Maxtor 3200 200GB

Inside that plastic external case of the Hitachi XL 1000 external harddrive, is a regular desktop computer sized harddrive.

It is a SATA type of harddrive.
It is 3.5 inches across in Width. (3 and a half inches)
1 TB in size.

Looks similar to this example,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5589521&CatId=2459

On the back end of the Harddrive is where it's power cable, and data cable are attached.

Inside the case of the Hitachi also is a small circuit board. (PCB or Printed Circuit Board)
The SATA harddrive is connected to this small circuit board.

The small circuit board, or Interface PCB , is attached directly to the Harddrive.
Or cables (Wires) are used to connect it to the Harddrive.
The Interface PCB is connected to the computer, via the USB cable that is attached to the Interface PCB.

It is this small circuit board that usually goes bad.
(Unless the external harddrive was on, and dropped. Then the problem is the Harddrive)

There are two solutions;

One, buy an 3.5 SATA external enclosure, and use the Harddrive as an external harddrive again.

Two, install it as a Slave drive in a desktop computer, and retrieve all your information. Burn to disk/s, or flashdrive/s.

When using a SATA harddrive as a Slave drive, there are NO jumper pins to mess with.
DO NOT change any jumpers on the back of a SATA harddrive.
(These are for the factory)

This is an example of a 3.5 SATA external enclosure,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2145406&CatId=2780

There are no guides to open a Hitachi XL 1000's case, to my knowledge.
It isn't something the manufacturer wants stated.

However opening the external enclosure (Case) isn't that tough. It falls under the same as this model,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_vjyvK28A

Here we see at 3:00 through 5:00, that the Harddrive is attached directly to the Interface PCB.
Just remove the Harddrive from the chassis, and unplug it from the Interface PCB.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

You could try using another USB port on your computer. Perhaps that USB port you have the IOmega external harddrive plugged into is bad.

More than likely not, though.

The problem is usually inside the IOmega's case. (External enclosure)

Inside that IOmega external harddrive's case is a regular harddrive as used in a desktop, or laptop computer.
To explain;

Harddrives are physically rated in width, as well as type, and size.
A laptop harddrive is 2.5 inches across in width. (2 and a half inches)
A desktop harddrive is 3.5 inches.

The larger desktop harddrives are usually used in external harddrives that are 500GB, and larger.
(Not always the case when it comes to the 500GB size)

Harddrives have two technologies, or types.
IDE (PATA) or SATA.

You didn't state the Model Number so I can't even hazard a guess at this point.

The harddrive inside the case plugs into an Interface.
The Interface may be separate, and connected via a cable to a small circuit board, or the Interface may be soldered directly to the small circuit board.

It is this Interface, and circuit board which go bad.
The solution is to remove the harddrive inside, purchase an inexpensive external enclosure, and install the harddrive into it.

The external enclosure has a USB cable just like the IOmega external harddrive did.

As stated the harddrive inside is just a normal harddrive. Made by a harddrive manufacturer.
Could be a Western Digital, or Seagate, or Hitachi, or Maxtor, or Fujitsu, or IBM, just to name a few.
(Seagate bought out Maxtor)

On the harddrive will be a decal with it's specifications.
You will also be able to physically measure the width.

This external hookup will support harddrives that are 2.5, or 3.5 inches in width, (And 5.25), plus will support both IDE (PATA) or SATA harddrives,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7220658&CatId=3770

This external enclosure is for a desktop sized harddrive, 3.5 inches, and will support either IDE (PATA) or SATA harddrives,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1951866&CatId=2780

This external enclosure example is for laptop sized harddrives, 2.5 inches, and will support either IDE, (PATA), or SATA harddrives,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7041055&CatId=2783

Just one example of how to disassemble an IOmega Select Portable harddrive,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvUvz5Qb4vw

Other styles are listed in the Suggestions column down on the right.
Not a good source for information on disassembling an IOmega external harddrive, but there is very little info available.

(It isn't that tough for any external harddrive enclosure. The screws are usually hidden under labels, and the case pops apart in two halves. Just a little different design here, and there)

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

Is it recognized when connecting to another computer?

If not, then either:
* the USB-to-disk-drive adapter inside the casing has failed,
* the disk-drive inside the casing has failed.

