Existing external hard drive installed in new case, does not recognize


  1. oskjeff
    Posts : 2
    64 bit, windows 7
       New #1

    Existing external hard drive installed in new case, does not recognize


    I use an WD external hard drive (1TB) for additional storage and it was working fine with no issues. The small USB connector broke off the board yesterday and I purchased a new enclosure and installed it. Now my computer does not recognize it as a storage device. I have all the data still on the HD and really do not want to loose it. Any advice on how to get the computer to recognize the external hard drive?

    I tried adding a letter for the drive, but it does not show up to change the letter of the drive.

    The PC is an HP that is about 4 months old. Windows 7, 64 bit.

    Thanks for the assistance.
    Last edited by oskjeff; 02 Jan 2012 at 20:58. Reason: Added info
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  3. badger906
    Posts : 1,846
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64, & Mac OS X 10.9.2
       New #2

    if the Hard drive is a SATA varient and not a IDE (which unless its ollld it wont be)

    then you can simply open up your new pc case, and connect the drive directly to your motherboard using a SATA lead, and a serial power connection from your power supply.

    If you dont have a spare SATA cable, then for now you can just use the power cable and lead from your DVD drive. This will allow you to back up your data for now, and will determine if the drive still works or not.
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  4. oskjeff
    Posts : 2
    64 bit, windows 7
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Thanks for the info. I opened the case and plugged it in where the DVD is. The computer sees the drive and recognizes the size it is, however it does not assign it a drive letter. I tried to chang the drive letter and it does not have that option.

    Anything else I can try?
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  6. KOREA7
    Posts : 14
    win7 Ultimate 64
       New #4

    Check under disk management and see if it's online?
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