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External USB Storage Device Problem

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8 replies

by rjae

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I have a wierd problem, i have recently bought a Seagate Freeagent External HDD, and the issue is, not that it happens all the time but enough to get me annoyed is that when the device malfunctions the only fix is to replace the cable (USB 2.0 Cable Type A Male to Type mini-B). I have went through 3 cables now and really do not want to buy extra if not needed. Is there any reason to why this is happening, or is there a permanent solution to the problem.

8 replies

by older mycroft

The cable would not be on my top list of likely candidates.

How did you figure this out?

by oh smeg

We need to know so we can offer some idea of how to proceed from here.

Col

by rjae

Strange thing here, USB cables are fine as i can use them on my mobile and camera and nothing seems to happen

by rjae

Yes i wouldnt have suspected the cable, but right now that seems to be the only culprit.

I have the HDD connected to my desktop when the problem occurred i first tried another USB port (no success) i thought i would use another cable and that seems to have fixed it. The next time it happened i did the same thing again try another port but this time i tried it on my laptop (no success either), So the only fix i got so far is replacing the cable. I also do not think that this problem is caused entirely by the cable.

by oh smeg

With other devices. If it was a faulty Socket at the USB Mini End that would tend to destroy the actual plug.

Only thing I can think of is that either the 5 V Positive or 5 V Negative wires are getting trashed and when you plug into another self powered device the Lead still works but when you attempt to pass power to a Device it doesn't.

If that is the case here you need to return the unit to Seagate for replacement.

Col

by oh smeg

Prevent the USB Cable getting damaged. So if it's hanging over the edge of a desk and getting trapped against a wall change the way that the USB Lead runs to prevent any damage. If you unplug it by pulling on the lead instead of the connectors stop doing this as it breaks USB Leads.

Don't wrap up the LEAD tightly when you pack it up and so on.

If the lead gets hot while in use return the Complete system to the Seller for Replacement. This is a sign of a Faulty Circuit Board inside the enclosure that is feeding power back to the USB Lead and USB Connector on the computer, if this is allowed to continue it will result in damage to the computer.

If you need to return the complete unit remember to first backup all your Data On the Drive as you will not see it again.

Col

by 1bn0

or just letting the USB port try to power the device.

You did not state what model of drive you are using.

It does not look like the FreeAgent drive work that way but it can depend on the model.

If so and the drive is designed to require an external power supply, you may be drawing too much power through the USB cable and causing the cable to overheat. I

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