Windows 7: Windows 7 doesn't recognize my external HDD

docjoe · 13 Aug 2011

PLEASE HELP.. Im new to this website.. but seems promising..
I hav a Samsung R580
Windows 7 Home Premium
64bit 4GB RAM
i5 CPU 2.27GHz

problem is my 250GB ext hard disk was workin just fine on my laptop.. but then all of a sudden.. is jus wont get recognized.. the light on d drive comes on.. but i dont see anything on MY COMPUTER.. but my hard disk is recognized by vista without problem..
i tried uninstallin all d USB devices thru device manager.. but no luck..

plz help.. thnx a TON!!

TVeblen · 13 Aug 2011

Hello docjoe. Welcome to the Forum.

I gave this suggestion Both USB ports on laptop suddenly stopped working in another post here just a few hours ago.

Try that fix and see if it works for you.

TIP: One of the best ways to use SevenForums is to take advantage of the SEARCH tool. There is always a very good possibility that your issue or question has come up before. Always look for the threads marked SOLVED first.

docjoe · 13 Aug 2011

thnx for d help TVeblen... i tried it.. disabled it and connected.. same problem continues.. nw i enabled it again.. wat to do/?

essenbe · 13 Aug 2011

If you haven't already go to device manager and see if it shows up there. Sometimes they 'lose' their drive letter. Also get the diagnostic tool from the hard drive manufacturer and make sure the drive is OK. At least then you will know it is the computer and not the drive.

docjoe · 14 Aug 2011

thnq essenbe,
well in device manager it does show up in DISK DRIVE as.. "Tosoiba Exxernal USB rDD USB Device".. but still does not show up on MY COMPUTER.. its wierd.. cos i no dis is original.. and it used to show as Toshiba.. but ever since dis recognising problem started.. this is wats goin on..

Things i hav already tried:
1. Rebooting wid drive plugged in
2. Uninstalling USB drives and restarting
3. Virus scan (clean)
4. USB Selective Suspend - Turn On or Off

Still no luck.. plz. help.. if it makes it easier to talk.. and if u don mind.. plz.. send me ur contect no. and i will call u.. thnx

essenbe · 14 Aug 2011

In Disk Management, Not device Manager, Right click on the drive, select change drive letter or path, click add, then select a drive letter, click OK and exit. It should show up in computer. If in this process it wants to format it, select no, or you will lose all data on it.

docjoe · 14 Aug 2011

thnq essenbe,
i tried doing that.. went to disk management.. saw the HDD as "Disk1".. but when i right clicked and chose "change drive letter".. the following msg came up.. i restarted the comp.. and the same continues..
wat to do now?!?!? :S

Windows 7 doesn't recognize my external HDD-problem.jpg

seavixen32 · 14 Aug 2011

Quote: Originally Posted by docjoe

thnq essenbe,
well in device manager it does show up in DISK DRIVE as.. "Tosoiba Exxernal USB rDD USB Device".. but still does not show up on MY COMPUTER.. its wierd.. cos i no dis is original.. and it used to show as Toshiba.. but ever since dis recognising problem started.. this is wats goin on..

Things i hav already tried:
1. Rebooting wid drive plugged in
2. Uninstalling USB drives and restarting
3. Virus scan (clean)
4. USB Selective Suspend - Turn On or Off

Please remove your e-mail address ASAP unless you want to get swamped with spam - thank you.

essenbe · 14 Aug 2011

I would first suggest you run Toshiba's diagnostic tool to make sure the Hard drive is functioning correctly. Next, at the top of the page click on 'user CP' and fill out your system specs so we will be aware of what hardware you have.
You will find a link in the left column.

essenbe · 14 Aug 2011

Docjoe, as Seavixen requested, please remove your email address for your own protection.

Windows 7: Windows 7 doesn't recognize my external HDD

Windows 7 doesn't recognize my external HDD problems?