange that other USB devices remain on boot up (Scanner/Printer/Webcam) but the drive properly wants to be a clone IDE device?

I have spoken to some other people and there drives remain intact all of the time.

Thanks for the input

Paul

 

Paul

Managed to get the drive to be seen at startup the solution is as follows:

In the BIOS turn OFF "USB Legacy Mode Support" as this will only give you the ability to type in DOS with a USB keyboard, but you can type in a CMD window from the OS ".

So all seems okay and also my backup from Acronis Drive Image V8.0 can be seen when inserting the recovery CD at boot up which was very important to me as the backup file is on the External HD.

Paul

 

Good to hear you got it working Paul.
For me I'll just keep uninstalling (in software) and then unplugging the drive before I shut the PC down, unless someone can convince me there is no chance of loosing/corrupting the drive.