Windows 7: How do I safely add 3 external HDs to my brand new computer?

I have two WDs and one Seagate.
On a new HP P6000 series. Windows 7 Home Premium.

I've already plugged in one WD and, although it shows on My Devices,
it's not on My Computer and I cannot gain access to the files inside.

Have I messed up already?

When I plugged it in, it ran a window and then said the device was 'ready to use'.
How do I get inside the thing? I had it plugged into an old XP running comp until recently, in case that matters.



Thank you for an advice you can give...before I plug the next two in.

Hi Fungud, Welcome to Seven Forums.
Do you intend using them one at a time in the same usb port, or are any permanently connected with an on/off switch on the hdd.

Hello and thanks for the welcome.


I intend to have them all connected at once, if possible.

You mention having 3 external HDs - do you have the same issue with the other 2 as well, or just with the WD drive?

Can you open Disk Management and post a screenshot of the maximized window here please? (With the WD plugged in, of course.)
That'll help us to figure out why Windows isn't seeing the data on it.

Not a good plan, this will really slow down your start up time.

I plugged only the one (WD) in and saw that I couldn't access the files, came online here, and saw that some people were having their hard drives 'wiped clean' (i.e.---> files deleted) when plugging in old HDs into new systems! I then thought to myself, "Why not get some advice before plugging in the other two".

When I went to Disk Management (good idea!) I see this:


Is this Logical Disk Manager going to delete the files inside my HD if I initialize?

Thanks


Okay, thanks for that word of caution, hmm I wanted to use them all at once and have access to everything. But I see your point. A little lag on the start up maybe isn't a major obstacle. Also, if I have to jump through major hoops every time I am unplugging and re-plugging in HDs, a frequent occurrence if I am using them one-at-a-time, then that might be a negative as well.

What do you advise?


P.S.
Sorry it took so long to respond, I was fiddling with Picasa 3 trying to share the screenshot. Thanks for the quick responses from your sides!

Anything?

Nothing?

So, I'm guessing 'initializing' runs the risk of deleting the files in the HD, correct?
If true, then the question becomes, how do I transfer these files to a third party(?) then re-install into the 'post-initialized', now empty HD?

Or better yet, a meta-question, whats the point of backing up files to begin with if, when your computer dies, you can't open them in a new computer? They might as well have died with the old computer, right? For all the good they're doing me now.................. hahhaha.

Anyways, thanks for your help thus far...
Guess I scared you off with the screen shot, huh?



EDIT:
When I right click Disk 5 and hit either 'initialize now' or 'offline' I get

When I click on properties, it says 'Device is working properly'.

???

Should I uninstall and re install? I'm lost here, and hoping for some support for my new rig, thanks.

(By the way, got my other HDD installed and working...oddly enough, it's just this one giving me pains.)

Well I've been fed since our last exchange, and seem to function better on a full stomach, so here goes.
Connect 1 of your drives, turn on your pc, look in Disc Management, if the drive shows it is 'Active' all is as it should be. If not, right click it, select new simple volume using the default settings, select quick format in NTFS & give it a name.
Power off your pc, with the drive still connected then attach another one and do as above.
Power off your pc with the 2 drives connected and repeat for number 3. That way all your drives will have their own drive letter.
As you may decide to use one for backup images, it will get 'INFECTED' if your unlucky to getting infected.

Okay, maybe I should eat something because, in frustration, I took the thing and calmly unplugged it. Then, very methodically, I slammed it on the side of the table pretty good about 5 or 6 times. Now, guilt has set in, and the light in the front of the device is flashing on/off very forlornly at me. Technology, eh? What are ya gunna do?

Anyways, tried what you said, the thing is, I have two up and running, but that last one, when I run Disk Manager, this is what I see (note Disk 6):


So, there is no 'Active' (...'Online'?)...it just says, 'Not Initialized'.
When I right click I get this:


And when I click 'Offline" I get:


When I click 'Properties' I get:


So the issue now is, how to initialize this device, that's apparent never 'ready'...whatever that means.
How do I make this device 'ready'? It's there. The computer sees it. For instance, when I click 'Start', then 'Devices and Printer' I see two MyBooks! See:


Thar she blows, two MyBooks and one Seagate.
Also, Device Manager show it.

But, when I try and initialize it, I get 'Device not ready'.

Please re post an image of disc management with the troublesome drive only connected using the boards recommended method.
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