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Seagate External HDD- not spinning

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by noelbase, 2008/12/21.

  1. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have a Seagate external hard drive (it's a 1 TB). I actually have 2- one that's working, one that is not. When I plug the working one into my USB port, the bar turns yellow, and I can feel the drive inside begin to spin. When I plug the one that's not working in, the bar turns yellow, but it doesn't begin to spin.

    I've paged through their online help, but nothing is specific to my situation.

    http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...toid=cd3a2210a034c110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD

    The USB doesn't seem to be recognizing it is my guess, but I'm not sure what to do in the Device Manager.

    It's a Seagate Free Agent. I have the user manual from the one that's working if that helps.

    Any help or suggestions appreciated. I have some stuff that I'd love to grab off this HD. It's actually barely been used and has lots of free space.
     
    noelbase,
    #1
  2. 2008/12/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    The drive has an external power unit - I would imagine. If the drive is not spinning up either the power supply has failed or the drive electronics/drive motor.

    Have you tried switching power supplies?
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    If I unplug the one that isn't working, and plug in the one that is working, the one that's working starts up. So I don't think it's the power supply.
     
    noelbase,
    #3
  5. 2008/12/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Surely each drive has it's own power adapter? Have you tried switching them?
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    I'm only using 1 power adapter for the exact reason that you illustrate- I want to ensure that is not the problem. If I plug in the drive that works using this power adapter, it starts up. If I plug in the "broken" one using the same adapter, it does not.
     
    noelbase,
    #5
  7. 2008/12/21
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    How would you feel about swapping the actual HD's between the cases, it's fairly simple but consider your warranties before doing this.
     
    wildfire,
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  8. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    Why would I do that? To test it? I'd prefer to have 2 working hard drives versus one that I had to swap in and out.

    I'm not convinced that there isn't a simple solution. The light is coming on. For some reason, the pc isn't acknowledging that the HD is plugged in. I thought for sure that the device manager would put me in the right direction...
     
    noelbase,
    #7
  9. 2008/12/21
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    Yes.

    If we can determine both drives work you could always install the spare internally or buy another external case.

    Device manager won't help in this situation, it's either a hard drive failure or a problem with the external case.
     
    wildfire,
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  10. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hmm, ok. Next dumb question, how the heck do I get it out of the case?
     
    noelbase,
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  11. 2008/12/21
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    Model Number?

    And just to confirm both drives are the same model?
     
    wildfire,
    #10
  12. 2008/12/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I agree with wildfire ......

    The only sure way of determining if it is a drive failure or a failure of the case electronics is to remove the drive from the case and install it as a slave drive - assuming we are talking desktops. If it is a laptop either swapping the drive casings or trying another case on the non-working drive are both options.

    If the drive is under warranty it's your call as to whether or not you invalidate the warranty by opening the case or return the drive to Seagate.

    There is no 'simple' solution' - the drive is not powering up from a known good power source.

    I may drop in on this thread again tonight, but I am away as of tomorrow for a week or so and have yet to finish packing :)
     
    PeteC,
    #11
  13. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    I'm ok with opening this one. I'm not sure about opening the one that is working. Thinking about it more, I have an extra expansion slot inside both of my pcs. I can always turn this external into an internal.

    So how do I open it? I don't see any screws. It's a Seagate Free Agent Desktop.
     
    noelbase,
    #12
  14. 2008/12/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    With a spare bay in the PC there is no need to open up the working unit. As to how you open the case I have no idea as I am not familiar with that drive. Bear in mind that if the Seagate is SATA - highly likely, your PC must support SATA drives.

    On clue may be the sticker which indicates that the warranty is void if brokem - may be a scre_w under that or, more likely, the case is clipped together.
     
    PeteC,
    #13
  15. 2008/12/21
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    It looks like it's a SATA II drive, if installing internally make sure you also have SATA controllers.

    If there's no visible screws look for a crease/break/crack alongside the casing, and using a flathead screwdriver gently twist the blade of the driver along the crease. You'll hear some snapping when you are near the clips but as log as you don't break too many no serious damage will be done.

    I will stress this will void your warranty, your warranty won't cover the data on the drive so it's your decision.

    edit: And yes, PeteC is correct, if there's any stickers on the caseing feel aound to see if there's any screws underneath. D'oh I should have thought of that. ;)
     
    Last edited: 2008/12/21
    wildfire,
    #14
  16. 2008/12/21
    noelbase

    noelbase Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll hold off for now and get Seagate on the phone tomorrow and see what my options are.
     
    noelbase,
    #15
  17. 2008/12/21
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    Let us know how you get on. Seagate's customer services are reasonable but expect an RTB and replacement. No HD manufacturer (AFAIK) offer any kind of data insurance.
     
    wildfire,
    #16

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