My laptop doesn't recognize my 80gb harddisk. The light goes on but it down't show in My Computer or anything. What can I do?

Hi m_smit,
you will want to check the HDD in the {CMOS /BIOS Setup}
"Restart the computer.
"Press the [F2] key before the "Prompt window appear!"
The CMOS / BIOS Setup window will open.
In the "Advanced BIOS Features."
Arrow-down to find: "The Boot Devices."
Check: HDD for listing; is the Hard Disk Drive present?
View: HDD [Enabled / Disabled]?
"Enable the device if necessary?
"Press the [F10] button to "Save" configurations.
"You can check the "Status" of the HDD in the Device Manager!"
Click onthe Start Button -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Device Manager -> Scroll to find: -> HDD -> Open -> Properties

"Update the Driver / Software."
Go to this "Website."
Fill-in all information required.
Ie: Brand Name, Model #, and Operating System...

"OS" are: XP, Vista, and Windows 7

Select the [Drivers] you need from the "List."

"Download the Drivers."

!"Take a moment to rate the help."

Thank you! paul7of9

Click here: http://www.freecom.com/Support

Follow the steps given below to refresh USB ports.

1. Right-click My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.
2. Click the Hardware tab.
3. Click the Device Manager button.
4. Click the plus (+) sign to the left of Universal Serial Bus controllers.
5. Right-click the device listed under Universal Serial Bus controller and select Uninstall.
6. Click OK to confirm the removal of the device.

Please note, repeat Steps 5 and 6 until all the devices under Universal Serial Bus Controller are removed.

7. Shut down the computer.

CAUTION: Ensure that the Shut Down option is selected, instead of the Restart option.

8. Wait for 5 seconds and then restart the computer. When the computer restarts, a "Windows has detected new or added hardware" message window will open.

The above steps will refresh the USB ports.

Now connect the USB devices like mouse, video camera, your external usb hard disk...usb hubs...whatever you like and the drivers should install automatically.

Tip: It is always recommended to connect the main usb devices at the rear end usb port, as they require more power to initiate.

If I could be of further assistance, let me know. If this helps or solves the issue, please rate it and give a testimonial for my response

Thanks, Joe