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External HDD disconnects/reconnects every time I use it
I have a Hatchi external HDD that does NOT have its own power source, plugged into my Gateway DX4830 Win 7 home premium 64 bit desktop's USB 2.0. I think it might do the same thing on my crappy old laptop, but don't use it enough to remember nor care.
Every time I go to use anything in the HDD (hit save, open, etc.) it disconnects and reconnects a moment later (popping up autoplay, which annoys the heck out of me).
I have tried an identical cable from a broken version of the same drive, with the same results.
It does not disconnect randomly when not in use, but only when I ask the computer to do something involving it.
Running something (movies, a playlist on pause, even) in another window from the drive will keep it connected, but that's a bit of a pain and hogs some resources.
It does not disconnect in the middle of data transfer ever, even when I dumped the whole thing, which took a few hours.
No other devices plugged into either bay of USBs ever do this, so the symptoms are device-specific.
It did not always do this, but started many months ago. I didn't think much of it then.
BUT IT GETS WORSE
Last week, I formatted (full format, not quick, just in case) from NTFS back to exFAT because it wouldn't read in my boyfriend's computer or xbox as NTFS. I'm not sure if this is related, but now it's not popping back up as a newly connected device after a disconnect, and I have to get up, unplug it, and plug it back in every time it disconnects.
It does have a little power jack spot on it. Would finding a power source that fits that help?
Is there a setting someplace? Those are my only two format options... anyone have any ideas what I might do?
Hitachi:.. that doesn't tell me much...
Product Description: EXTERNAL HDD - USB2.0 - 2.5", 750GB, HITACHI X MOBILE, BLACK
Size: 750 GB
Form Factor: 2.5" External
Interface: USB 2.0
Gateway: Gateway Support - Specifications
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