HP Computers using XP will not show drive to which Western Digital 320GB external harddrive is connected

Have you tried changing the USB cable or connecting it to a different USB port on the computer?

First make sure usb cable connected to harddrive is working fine.
try it in different usb ports.
Press windows key +R key so you can see run then type in run "devmgmt.msc" then press ok so you can see device manager uninstall all usb drivers then it automatic install usb drivers.
then check.
Also you need to change registry for that type in run "regedit" then press ok then you can see registry editor then locate below key.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11­CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
And remove upper filter and lower filter.Then restart computer then check.
If your harddrive still not recognized then you need to repair your harddrive.Try your harddrive in different computer if it is not recognized on another computer then your harddrive has internal issue.

Let me know if you need further assistance.
Thanks for using FixYa

If its xp or older OS it will not but in 4 partitions of 80 it will but most be done by outside programs most times.

If you hear a clicking sound then that might be the sound of a defective harddrive. You could try removing the harddrive from the case and installing it directly into the computer to see if it is working. If it does then it could be the hard drive case power supply is defective. But the clicking sounds like a defective drive. If it is still under warranty then you could get it repaired by western digital...if it is still under warranty then do not open the case or you could void it.

I had the same problem with my WD eBook external hard drive. I had to send it back to the factory at Western Digital and they replaced it free. From their support website, you can download the shipping label after you enter your serial number and other information. When drives make that kind of noise, its not a good thing and you have done the right thing already by trying it on other computers. Now you know it won't work.

hi ,

looks like u primary hard drive is inside the laptop and so should be displayed as c : drive ,

and the reason , the external hard drive is not displayed seperately is csue ., the external HD  may be added as slave to the internal HD .,

can u tell me ,make a right click on c:/ drive and choose properties : and tell the totalsize dispalyed 

Windows XP does not have built in SATA drivers. You will need to download the XP drivers from Western Digital's website and install before the computer will allow you to format and use your new drive. Hope this helps.

bad driver chip... call the manufacturer.. have the HDD changed...

what do you need exactly ? do you simply want to install windows on the external harddrive? please note that you will not be able to use the OS on other computers.

Just plug your USB HDD directly into your MBoard's USB port...