Windows 7: my external hard disk works on xp but not 7

shelbourne104 · 20 Sep 2010

Hi,
I've been having a problem with my external hard disk not working on my laptop
It works on my desktop, which has XP. It doesn't work on my laptop,which has windows 7. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Lemur · 20 Sep 2010

Hi Shelbourne104. The hard drive is recognized on the virtual xp? If so, are any usb devices recognized on 7?

madtownidiot · 20 Sep 2010

Ok, assuming your ext HDD is not encrypted or otherwise secured to only work on one computer, and that you've checked that other USB devices work on the port you're trying to connect it to, is it a USB powered external or does it have a separate AC adapter?

Some laptops can't send enough wattage to a single USB port to power an external drive. If that's the problem here's what will fix it:

Attachment 99160

karlsnooks · 21 Sep 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by shelbourne104

Hi,
I've been having a problem with my external hard disk not working on my laptop
It works on my desktop, which has XP. It doesn't work on my laptop,which has windows 7. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Shelbourne,

Does the drive show up in Windows Explorer?

WIN + E key combo
WIN is the key with the wavy flag.

Does the drive show up in Disk Management?
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER

shelbourne104 · 21 Sep 2010

Ok. It works on an xp desktop, not a virtual pc. I used to have a dual USB but it stopped working so i got one with a single USB. One of the USB ports doesnt have data anymore it just does power. My USB key works. Nothing shows up whin I press the wavy flag+E. THis is what I see in disk manage,ent It is attached. I do not see it in disk management

Luckystar · 21 Sep 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by shelbourne104

Ok. It works on an xp desktop, not a virtual pc. I used to have a dual USB but it stopped working so i got one with a single USB. One of the USB ports doesnt have data anymore it just does power. My USB key works. Nothing shows up whin I press the wavy flag+E. THis is what I see in disk manage,ent It is attached. I do not see it in disk management

I think that might be problem.

If you mean the lead that is.

From what Madtownidiot is saying.

Lucky

karlsnooks · 21 Sep 2010

Shelbourne,

I don't think this is the cause of your problem but please check all or the root hubs to make sure that the PC can't turn off power to them.

WIN | DEVMGMT.MSC | expand Universal Serial Bus controllers

my external hard disk works on xp but not 7-usb-power-managment.png

madtownidiot · 21 Sep 2010

Some external HDDs come with dual USB cords for a good reason. Most laptop usb ports, especially on smaller laptops, can only provide about 2500 mw of power to a single port, while until very recently, 2.5" HDDs needed as much as 4000 mw or more. The fact that other usb devices work when connected to your laptop, and that your external hdd works when connected to other computers, makes it highly unlikely there's any other possible cause for your problem.0

shelbourne104 · 21 Sep 2010

I've just discovered that no usb divices work at all. Just the mouse and fan. My HDD is 6 years old and I have a 15.6 inch laptop with 4 usbs(1 is dead). It is a ferrari 3400. I think that its a driver prob.(The HDD starts up but nothing happens) THe HDD works on linux on this computer

karlsnooks · 21 Sep 2010

Although I don't disagree with your statement, could you help me out and tell me how you came to that conclusion? What kind of mouse?

Windows 7: my external hard disk works on xp but not 7

my external hard disk works on xp but not 7 problems?