External HDD disconnects/reconnects every time I use it

alliew6

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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
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

7 home premium 64bit
OS
7 home premium 64bit
Is that a powered USB port you are trying to use it with? I think those have a + sign after the USB logo.

Is this a front port on the computer? If so, try using one of the ports in the back that are mounted directly on the motherboard.

It sounds like the drive isn't getting enough power, especially if the issue happens when the drive is asked to spin up.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1Intel Core i7-260012 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333Nvidia GTX 470
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
Memory
12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
reformat back to ntfs and then we can address your problem.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bitAMD A10-4600M6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)AMD Radeon HD 7660G
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba Satellite S875D-S7239 laptop
OS
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
CPU
AMD A10-4600M
Motherboard
AMD Pumori (Socket FT1)
Memory
6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 7660G
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor (1600x900@60Hz)
Screen Resolution
1600x900@60Hz
Hard Drives
SSD 119GB Corsair CSSD-V128GB2 ATA Device
Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
HP Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse Model FHA-3410
Internet Speed
What the local pub, local coffee shop offers.
Other Info
Optical Drive:MATSHITA BD-CMB UJ160B ATA Device


Also have an Asus ha1002xp netbook with Win 7 Ultimate installed.
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