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    USB 2.0 CARDS not recognizing Ext Hdd

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Dewey134, Feb 19, 2007.

  1. Dewey134

    Dewey134 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am trying to use my new WD passport harddrive USB 2.0 and my lappie doesn't recognize it when I run it thru my adaptec or compusa 2.0 cards. When I plug it straight into my Thinkpad a31 1.0 port it connects..
    Any thoughts. Both of these USB 2.0 cards are over 2 yrs old and I don't use them much.......Do I need to upgrade or is it the USB powered WD HDD causing a problem.
    Thanks in advance.
     
    Dewey134, Feb 19, 2007
    #1
  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    Some of these cards/hubs have need external sources of power, usually via an A/C adapter. If that doesn't work, then they may be faulty, or the driver is corrupt/bad/not installed for them.
     
    Gautam, Feb 19, 2007
    #2
  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    The PC / PCMCIA card slot does not deliver much power, whereas USB was designed to provide 500mA at 5V (enough for most 2.5" HDDs). Therefore PC / PCMCIA USB cards need a supplementary power source to provide the extra current. These cards usually have a power socket between the two USB sockets into which you can plug an external 5V supply. This can be either an external PSU or a simple cable which plugs into a USB 1.1 port. Alternatively, the external HDD may have a power socket into which I can plug a power cable from a USB 1.1 port.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Feb 20, 2007
    #3
  4. Dewey134

    Dewey134 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok cool, Thanks for the help.....I see the plug spot, now if I could just find the durn adapter.......
     
    Dewey134, Feb 20, 2007
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  5. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah that'll be it, pcmcia usb 2.0 cards often need another power source to power devices like drives themselves.
     
    moon angel, Feb 20, 2007
    #5