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Can no longer detect external USB HDD

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by WabukiSensei, 2006/11/26.

  1. 2006/11/26
    WabukiSensei

    WabukiSensei Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hi,

    I have a two year old external hdd that I've been using for backup and critical files. I've been using the drive frequently in the past few days and have always let it stay connected to my desktop even when I don't use it. Recently however, the desktop hasn't been able to detect the drive through the USB (just doesn't show up on my computer). I tried to connect it to my laptop but encountered similar results. Is there any way for me to diagnose/solve the problem? The enclosure is less than a month old and still works even though the hdd could not be detected. Any help is appreciated!


    Thanks.
     
    WabukiSensei,
    #1
  2. 2006/11/27
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Steve R Jones,
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  4. 2006/12/02
    kiddk

    kiddk Inactive

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    what I would try to do is connect the hd as a slave drive to a pc and see if it detects it, if it does then it could be your external enclosure
     
    kiddk,
    #3
  5. 2006/12/03
    WabukiSensei

    WabukiSensei Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the suggestions. Regarding making it a slave drive, could you tell me how to do it? Being a computer noob, I'm not sure where to look...


    Thanks!
     
    WabukiSensei,
    #4
  6. 2006/12/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    WabukiSensei

    Remove the hard drive from the enclosure.

    Set the jumper on the drive to slave - you will find this on the back of the drive by the cable connectors.

    Open your computer case with the computer powered down and identify the ribbon cable to your hard drive (I assume you have a single hard drive).

    There is a spare multipin connector on the cable - connect your drive to that, plug in a power supply connector - should be some spare ones in the wiring loom.

    Support the drive safely and boot up. If the drive is good it should be recognised in My Computer, etc and be accessible.
     
    PeteC,
    #5

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