Cyber_Junkie
asked on
2 TB External USB drive
Intermittently we are unable to see the backup files on the drive. I can see the folders, just no files. If we unplug and plug it back in, the files are viewable again. I have tried turning off power management for the USB ports, but to no avail.
Have you checked Event Viewer for errors with the drive? The system log should show disk related errors, if any. Also, if you plug the drive into another machine, does it exhibit the same behavior?
Can you plug it into a different USB plug? can you change the cable?
How is this drive powered? Through the USB connection or through an external power supply? If through the USB connection get an external powered USB hub to connect to the drive and the computer.
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check also it's energy settings, and set the drive to "NOT save power for this drive"
ASKER
Sorry for the delay, haven't had an opportunity to go onsite.
if the energy settings are the cause - you only have to wait 10-20 sec to get the drive up to speed
**you can check the settings with rdp - or teamviewer, if you have one such installed
**you can check the settings with rdp - or teamviewer, if you have one such installed
ASKER
I checked the power savings setting and it was unchecked for the USB drive.
ASKER
Currently the USB drive is showing as unknown device. I have tried to reinstall the drivers, remove from the device manager and scan for new hardware, no success. Comes back as an unknown device
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ASKER
I can test that next time I am onsite...the problem is that when we unplug and plug back into the server, it works fine for approx. 4-5 days.
I suspect what is called "weak contacts" of the USB cable or ports.
Replace the cable, but if it is the ports then replacing the External USB drive case and the last port(s) to suspect is on the mother board.
You can test this out by swapping the External USB drive to another USB port.
Did you test the drive with manufactures diagnostic tools, as I posted before?
Replace the cable, but if it is the ports then replacing the External USB drive case and the last port(s) to suspect is on the mother board.
You can test this out by swapping the External USB drive to another USB port.
Did you test the drive with manufactures diagnostic tools, as I posted before?
does the drive have it's own power supply?
if not - use a powered usb hub, like the top ten shown here : http://usb-hub-review.toptenreviews.com/
if not - use a powered usb hub, like the top ten shown here : http://usb-hub-review.toptenreviews.com/
@ Cyber_Junkie
Still having the issue?
If a USB powered 2.5" external drive then get a "Y" cable enabling two USB ports to supply power to the external drive.
Also please read my comments on a similar issue at this link:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28843379/External-Hard-Drive-unrecognized.html?anchorAnswerId=41249404#a41249404
Still having the issue?
If a USB powered 2.5" external drive then get a "Y" cable enabling two USB ports to supply power to the external drive.
Also please read my comments on a similar issue at this link:
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28843379/External-Hard-Drive-unrecognized.html?anchorAnswerId=41249404#a41249404
i don't favor y ycables for powering usb devices - since they simply connect to the same source
ASKER
I have replaced the external HD to see if the issue is the USB drive or the OS losing its connection to the USB device. It has been successful for the last 3 days. I will continue to monitor for the next week to ensure this issue is resolved.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Glad to help.
ASKER
The new drive has been working for 9 days now with no issues. I plugged the new drive into the same USB port as the original one. It looks like the issue was with the drive itself. I will continue to monitor, however, it looks like the issue was the actual HD and not the OS as I originally suspected.