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external HD not always accesable

if i hook up one of my hard drives to my computer it isn't visible when exploring the computer nor is it visible when i try to make an image using "windows 7 backup and restore" but if i use paragon backup it is visible..also if i choose "safely remove hardware" it IS visible

Cyrill

There is probably something wrong with the File System. The hard disk has to be formatted in FAT, exFAT or NTFS to be readable by Windows. If it is formatted in a Linux or Mac file system, Windows won't be able to see it.

Is there data on the disk? If not try to reformat the disk by using the Windows Disk Management. Let me know if you don't know how to format and I can give you the steps necessary.

matteogallo

ASKER

it's actually NTFS... (I can see it with another laptop no problem)

nobus

your computer - is that a laptop ? - probably does not provide enough power on the USB port, and the hard drive does not have it's own power supply, right?
i suggest always to use drives powered from their own power - or use a powered usb hub like i have : http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=158910

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

masnrock

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matteogallo

ASKER

please let me know how to handle this situation. ironically (or maybe not so much given the nature of computers) after months of not being able to see the hard drive 9although ive only tried randomly) it was suddenly visible without me trying masnrock's suggestion...which I thought may be the answer...thanks masnrock

nobus, thank you but there is separate power going to this hard drive.

I was going to wait until it isn't visible again to try masnrocks answer, what should i do about this open thread?

nobus

since it has power, the other possibilities can be : bad contact in connector or cable (swap cable), or try another port
about this thread - you can keep it open, if you post regularly an update