External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it


    Hello,
    I'm new here, so I'm sorry if I don't really get what exactly the informations should I share.
    I have Toshiba HDD 1TB v63700-c and laptop ASUS A46CB using Windows 7 Ultimate x64.
    Recently I can't open my HDD in my laptop, while my laptop still can identify that there is a drive connected via usb drive. When i use my brother's PC, i can access my HDD in My Computer.

    I searched for the same problem in this forum, and I get the link : External HDD can't be open but can be partially detected

    I tried to do the Rogue Killer Scan and attach the report. So, what do I have to do next ?
    Please help me. Thank you so much. :)
    External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it Attached Files
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 62
    Windows 7 Professional 32 bit and 64 bit
       #2

    I assume (by it's size) that it's a portable HDD (no power adapter). You say your unit "identifies" it, but not how. If it shows in Device Manger > Disk Drives, have you tried updating the driver? When you left click on it and choose Properties, does it say it's working properly? Did you use the same USB cable with your brother's machine?

    Again in Device Manager, are there any Yellow Warning flags for either the HDD or any of the USB connections?

    Did you install any Toshiba software with the HDD? If so, did you try uninstalling it?

    If you can see it in Disk Management, have you made sure it shows as formatted for your unit?

    Have you tried a different external HDD?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    hello PBzeer, thank you for replying.

    in device manager, it says that the driver is the newest. It does say it's working properly.
    For the USB cable, I used the same cable with my brother's PC.

    In device manager, I don't see any yellow flags for either the HDD or the the USB connections.

    I did not install any Toshiba software as long as I remember. I already checked it on the Programs and Features.

    I'm not sure if it's formatted for my laptop, since the HDD is not on the list. But on the, I don't know, diagram(?) below, I noticed that my HDD is detected (Disk 1). Can I say that it's formatted or not?

    I've tried different external HDD, and it worked just fine. I can access the files. Btw, I attached the screenshots in case my explanation isn't clear enough.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it-1.jpg   External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it-2.jpg   External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it-3.jpg   External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it-4.jpg  
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 62
    Windows 7 Professional 32 bit and 64 bit
       #4

    Okay, try this. Disconnect the Toshiba HDD, then see if you still have Storage Volumes > Unknown Device in Device Manager as you do in the screenshot. If it's not there, reconnect it, go back to Device Manager > Storage Volumes > Unknown Device and try to update the driver (it probably won't). If it doesn't, then try again but using Browse My Computer, then Pick From a List of Devices and see if your HDD shows up in the list. If it does, update the driver and see if that removes the Unknown Device. If it does, then you should be able to access your HDD. If you still can't access it, and you can on another machine, I'd copy it to a new drive and forget about the Toshiba HDD.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #5

    The file format is not recognized by windows. You need to format it.

    Is this a drive that was used previously and has data stored on it? Did you ever use it with a Linux or Mac machine?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 62
    Windows 7 Professional 32 bit and 64 bit
       #6

    Odd problem since he says it works on a different pc (I'm assuming it's a Win machine), since if it's a format problem, it shouldn't.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,656
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #7

    Try:
    - Create a manual System Restore point - System Restore
    - Remove the HDD
    - Restart and run DriveCleanup as admin - Drive Tools for Windows
    - restart and scan with CCleaner - scan normal and then registry
    - restart and plug the HDD back in
    - let Windows install the HDD

    Report back
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    @PBzeer, unfortunately i don't have any CC or paypal account with me. So, i cant afford that app .. maybe i'll just forget the HD like u said before lol.. but thanks anyway for your answers

    @GoKay i did all u told me, but I don't think it worked since the device manager remains the same as before, and the HDD still can't be accessed
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails External HDD can't be opened, but the laptop still can detect it-2.jpg  
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 408
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #9

    Hello vinsan!

    Go back to Disk Management, right click on the long space, where the capacity of the drive is written, post a screenshot of the options. Do you have the option to Change drive letter and paths? If so, click on it and assign a drive letter, one which you are not using.

    If this doesn't work, try to remember what OS the other PC, where the drive showed up successfully, had. It could be with a different than NTFS or FAT32 file system (typical for Windows). If you can use it to access the drive and save the data from it to another device. Then you'll need to reformat for your PC.

    Cheers! :)

    CK_WD
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 62
    Windows 7 Professional 32 bit and 64 bit
       #10

    Not sure what app you mean vinsan, since everything I've suggested is already on your computer.
      My Computer


 
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