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Problem for Western Digital Passport WDXML800UE (WDXML800UETE) 80 GB...
320G WD Passport, it stopped working!
By josephmail1 on Nov 01, 2009
I have 320G WD Passport, it worked fine for months, and all of a sudden, it stopped working, when I plug it, it works fine for a couple of seconds, then it just stops doing anything, I can still here the noise of it ''working'' for 30 more seconds, then it just turn off, it is blocked and most of the time it also blocks all the computer. I have Vista 32 bit! what can I do???
thank you
thank you
Comments:
Nov 01, 2009
- So I did connect the driver to another computer and it did not work :( :( what do you mean by "replace the harddrive in your unit"?? another thing: I still have the warranty, so I may be able to get me another one, but how can I save the data on my driver ??? Thank you VERY muchNov 01, 2009
- Ok, I'll contact first WD and see what they say! and then I'll try the freezer :( :( ! the fact that it works for a while, sometimes for several minutes if I only "open" the folders, could it help decide if it's the electronics or not? Thank YOU DwaneBest Solution
posted on Nov 01, 2009
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.
7. 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.
8. If none of the above steps help look at updating the drivers from the manufacturers web site in the support section.
9. 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
SPECIAL NOTES
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.
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"
This is VERY OLD information for very old drives that are no longer even made.
It can kill many newer drives stone dead.
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.
7. 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.
8. If none of the above steps help look at updating the drivers from the manufacturers web site in the support section.
9. 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
SPECIAL NOTES
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.
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"
Comments:
Nov 01, 2009
- DO NOT USE THE FREEZER ! ! !This is VERY OLD information for very old drives that are no longer even made.
It can kill many newer drives stone dead.
Yes
No
Asker's Testimonial
"
Thank you for these details and different answers! I hope one of them will be the solution! Thanks again!
" - josephmail1
Solution #2
posted on Nov 01, 2009
The problem is either with the drive or your computer. To find out which plug to drive into another computer (a friend?). If the the drive works then you need the fix your computer - more details would be required.
If the drive still does not works on another computer then I am afraid the drive is broken - this does sound the most likely thing. Then your only options are to either replace the harddrive in your unit, or buy another external drive.
1: The harddrive itself has broken, this is probably must likely, it which case you will probably have lost your data. there is one thing you can try. Wrap the unit in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for at least 12 hours. Take it out plug it in and try to get oyur data - if this works you will only have a short time to tranfer your data, but you can freeze the unit again a couple of times. I am serious about his I know it sounds crazy but it sometimes works.
2: The electronics that drive the unit have gone. If this is the case then your data can be retreived by removing the drive and connecting it directly to your computer as a slave drive.
As the drive may be under warranty your first step is to contact Western Digital and explain the problem to them. Do not attempt any of the above until you have exhausted this option.
Post a comment to let me know what happens.
You do have the option of recovering the data professionally, but this this very expensive - it depends of course on how important your data is.
If the drive still does not works on another computer then I am afraid the drive is broken - this does sound the most likely thing. Then your only options are to either replace the harddrive in your unit, or buy another external drive.
Comments:
Nov 01, 2009
- You will have to take the Passport apart, (may not be easy). Once apart you will be able to replace the drive.Nov 01, 2009
- This is where things get a bit complicated. There are now two possibilities:-1: The harddrive itself has broken, this is probably must likely, it which case you will probably have lost your data. there is one thing you can try. Wrap the unit in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for at least 12 hours. Take it out plug it in and try to get oyur data - if this works you will only have a short time to tranfer your data, but you can freeze the unit again a couple of times. I am serious about his I know it sounds crazy but it sometimes works.
2: The electronics that drive the unit have gone. If this is the case then your data can be retreived by removing the drive and connecting it directly to your computer as a slave drive.
As the drive may be under warranty your first step is to contact Western Digital and explain the problem to them. Do not attempt any of the above until you have exhausted this option.
Post a comment to let me know what happens.
Nov 02, 2009
- The fact that it works for a while does point to it being the hard drive and makes the freezer option more likely to be successfull. If I were you I would not power it up again until you have decided what to do.You do have the option of recovering the data professionally, but this this very expensive - it depends of course on how important your data is.
Nov 02, 2009
- Thats strange, I read the solution about the freezer only last week in a leading computer magazine and correct me if I am wrong but I have advised this only as a last resort on a drive that is already stone dead!Yes
No
Asker's Testimonial
"
Thank you, that's what I was afraid of too, how can replace the hardrive in y computer?
" - josephmail1
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