Could you confirm if the problem with the drive not being recognized is a problem with the USB cable? I have a 250GB passport and it worked fine with my XP. Once I decided to reformat it to NTFS and tried to do so by plugging into my new windows7 laptop the problems started.
@Ladybug;
A) The solution was stated towards the small circuit board, in the My Passport.
Not the cable.
Could there be a possibility that the USB cable is bad, AND just the USB cable? Yes.
Good point.
However not everyone has the expertise to un-solder, and resolder a new USB cable into place. Much simpler/easier method is to use an economical external enclosure, and the harddrive from the My Passport, IMHO.
Windows XP uses the NTFS format. You won't be able to reformat it TO
NTFS, it already is in NTFS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows7/h...
@joecoolvette
Just to clarify, my problems started with the attempt to reformat to NTFS as the Passport apparently was in that format. I had put items on it and then ran into the problem that large file folders (over 4GB) would not transfer over, and long file names were causing problems. I finally searched and searched for weeks to discover the problem and finally came across the FAT32 and NTFS option and realized I would have to reformat the drive. But first I had to unload it somewhere, and my old XP only was 60 GB capacity (the drive had over 100 GB on it). The problem of the drive not being formatted correctly only started when I plugged in to my new Windows 7 laptop and it constantly cycles on and off, asking to format the drive. I format it with quick format, it says it's formated, but then it doesn't work/stay working. Very frustrating. I have a new USB cable coming, but I'm not convinced that is the problem. The drives worked fine plugged into the old xp laptop. I have downloaded drivers from western digital and talked to their troubleshooters once and they said it look like a bad usb cable. It was still under warrantly, so I hope to get it soon.
First you are Ladybug, now you are 123zap? Part of FixYa staff?
@joecoolvette
I can't fix the FixYa site too! Don't know why that happened with the user names.
I'm not staff.
BTW, since coming here to look for solutions these past weeks, I looked on line and found a WD firm ware updater and tried that with my 250 GB Passport.
Prior to this I had managed to get all the files off the passport with a rather painful folder by folder, picture by picture double checking. It is possible my Probook is the one causing the problem. Since the passport drive was finaly empty of precious photos and files, I was able to try the reformat using the WD firmware updater.
The process went along pretty good yesterday, and so today I am going to see if the drive is cooperative. I have not changed the USB cord yet as it has not yet arrived. I'm hopeful....
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Remove the harddrive inside Jim, and install it in an external enclosure.
Inside the case of the WD My Passport Essential external harddrive, is a small circuit board, and a harddrive.
The small circuit board usually is the problem. VERY seldom is the harddrive itself the problem.
Components on the small circuit board fail.
The small circuit board is an Interface. It connects the harddrive inside, to the external USB cable you plug into the computer.
Harddrive:
Straight up I don't know what size harddrive is used inside.
It can be a laptop sized harddrive that is 2-1/2 inches across in width, or a desktop sized harddrive that is 3-1/2 inches across.
Due to the time frame when the WD was made, I'm going to assume the harddrive is a SATA unit, and not an IDE unit. (PATA)
I'm also going to assume it is a laptop sized harddrive. (2 and a half inches across in width)
Once you open the case of the WD My Passport, you will know what size the harddrive is.
Then you will be able to purchase an inexpensive external enclosure to install the harddrive in.
{You can also use the harddrive as a Slave drive in a desktop computer, and retrieve your information. IMHO using an external enclosure will be easier for you, and you'll have an external harddrive again}
How to open the case:
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2ej3zBeCv0
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITObQxytdH4&feature=related
Example of an external enclosure for a 2.5 inch laptop sized harddrive,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3195233&CatId=2783
After you retrieve your important information I would make backups in the future.
For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette
Testimonial: "The most thorough response I have ever had with ANY technical problem. Now, I just have to wait to get the enclosure to see if mine worked. Thanks!"
I appreciate the rating, and the kind words!
I am most humbled.
I would like to add also that this statement needs to be clarified,
"{You
can also use the harddrive as a Slave drive in a desktop computer, and
retrieve your information."
Only IF, of course, that the harddrive inside is a desktop sized harddrive.
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