My external hard drive, model #96300-40001-001 by SimpleTech isn't working. It is locked up and is making a clicking sound so the disc isn't moving. I was told to put it in the freezer (in a static bag) for 2 hours and then try booting it up to possibly free the connectors that are stuck. This didn't work. Now what? I am considering taking to a data recover place, but that will cost a lot of money. Any other options?

Question edited for clarity, full 'make model (what it is)'.
Question moved from Misc to correct category.

It is a known issue with Windows 10.

https://www.tenforums.com/drivers-hardware/22886-old-simpletech-simpledrive-driver.html

More here. check if it show in File Explorer or in Disc Management console?

https://www.google.com/search?q=SimpleTech+96300-41001-160+driver

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If you have a SimpleTech SimpleDrive connected to your computer and you're experiencing problems with the external hard drive, there may be several reasons why it's malfunctioning. Troubleshooting your computer can help rule out common problems and the possibility that the hard drive may be defective. If you recently purchased the device and suspect there is something wrong with it, return the defective drive to SimpleTech or the reseller for a replacement.

Incompatible USB Port Problems W 7 First, please disconnect all USB devices and then perform the following steps:


Click "Start" button, type "devmgmt.msc" (without quotation marks) in the "Search" bar and press "Enter". Click "Continue" if necessary.


In Device Manager, double click to expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers", right click on the Host Controller, click "Uninstall" and click "OK".


Repeat the step 2 to uninstall all items under "Universal Serial Bus controllers".



Then, restart your computer and Windows 7 will reinstall all USB controllers automatically. for XP or earlier click start right click on computer select properties device manager scroll down universal serial bus controllers you could see a yellow question / exclamation mark? ! or a red X you will need to update/reinstall drivers right click to reinstall drivers if you can see your usb drive but its not working ports (com&lpt) right click update driver if this fails to fix the problem Check the USB leads that attach to the motherboard usually red white green black make sure they are securely seated and have no dust build up on them dust will cause static and a lot of unforeseen problems to a computer and its parts b> SimpleTech SimpleDrive plug and play options makes it easy for you to connect the device to your computer. But you may encounter problems if your computer's USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are not compatible with the external hard drive. Make sure your ports are powerful enough to operate the drive. USB 2.0 ports are recommended, but if you're using an older computer with 1.0 ports, the hard drive will function much slower or you may receive an error message that the device is not compatible with your system. b> Missing External Drive Letter b> If you're unable to find the SimpleTech external hard drive's letter on your desktop after you have installed the drivers for the device, it's possible that the external drive may be assigned to another drive. Sometimes, the hard drive is assigned to a network drive and you may need to manually change the drive's letter in Disk Management. Enable Drive Letter View b> Click the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel" from the start menu. Click "Folder Options" and navigate to the "View" tab. Scroll down and place a mark next to "Show drive letters," then click "OK." b> Configuring Drive Manager b> Click the "Start" button to launch the start menu. Right-click "Computer" and choose "Manage" from the menu. Click "Storage" in the menu on the right side to extend the section. Click "Disk Management" under the "Storage" header. This will show you a list of drives and removable storage on your computer. It will also report the status of the drives, such as "Healthy." If the removable storage does not have a drive letter or has a drive letter in conflict with another drive, you can assign it a new letter. Right-click the icon of your removable storage drive and click "Change Drive Letter and Paths." Click the "Change" button, then choose a drive letter from the drop-down menu. Select a letter that is near to the end of the alphabet to prevent drive overlap issues. Click "OK" to allow the changes to take place. You should now see the removable storage listed with your other drives on the "My Computer" screen. SimpleTech SimpleDrive Incorrectly Formatted b> SimpleTech SimpleDrive is normally pre-formatted for Windows NTFS (New Technology File System), but Mac users may need to copy the backup software and reformat the external hard drive for FAT32 or Mac OS to be able to use the external drive. If the external hard drive is not formatted correctly for your system, it may not function or work properly. b> External Hard Drive Inaccessible b> If you receive an error message that says "Drive Inaccessible," the SimpleTech SimpleDrive may not be able to read the service area of the platter. If the external hard drive emits a loud or abnormal sound, this could mean the device is failing. Test the drive on another computer to see if it is working properly. Otherwise, the external hard drive's surface area may be damaged or corrupted. b> Replacing a Defective Hard Drive b> You can return a defective hard drive that is under warranty to SimpleTech. The manufacturer will exchange the device if the seal is not broken. But if you break or tear the seal on the case, any warranty claims will not be accepted and the device will be returned back to you. SimpleTech will only accept the device if you contracted a commercial data recovery company to retrieve critical data from the external hard drive and the seal needed to be broken. Before returning the defective drive, you will need to secure a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) approval number from SimpleTech and furnish any invoices or documentation regarding the data recovery company's services.

If you have a SimpleTech SimpleDrive connected to your computer and you're experiencing problems with the external hard drive, there may be several reasons why it's malfunctioning. Troubleshooting your computer can help rule out common problems and the possibility that the hard drive may be defective. If you recently purchased the device and suspect there is something wrong with it, return the defective drive to SimpleTech or the reseller for a replacement.

Incompatible USB Port Problems W 7 First, please disconnect all USB devices and then perform the following steps:


Click "Start" button, type "devmgmt.msc" (without quotation marks) in the "Search" bar and press "Enter". Click "Continue" if necessary.


In Device Manager, double click to expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers", right click on the Host Controller, click "Uninstall" and click "OK".


Repeat the step 2 to uninstall all items under "Universal Serial Bus controllers".



