esata external HDD continues to disconnect | NotebookReview

T-ravisty Notebook Consultant

Reputations:: 12

Messages:: 272

Likes Received:: 1

Trophy Points:: 31

Hey all,

Been having problems with my Lacie external HDD,

This is an abbreviated email I sent to the manufacturer:

1TB Lacie d2 HD Quadra v2.1 A

I recently reinstalled Windows 7 on my computer and now whenever I try to move folders across to the Lacie HDD via esata it disconnects.

I can get folders off of it, which I have done. I copied all folders off of it onto another HDD, I then re-formatted the Lacie HDD believing it may resolve the issue. However it has not.

I have had this problem in the past. This is my second "1TB Lacie d2 HD Quadra v2.1 A", I purchased this early last year, the first one had the exact same issue: "13081010200441E · 1TB LaCie d2 Quadra v2.1 7200RPM A"

It took me a long time to finally get a replacement HDD from the previous issue. Now this one is having the exact same problem a year later.

I can copy folders onto the Lacie HDD via the USB cable, but not the esata, which was the entire reason I purchased this HDD because of the quicker data transfer.

Please find attached screenshots which I think may be relevant.

And this is the reply:

I have checked your previous return in regards to provided serial number. The device was returned to us and tested thoroughly with no issues found. It was returned to you in original condition and as reported by you was being used normally again without issues.

This leads me to suspect that some local configuration issue may be effecting operation. From personal experience eSata interface is less stable then traditional USB or firewire interface and as such relies most on correct configuration to work flawlessly.

Main thing to consider is, for eSata to function in correct removable mode - your computers internal SATA controller must be set into AHCI mode. This would be configured via your computers BIOS. See for more info: Advanced Host Controller Interface - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is one of the major things that causes a lot of headaches with eSata functionality as its comes down to configuration on your specific computer. As stated in above link this feature is usually never properly configured by manufacturers.

Additional steps to check is that latest mainboard/chipset drivers have been installed from your computers' manufacturer, or alternatively if using eSata expansion card - latest drivers.

We cannot guide you in steps on how to configure about functionality as its outside of our area of support so you will need to research and attempt to check on your own or locate a guide on the internet. However if above is too complex you may always return the device to us for full diagnostic in our service centre. If we can fault device we will certainly repair or replace device as necessary.

Please let me know how you wish to proceed. if proceeding with warranty return, to begin warranty process please confirm your return shipping address (no PO boxes) and we will generate a return number for you.

Now I have no idea how to fix this, no idea at all.

Wondering if anyone here has ever had this problem?
or know a resolve?

Thanks