Windows 7: USB HDD not found - freezes W7

Hi All,

As per my specs I have an External HDD that works fine [checked on another computer]. I have plugged it into all the USB ports [front and back panels] and it is not found.
I have a keyboard and mouse that are USB and are working fine, if I move one of those USBs and use that port for my HDD it is still not found.

Also, if I try and unplug the HDD whilst Windows 7 is on it freezes everything!
So there must be some kind of communication with the computer.

I have checked the USB list in device manager and there are no ! signs.
I have checked Disc Management and there is no sign of an external HDD

If I plug it in after starting the computer it does not find drivers or recognise anything has been plugged in.
It simply does not exist according to Windows 7.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Google for registry keys about "upper filters" to find out where to look. Go on good machine and compare the keys/values to bad machine. Make necessary changes in the bad machine.

It's a good idea to set a system restore point before doing this as it's not the easiest thing to do. You may need a repair install if you can't manually fix it.

Googling now Torrentg, thanks for the pointer.
Do I need to compare to another Windows 7 machine as I dont know anyone else local that has it.
Can I compare to my work computer for example if that computer works with the USB HDD?

Thanks.

Yes. Like I said though, it's probably not going to be so easy to figure out. If you're determined, you have a decent chance then.

Someone else fixed his issue doing the same thing a few days ago that I advised, so hopefully you'll have the same luck. I'd tell you where to look in the registry but I'm not sure. I had this error myself long ago and I remember how I fixed it, but not exact registry locations.

Good luck.