Then, restart your computer and Windows 7 will reinstall all USB controllers automatically. for XP or earlier click start right click on computer select properties device manager scroll down universal serial bus controllers you could see a yellow question / exclamation mark? ! or a red X you will need to update/reinstall drivers right click to reinstall drivers if you can see your usb drive but its not working ports (com&lpt) right click update driver if this fails to fix the problem Check the USB leads that attach to the motherboard usually red white green black make sure they are securely seated and have no dust build up on them dust will cause static and a lot of unforeseen problems to a computer and its parts b> SimpleTech SimpleDrive plug and play options makes it easy for you to connect the device to your computer. But you may encounter problems if your computer's USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are not compatible with the external hard drive. Make sure your ports are powerful enough to operate the drive. USB 2.0 ports are recommended, but if you're using an older computer with 1.0 ports, the hard drive will function much slower or you may receive an error message that the device is not compatible with your system. b> Missing External Drive Letter b> If you're unable to find the SimpleTech external hard drive's letter on your desktop after you have installed the drivers for the device, it's possible that the external drive may be assigned to another drive. Sometimes, the hard drive is assigned to a network drive and you may need to manually change the drive's letter in Disk Management. Enable Drive Letter View b> Click the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel" from the start menu. Click "Folder Options" and navigate to the "View" tab. Scroll down and place a mark next to "Show drive letters," then click "OK." b> Configuring Drive Manager b> Click the "Start" button to launch the start menu. Right-click "Computer" and choose "Manage" from the menu. Click "Storage" in the menu on the right side to extend the section. Click "Disk Management" under the "Storage" header. This will show you a list of drives and removable storage on your computer. It will also report the status of the drives, such as "Healthy." If the removable storage does not have a drive letter or has a drive letter in conflict with another drive, you can assign it a new letter. Right-click the icon of your removable storage drive and click "Change Drive Letter and Paths." Click the "Change" button, then choose a drive letter from the drop-down menu. Select a letter that is near to the end of the alphabet to prevent drive overlap issues. Click "OK" to allow the changes to take place. You should now see the removable storage listed with your other drives on the "My Computer" screen. SimpleTech SimpleDrive Incorrectly Formatted b> SimpleTech SimpleDrive is normally pre-formatted for Windows NTFS (New Technology File System), but Mac users may need to copy the backup software and reformat the external hard drive for FAT32 or Mac OS to be able to use the external drive. If the external hard drive is not formatted correctly for your system, it may not function or work properly. b> External Hard Drive Inaccessible b> If you receive an error message that says "Drive Inaccessible," the SimpleTech SimpleDrive may not be able to read the service area of the platter. If the external hard drive emits a loud or abnormal sound, this could mean the device is failing. Test the drive on another computer to see if it is working properly. Otherwise, the external hard drive's surface area may be damaged or corrupted. b> Replacing a Defective Hard Drive b> You can return a defective hard drive that is under warranty to SimpleTech. The manufacturer will exchange the device if the seal is not broken. But if you break or tear the seal on the case, any warranty claims will not be accepted and the device will be returned back to you. SimpleTech will only accept the device if you contracted a commercial data recovery company to retrieve critical data from the external hard drive and the seal needed to be broken. Before returning the defective drive, you will need to secure a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) approval number from SimpleTech and furnish any invoices or documentation regarding the data recovery company's services. Hope this helps.

what does it sound like? might be trying to get power to it

click start control panel administrive tools ,computer management ,device manager look through all of your devices if you see a yellow question mark?or exclamation mark ! or red x
right click to reinstall drivers or
if you can see your usb but its not working
ports(com&lpt)right click update driver
sometimes the wires inside the cable will be damaged due to bending or stretching or placing heavy equipment upon the cable,
just replace the cable of the hard disk, when you plugged the external disk drive you got that windows could recognize the USB device change the cable everything should work fine again,

check the USB leads that attach to the motherboard usually red-white-green-black make sure they are securely seated and have no dust build up on them dust will cause static and a lot of unforeseen problems also make sure the computers Ram and Cmos battery are securely seated
if this fails to fix the problem
you might have to install a usb 2 or 3 card they are cheap and easy to install you can buy these on Ebay very cheap
hope this helps

Do a "disk cleanup"
Click on [My Computer]
Right-click on the External drive (D?)
Select [Properties]
In the [General] tab, click on [Disk Cleanup]
It will "scan" your drive, but not remove anything... alow it to complete the scan.
Look at the recommended list that appears and accept its findings.
This should remove non-essential files and leave your data intact.

Burn some of your data, especially video content to DVD (make at least two copies) ... then remove the data from your external hard drive.
You may want to purchase another (larger) external drive. You can use two of them or move your data to the new one.

http://www.simpletech.com/support/support_downloads.php

Click on the above link and choose the external hard drive link and make sure that you choose the right model number and download the drivers.

That clicking sounds if ever loud enough is one annoying symptoms of failed disc. When it accidentally drop the reader may come off the disc. It sad to say but you may consider to change your hard disc.

ok the clicking sound usually means the hard drive has failed....this might sound odd but try wrapping the hard drive in a plastic bag and popping it in the freezer overnight......then connect it to your pc.....if it is recognised by the pc transfer all the data you can from it to your pc( once the drive warms up again it might not work)....failing that you need professional help with data recovery....be aware this is not cheap though

You need to RMA (Return to Manufacturer) your external hard drive. Most hard drives have a pretty decent warranty on them. Your simpletech 250GB has a 3 year warranty on it. Info on the warranty can be found at http://www.simpletech.com/support/warranty/. If you want to RMA it, click the "Technical Support / RMA Request" on the left hand side of that page.

well first off you should not use teh same external hard drive for both dell and mac! and for it to work on a dell you need to go to disc utility in the applications folder and click on you external hard drive and go to the last pannel which is called restore and put in the given info and it shall work!