If the former, then disassemble the case, and remove the disk-drive,
and connect the disk-drive as a "slave" drive in a desktop computer,
to see if the files on the disk-drive are still accessible.

If the unit is still under warranty, exercise the warranty, to get a replacement.

Connecting an external drive is much easier than installing an internal drive because you don't need to open the computer case. The drive attaches to a connector either at the front or the back of the computer case; power is supplied by a separate cable

Available connections. Your PC is likely to have one or more USB 2.0 connections so plug into this your attached harddrive usb wire

Does it work when connected to a different computer?
If not, is it still under warranty?
If not, disassemble the case, and you'll find an "internal" MAXTOR disk-drive inside the case; try connecting that drive as a "slave" disk-drive inside your computer. If it is not recognized, then it is "dead" and you should take a hammer to it, so that any of your personal data on it will become impossible for any "identity-thief" to read, and then buy a new, larger, external drive.

> replaced the usb card ..

Did you mean "replaced the USB cable" ??

Borrow a "multimeter", and check that the power-supply for the external drive is putting-out the correct voltage/amperage.

Try disassembling the external drive, and connecting the disk-drive as a "slave" drive in a desktop computer, to see if the disk-drive itself is OK,
i.e., the USB-to-disk-drive interface inside the casing might have failed, but your "data" could be OK.

I had the same problem and this is what I did.
Problem:
Working for 1.5 years and suddenly quit. Computer did not recognize the hardrive.
Code 10 trying to mount harddrive.
My hard-drive did not make any noise, just a silent click.......click....

Condition:
This worked for me under the situation that:
I used this external drive on my desktop.
I have an available slave connector and power.
I know enough about the inside of my desktop to install a slave drive.

Solution:

Removed the drive from the box, and attach to computer Desktop as slave.

1) There are some slider latches on either lenth wise sides. Once disengaged top should come right off. Or just crack it open.
2) Once opened remove screws from metal Cage, and remove top of cage.
3) Remove three screws holding the USB adapter card. (All visible screws) Not the ones on the actual hard drive.
3) Carefull remove harddrive and the attached usb adapter card in one piece.
4) Remove the USB adapter card from hard drive.
5) Turn off computer to be installed, and unplug. Install drive direct, as slave. No jumpers to move since the drive is already set to slave.
6) Plug computer to test and if it is read and mounted, your ready to go.
7) turn off computer, and unplug. arrange cables in desktop case.
9) Close up the service panel and plug your computer back up.

I need to be sure before sending it in for recovery and spending $800. So I connected as slave to 2nd desktop computer and it mounted. This means that the "USB adapter card" that came with the maxtor3200 was faulty. It was recommended that the best way to back up on another harddrive is to directly plug your harddrive into your computer as slave.

Good Luck!

Copy-Cat

Hi Shannon,
yes, you could - and should - connect the external harddrive directly to your pc in case it throws errors. You will need to do this in any case to figure out, what is wrong with the drive.

Connect the USB cable to your PC and check whether the drive is recognized by your Operating System. If it fails to be detected get back to us and we will try to help you.

IF ITS AN IDE DRIVE MAKE IT A SLAVE .

Hi Nuisance101, I recall your running vista. Vista is a nightmare. If you cound only see the troubles we see on a daily basis here at FixYa you'ed understand. It's a common problem with Vista not seeing USB devices, externial devices. It does & then the next second it doesn't. Same for all external devices. I'm am 100% sure the trouble is not your system or your devices. It's Vista. I have gone over dozens of post from vista users. One would think MS has been on vacation since the release of vista. You can look at vista's web site for help for a possible fix, at this link. (I have no faith). MS blames driver software. Your Maxtor drive is external. Henve no driver software.
So it falls into that vista area of one time vista see's the drive & the next it does not.
Either way I though Maxtor addressed vista issues. I prefer Seagate drives myself. Personally know lots of people who's Maxtor's drives have just gone down for no reason. Seagate bought Maxtor.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/hardware.mspx

Most of the post from vista users, claim users should check vista's updates often. Since Max Blaster did its job, I'm inclined to blame vista.

I wish I could give you a better fix or suggestion but I'm up against vista. That's why I run WinXP Pro. I do not have these problems.

Best wishes Nuisance101!
Mike