Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive Logo
Posted on Oct 05, 2009
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My laptop and PC can't detect the hard drive in My Computer and also disk management

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Anonymous

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  • Master 3,153 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 05, 2009
Anonymous
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One or more of the hints below will probably sort out most USB problems with most USB portable / external hard drives and OTHER devices (though not always)

A few things to check but assumes USB and Windows for other interfaces / operating systems (mac/ Linux) similar steps may be adapted to suit.

1. Ensure it is connected directly to the computer to a USB 2.0 port not a USB 1.0 port as this can have effects on performance and reliability

2. Use only the cables that came with it NOT one that fits that may have been lying around or is longer. Not all USB cables are equal even though they should be)

3. Do not connect through an external USB HUB unless that hub is USB 2.0 AND has its own power supply.

4. Use ONLY the power supply that came with it if it has an external power supply Don’t use any other unless you know it has both the same voltage and current rating e.g. 12V 500mA anything rated below that would not work properly.

5. Always use the same port for connecting your devices. Some devices do not like being switched about. If switched they may want to install software / drivers again. This can be especially true if you move a HUB to another port
6. For FLASH DRIVES you should ensure that the device is set for "quick removal" using the drive control panel properties or use the USB "Safely Remove Hardware" option. If you dont do this there is a very strong chance that any files you transfer may not be there when you plug into another computer.

If you checked and fixed anything there and still have issues then check your hardware from CONTROL PANEL / SYSTEM / HARDWARE.
Any exclamation marks by hardware need fixing before you investigate any further

USB flash drives can fail for no apparent reason.
Sandisk Cruzers are especially bad for this.

USB hard drives should be treated with extreme care.
This is a real hard drive ! and knocks and bumps can quite literally kill them.

It is possible to remove drives from the enclosures in most cases and connect directly inside a PC to fully check it.
You should also do this to cheack the drives connections are not bad inside the enclosure

Note that if you hear a drive clicking or pinging this could be the worst thing you would hear.
Known as "The Click Of Death"

If none of the above steps help look at updating the drivers from the manufacturers web site in the support section.

4 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 849 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 27, 2008

SOURCE: Laptop unable to detect Trekstor HDD

check the jumpers of HD, they must be set on master

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Jimmy

  • 8 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 30, 2009

SOURCE: disk management does not see working hard drive

Are the Hard drives setup as master & slave ? (plastic jumper on Hard drive at cable)..... is the Hard drives connected on separate ide cables... if they are ide drives ?

Anonymous

  • 60 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 30, 2009

SOURCE: Want to read Hard Drive fron LG TV on my PC.

plz check you cable or sata cable or power plug

Anonymous

  • 16 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 02, 2010

SOURCE: My PC recognizes the hard drive is plugged in but it wont show up

You may have to assign a drive letter to it.

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