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Window won't detect my HDD

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6 replies

by asavageweasle

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This is my old hard drive, which had a blue screen system error, but still has files I want. I put it in an external storage case. The only problem is that Windows cannot detect it.

I checked Computer management/disk management, no luck. The external drive case has two lights, a Power light and a HDD light, the Power light is on but the HDD light isn't. The power light goes out whenever the USB isn't connected. HELP PLEASE!!!

6 replies

by computercookie

but I'd suggest you check 'Device Manager' for any USB problems.

If there are no problems, could be a number of things, including power supply, USB.

Suggest you connect as a slave drive to make sure the drive is still working and the backup.

Otherwise post back with come information about the computer and the peripherals.

by mwhipple

I'd guess that the HDD light, like most drive lights may be for activity and not connectivity. What model external case? You most likely need USB2 support so ensure that you have that properly installed and are using a correct port.

by asavageweasle

I figured out what was wrong earlier, the were some little plastic bits that needed removing. Now the device is recognised in "Safely Remove Hardware", "Computer management" and "My computer". However, whenever I try to access it via My computer or Computer management, it gives me this message:

F:\ is not accessible
Error performing inpage operation

Nothing else. Help please?

by computercookie

I can't see your computer or read your mind so unless I have some details I can't help, as I'm not about to spend an hour typing up all scenarios I can think of and the possible and probable solutions to provide you with a remedy.

Could simply be that the dog of a computer you own doesn't have enpough power for another USB device or if you plug it into the onboard ports you will find that there is more power available, as for you plastic bits, I assume that they are the metal jumpers that have a plastic cover!!!!

by thechas

If this is a desktop drive, you really need a case with a separate power supply that plugs into the case. Even for an older IDE laptop drive, I would want to use a case with a power supply and not rely on port power.

Next, have you rebooted since you got the system to see the drive? A lot of USB devices do not work properly until you reboot the system.

Finally, it is possible that the drive is corrupt enough that Windows just cannot read it.

Chas

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