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dcobau

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externaL` DRIVE NOT WORKING

Laptop using windows`xp trying to connect 2.5" portable external hard drive. Will not connect.Hard drive came with mini cd for drivers but laptop won't read it. Hard drive powers itself using usb cable
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PUNKY
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Check in Device Manager see if you have error in usb entries?
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Nickman87

You should check if the HDD gets enuf power. My 2.5" external need the normal USB connector and another one for some extra power.

You can check this by putting your ear on the HDD ans listen if it spins fluently or if you can hear it trying to boot all the time. If it is, you need an additional USB cable.

When it boots and you don't see it immediatly, go to DiskManagement (Right click the "My computer" icon and choose "Manage") If you don't see the disk popping up there then most probably there is something wrong with the disk (you can try it on another computer) or with your laptops USB hub.

If it does, you can format it in there.
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ASKER

Thank you but your comments didn't solve the problem for me.
When plug the device in, did you notice that windows detect new device and install it?
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nobus
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Usually new external usb hard drives do not connect properly at first. You need to follow the manual to the letter and check on the internet for the manufacturers driver. If the cd does not read, then at least you can get it from elsewhere. There should also be universal drivers for hard drives i believe, (but not sure of this).Hope this helps.