Unknown Device, External HDD

Hey! Yes I am new to the forum here, as I am to Windows 7, but I have to give it up for Windows this time, Windows 7 is actually more stable, faster and easier to operate than even today's Vista. Although...

I have an Asus M51Se notebook. And it has not a huge drive, so I store most and all my files on an external HDD, a Western Digital 500gb sata HDD inside a Sharkoon Rapid 3,5" e-sata case, all conected through USB, with no driver cd, and should be driver-less according to the producers. Every time I plug the external hdd in Windows 7 cannot find the drivers and says its an unknown device, resulting in a very unpleasant "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)"

I have googled, I have searched, I have plugged it in and out unimaginable times. I have plugged the HDD out of the case put it inside my stationary computer and plugged it back in with no results. (My stationary ir running Windows Vista HP 64bit). And the stationary computer can find the device, and use it, even after uninstalling the driver, and plugging the device back in. It finds the disc when its in the case and when I plug it into the motherboard, but my Windows 7 running notebook will not.

I have seen some posts here and there, even on this forum about this problem, but those are all of no use to me. So is there anyone out there that can help me with this error? Please, it would be truly appreciated.

:)

I have had the exact same problem. My proplem was caused buy a usb cable short. I also had the dreaded "unknown device" error followed by a You must format before windows can use this problem (the drive is already NTFS formatted). I also thought it might be a bad drive so I pulled another working sata drive from another box and tried it and it had the same problem. So I thought maybe its a usb port problem and moved it to a different usb 2.0 port. Still no joy. I then had the brain storm that its the cable, and sure enough pulled the "unknown HD" out popped it into another box and it worked.

Sorry to be so long winded and I hope this helps somewhat

Ken

Hi Guys

Have read through this post, I have similar problem though I'm more confused now.
I have 3 External HD and one Semi-External (backup unit HP). None of them works through USB ports (none of my 8 ports).
Not even the four Mem sticks I have tried works.

W7 says unknown devices.
1. I have tried all ports.
2. I have tried on Vista and XP on other machines (no problems).
3. I have had these units working on this hardware before (in vista).
4. I have the latest of everything as it seems.. (i think).
5. I have reinstalled with them plugged in and not like 4 times..
6. I have tried several updates and even tried with old USB drivers..
7. I found a writing on a 4 step check and did that to (power management, uninstall, checking power etc.. )
8. tried different cables
9. ...


What the H...

My keyboard works (W-less).. My Camera works.. ? on all ports..

Any one have similar problems ?
This is driving me crazy ..

Best Regards
Harry