USB Hard Drive connects but cannot be read


  1. rslewis
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       New #1

    USB Hard Drive connects but cannot be read


    Hi All

    I have a USB hard drive which when I plug in to either my desktop or laptop is recognised and assigned a drive letter but when I try and click on it or access it in any way either nothing happens or I get the "spinning circle" and have to shut the pc down using its power switch (not a very good idea I know).

    I haven't dropped the disc but may have unplugged it too quickly when it was last used so not sure if it has corrupted anything.

    Thanks

    Rob
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  3. not so gray matter
    Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       New #2

    Have you tried using the drive on another computer? It's possible there's a driver issue or software conflict, but it sounds as if there's something wrong with the drive itself.

    If you can deal with the loss of the data on the hard drive, you could try formatting the disk using a program like Partition Wizard. I'm not sure if the program will be able to access the hard drive if it's corrupt, but it's worth a try.
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  4. rslewis
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    the drive seems to do the same on whichever pc i connect it to. i have some important stuff on the drive which i don't want to lose if poss.
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  6. theog
    Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       New #4

    Can you post a screen shot Disk management?
    https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...en-forums.html

    Screenshot tools.
    Screenshot with Paint
    Screenshot and Upload using MWSnap
    Fscapture free download
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  7. rslewis
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    I don't think a screenshot would help. I just open up "Computer" from the start menu which shows the drive but you cant access any files. When you click on the drive everything just hangs..!!
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  8. theog
    Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       New #6

    rslewis said:
    I don't think a screenshot would help. I just open up "Computer" from the start menu which shows the drive but you cant access any files. When you click on the drive everything just hangs..!!
    A screenshot Disk management would help use to help you.
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