Solved Can a external drive with issues cause a problem the computer itself?

[Computer0304]

I have a flash drive and external hard drive that I have not used in about 2 years. Everything on them have most likely been moved to other storage but I just want to see if it works after 2 years without use. If there's any issues on it, can it cause a problem on the computer itself too? Is it safe to move any files left if there are any? Is it unlikely it will even work after 2 years anyway?

 

[CKWD]

Hello Computer0304!

It would depend, but usually no.

If the drive has a hardware damage, perhaps something wrong in the circuitry it may cause a short and damage parts of the motherboard. But this only in the case there is hardware damage.

I could advise you to use a new cable and clean the drive's USB slot from dust. It may work, it's not excluded.

Good luck!

CK_WD

 

[strollin]

If either the flash drive or the external hdd have viruses on them then they can certainly be transferred to the computer. It's wise to do a scan with your AV software after plugging in any kind of external drive before using or transferring any of the files.

 

[Computer0304]

Hello Computer0304!

It would depend, but usually no.

If the drive has a hardware damage, perhaps something wrong in the circuitry it may cause a short and damage parts of the motherboard. But this only in the case there is hardware damage.

I could advise you to use a new cable and clean the drive's USB slot from dust. It may work, it's not excluded.

Good luck!

CK_WD

What do you mean by this?

If either the flash drive or the external hdd have viruses on them then they can certainly be transferred to the computer. It's wise to do a scan with your AV software after plugging in any kind of external drive before using or transferring any of the files.

Ok.

 

[CKWD]

I meant that the drives are old and for a long time not used, one would doubt if they would even work, but there's only one way in finding out. This is what I meant by “it may work, it's not excluded”.

The possible problems have already been laid out, about the case when the drives may have some internal damage, and a virus.

I hope everything is okay with them!

CK_WD

 

[Computer0304]

Thanks. Most of its files are not important anyway since they have been mostly moved.
Edit: Do you think it's too risky to try to use it?

 

[CKWD]

You're welcome!

I can't say for sure, you rather need to clean the dust of very well and carefully, and think whether the external has been hit or dropped or suffered any damage. If not, change the cable and you should be fine, I believe, just make sure you have the AV software working and ready to stop potential viruses, if the external may have some.

And the same goes for the flash drive, but just the AV part. If it has damage it just wouldn't show up.

Cheers and best of luck!

CK_WD

 

[Computer0304]

How should I clean the dust? Can the dust short circuit the computer? The hard drive has been in a drawer for most of the time so it has not been dropped often.

Also, I have Malwarebytes Premium and AVAST Free running real time protection so I should be safe. I'll still remember to scan my system after copying the files onto my computer.

 

[CKWD]

I don't believe that dust can short circuit a system. Still, it depends where your drive has been stored for that time, and just use something to gently clean the USB socket of the device and that's it..

Cheers!

CK_WD

 

[Computer0304]

Can I use a cotton swab? You mean inside the plug, right?

 

[CKWD]

Yes, but really careful, and I am saying this as I have no knowledge of where the drive has been stored and how dusty it is. There’s nothing to it, really.

CK_WD

 

[Computer0304]

Well, there's barely any dust in the USB connector anyway. So I don't think I'll have to clean it.

 

[CKWD]

It's up to you, I just gave a general suggestion and short description, if you believe you don't need to do it, it's perfectly fine!

Cheers!

CK_WD

 

[Computer0304]

Thanks!