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    External hard drive and malfunction error message

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by paradoxguy, Sep 1, 2010.

  1. paradoxguy

    paradoxguy Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a question primarily for my PC edification. I use a USB-powered Western Digital Elements 1TB portable external hard drive that is 3 months old, 50% full, and has been working normally. Earlier today, when I plugged it into my notebook PC (parameters below in signature), a message balloon appeared stating that the PC did not recognize the hard drive device and if the message persisted, the hard drive was defective and needed replacing. I detached and re-attached the WD hard drive 3 times and each time received the same message. During this time, I had 5 Windows Explorer and 6 Internet Explorer windows open, plus Notepad, a temperature monitoring program, and MSE AV. I then detached the hard drive again and rebooted the PC, then opened the same windows and programs. When I attached the WD hard drive after the reboot and opening the windows and programs, the hard drive worked normally again. What are the possible reasons my PC temporarily did not recognize my USB external hard drive?

    Thanks for reading and any informative responses.
     
    paradoxguy, Sep 1, 2010
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  2. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    It could be a failing hard drive. I'd backup everything on your external hard drive first, then scan for errors and run a SMART test. If anything out of the norm is observed, I'd contact manufacture for a replacement. SeaTools is also a good diagnostic test for hard drives. I'd give that a shot as well.
     
    David, Sep 2, 2010
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  3. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Could have been lack of power, you said its usb powered in my experience its hit & miss how well those work without the aid of a powered hub or using the Y-Cable that lets you use 2 usb ports for extra power.

    Better drives usually work better without the extra power, but laptops/netbooks and stuff especially may lack the power that a desktop computer has and be the reason it worked so well without issues on the desktop but then decided to be finicky on the laptop.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Sep 2, 2010
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  4. paradoxguy

    paradoxguy Notebook Evangelist

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    I greatly appreciate the responses to my query. I apologize if this is an ignorant question--how do I run a SMART test? I tried searching for the SMART tools on my PC, but could not find them? Does this involve purchasing the tools from a 3rd party?

    Thanks much.
     
    paradoxguy, Sep 3, 2010
    #4
  5. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    | Seagate

    It's free and works with most non-seagate drives too.
     
    KLF, Sep 4, 2010
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  6. paradoxguy

    paradoxguy Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the URL for Seagate diagnostics--I'll try them out very soon.



     
    paradoxguy, Sep 7, 2010
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