Windows 7: Strange External Drive Problem

I’m having a strange problem with an external hard drive. I have two of the same model drive and one of them has a problem. I will refer to them as drive #1 (good) and drive #2 (problem). The drives are 1TB, USB3. My PCs are running Windows 7 and they all have USB 3.0 ports.

I have one of these drives connected to my main PC at all times but only one of them at a time - never both at the same time.

Drive #1 always works perfectly.

When I try to write to drive #2, 90% of the time it “stalls” for as much as a minute before it starts writing. (10% of the time it works normally.) This happens whether I manually copy a file to it using Windows Explorer or use a program to save files to it. It just stalls but most of the time it eventually un-stalls and writes.

This is what I have tried so far:

1. Tried drive #2 on two other PCs. Same problem with both other PCs.

2. Tried drive #2 with different cables and different USB3 ports. Same problem with all.

3. Checked Windows 7 security settings. All OK and all are set the same for both drives. I also checked the various properties settings for the drives and everything looks correct there. I also checked for an updated driver and I already have the latest. I also have all of the latest updates for Windows 7.

4. Tried drive #2 (which is USB3) on a USB2 port. Same problem.

5. Re-formatted drive #2 and started from scratch. The problem remains.

6. Contacted the manufacturer (LaCie) and tried everything they suggested. The problem remains and they have no additional clues.

7. I returned drive #2 and ordered another one of the same model from a different vendor. The replacement has the same problem.

8. I returned the replacement and ordered another replacement from the manufacturer (LaCie). The second replacement has the same problem.

All this time drive #1 continues to work perfectly. Again, both drives are the same model.

I’m baffled by this one. Any clues appreciated.

Thanks.
Peter

baffling indeed.

maybe it doesn't like being referred to as 'number 2'

(sorry it's not much help)

so even when it's replaced with a completely different drive, power supply and cables, it doesn't work?

maybe they made a bad batch of drives, and you were unlucky?

if it were me, i would try getting my money back (plus compensation for all the hassle) and getting a whole new different make of drive.

That's certainly a possibility. I've been through four of these drives. One works perfectly. The other three don't. Each of the other three came from a different vendor. It would have to be a big batch of bad drives to affect three vendors.

Peter