Win 7. Can't see external drive.
Hello,
Recently I've re-installed Win 7 64 on my PC.
My external drive worked just fine, but 3-4 days ago I have noticed that the drive is on (green ring was lit) but when I went to Windows Explorer, there was no letter of the drive visible and I could not access my folders/files stored on that drive.
Some info:
1) WD drive - link to it's specs
a. http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=101&lang=en
2) Under Devices and Printers – it shows as Mass Storage Device icon , looks OK
3) Under Win Explorer no letter drive visible.
4) Also it's visible as Drive “A:” under "Disk Management:. It says Disk 1, Removable (A:), but... it says "No media"
5) Worked fine 2 weeks, now can't see the drive in Explore, and when saving file, I can't select that drive neither.
Thanks for help!
Recently I've re-installed Win 7 64 on my PC.
My external drive worked just fine, but 3-4 days ago I have noticed that the drive is on (green ring was lit) but when I went to Windows Explorer, there was no letter of the drive visible and I could not access my folders/files stored on that drive.
Some info:
1) WD drive - link to it's specs
a. http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=101&lang=en
2) Under Devices and Printers – it shows as Mass Storage Device icon , looks OK
3) Under Win Explorer no letter drive visible.
4) Also it's visible as Drive “A:” under "Disk Management:. It says Disk 1, Removable (A:), but... it says "No media"
5) Worked fine 2 weeks, now can't see the drive in Explore, and when saving file, I can't select that drive neither.
Thanks for help!
ASKER
No, this is new PC, no floppy :-)
I know, I've reassigned letter before, it didn't fix the issue.
It was drive G: before , and it didn't work, so I've change it to the first letter, A:
I know, I've reassigned letter before, it didn't fix the issue.
It was drive G: before , and it didn't work, so I've change it to the first letter, A:
Ok, can you run this command and post the output thanks...
From command prompt
diskpart
list disk - this will produce an output
list volume - this will produce another output
Post those here so we'll see if the drive is really connected
From command prompt
diskpart
list disk - this will produce an output
list volume - this will produce another output
Post those here so we'll see if the drive is really connected
ASKER
ASKER
As per screen above, looks connected? But No Media?
Could be that the disk itself went bad?
I've tried to run SpinRite on it, no success.
BTW it's drive F:
I've changed the drive letter per previous suggestion.
Could be that the disk itself went bad?
I've tried to run SpinRite on it, no success.
BTW it's drive F:
I've changed the drive letter per previous suggestion.
Have u tested this drive on another pc?
From the info it appears its gone bad yes
Simple test is to connect to another machine to verify
From the info it appears its gone bad yes
Simple test is to connect to another machine to verify
>> I've tried to run SpinRite on it, no success. << what happened? any errors?
look if you can open the drive, and connect the disk directly to a sata cable - to eliminate the USB bridge, cable, and connector
it can also be lacking power, so try it with it's own power, or use the USB connecters in the back (they supply a bit more power) or use a POWRED USB hub like this :
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=158910
look if you can open the drive, and connect the disk directly to a sata cable - to eliminate the USB bridge, cable, and connector
it can also be lacking power, so try it with it's own power, or use the USB connecters in the back (they supply a bit more power) or use a POWRED USB hub like this :
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=158910
ASKER
SpinRite actually told me there is a disk error, no other specifics.
Yes, I believe the drive has power. The light (green ring) is lit.
And my PC seams to be connecting, but I can't see the files on it...
Yes, I believe the drive has power. The light (green ring) is lit.
And my PC seams to be connecting, but I can't see the files on it...
Can you check on another machine? If not then as @nobus mentions it may be the enclosure that is faulty
i did not say it has no power, i said it could have a lack of power, since usb ports output Max 5V at 0.5A = 2.5 W, and even less on the front ports
so try what i suggested, and don't take anything for granted - just test it !
so try what i suggested, and don't take anything for granted - just test it !
ASKER
Yeah, I see.
I plugged this guy into my laptop, and it was not recognized. Zero reaction.
WD, my model, has an external power source AND links with my PC via USB - as per link in my original post.
I plugged this guy into my laptop, and it was not recognized. Zero reaction.
WD, my model, has an external power source AND links with my PC via USB - as per link in my original post.
Right, well the only thing left then is to remove from the enclosure(if you really want the data back)
If its under warranty then you can take it back to where you bought it, not sure what the chances of data recovery are in that case, if its out of warranty(and it was my drive) I'd take it out of the enclosure and connect it directly into a spare SATA port on the pc - do you know how to do this?
If its under warranty then you can take it back to where you bought it, not sure what the chances of data recovery are in that case, if its out of warranty(and it was my drive) I'd take it out of the enclosure and connect it directly into a spare SATA port on the pc - do you know how to do this?
ASKER
"connect it directly into a spare SATA port on the pc - do you know how to do this?"
- nope, I don't
- nope, I don't
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
If not you possibly need to change drive letters that are assigned to the external - right click on the drive under Disk Management and select Change Drive letter - change to G/H or something and see if it reappears...