External HDD not dectected in PC

[tsram90]

This is a commonly posted question but i couldn't get any good final solutions so I am posting it again.

• I cannot connect any external HDDs to my PC.
• No ports (front or rear) works.
• Pen drives, Keyboard, Smart phones, Cameras etc works
• Not working in Windows 7, Ubuntu
• The Hdds are working in other PCs even ones with lower power supplies
• The HDD worked when I used a Y cable( 2 usb male ports). I connected the Data port to my PC and power port to my laptop.
• The device(s) are in perfect condition. Working in all other PCs.
• The sound of detection is coming form PC and light comes up in the HDD but no device in My computer.
• There is no drive detected in device management.

Check my spec in Profile

I got a rating of 640w from VBUtils i have 700W supply.

 

[seavixen32]

You haven't stated who manufactured your external HDD/s, but you may find this Seagate KB article useful.

Troubleshooting a Seagate or Maxtor external hard drive that isn't found in Windows

Personally, I'm inclined to think you may need to update your chipset drivers.

 

[tsram90]

You haven't stated who manufactured your external HDD/s, but you may find this Seagate KB article useful.

Troubleshooting a Seagate or Maxtor external hard drive that isn't found in Windows

Personally, I'm inclined to think you may need to update your chipset drivers.

No extrenal HDD is working in my PC. I have tried some seagate drives, and western digital ones. NO extranal Drive is working. they are working in other PCs..

 

[seavixen32]

You haven't stated who manufactured your external HDD/s, but you may find this Seagate KB article useful.

Troubleshooting a Seagate or Maxtor external hard drive that isn't found in Windows

Personally, I'm inclined to think you may need to update your chipset drivers.

No extrenal HDD is working in my PC. I have tried some seagate drives, and western digital ones. NO extranal Drive is working. they are working in other PCs..

I realise that no external hard drive works with your computer. That's why I suggested updating your chipset drivers.

 

[tsram90]

Ok. I updated everything asus can provide including bios.. Still no luck. Also as i mentioned the HDD worked when I used a y cable ( has 1 usb pluged to HDD and 2 usb to plug in to PC) . I plugged one usb to my PC and another one (one for power only) to my lap.

 

[jumanji]

That would mean your USB ports are unable to supply enough power to the external drives. That much is certain.

But what could be the cause? Can be a faulty motherboard, can be the Power Supply. These are the two things that come up to my mind immediately.

Was it happening before?

 

[tsram90]

That would mean your USB ports are unable to supply enough power to the external drives. That much is certain.

But what could be the cause? Can be a faulty motherboard, can be the Power Supply. These are the two things that come up to my mind immediately.

Was it happening before?

Happening from first HDD I checked. There might not be enough power. Anyone know any DIY to connect the power to USB directly form my PSC (molex) than via my MB

 

[jumanji]

Did your external HDD come with a Y cable?

 

[Hopalong X]

Plug the external drive into the PC.

Click the Start orb then click "Devices and Printers". In the top left corner of the new window that opens click "Add a device".
Windows will then search for the external HD.

Windows should do this automatically as you know but may need prompting the first time.
Let us know if this works or not.
Mike

 

[tsram90]

Plug the external drive into the PC.

Click the Start orb then click "Devices and Printers". In the top left corner of the new window that opens click "Add a device".
Windows will then search for the external HD.

Windows should do this automatically as you know but may need prompting the first time.
Let us know if this works or not.
Mike

I had tried that from first. it will keep searching for along time. But could not detect anything. I even tried ubuntu and some other 'boot from CD' os.

@jumanji Some of the HDDs I tried had y cables. I tried the lap+PC trick in them. for Others there was no go.

 

[CB]

Hi Tsram
Through all given advice above and what you had tried by combining power from other source (laptop) with your Y cable, it's pretty obvious that you have under voltage problem. It could be coming directly from the PSU, or voltage regulator on the MB, or, most of the capacitor handling USB voltage supply started to get dried. Trying to directly supply/combine the 5 volt on your USB cable from the PSU is not advisable as it may interfere the MB voltage regulator. the USB voltage is delicately regulated. It is used to manage the USB device when connected/disconnected. Its true if you see some USB HDD come with 5 volt external adapter but it's mainly to help spinning up the disk plate and it's isolated from the USB port.

In normal way, you will have to try replacing the PSU with new one (or borrow one if just for testing). If it doesn't work then you may conclude that the MB is almost out of service though it works for the mean time.

But one thing. You haven't mention it was rear or front USB panel. If it was front, then try with the rear panel.

Hope that help you some.

 

[jumanji]

If the HDD/s did come with a Y cable, then the manufacturer knows that such devices inherently draw a higher power and that some systems may not be able to to deliver that.

So my advice will be if the HDD did come with a Y cable, use it and be happy.

That said I am just curious to know which HDD is it?

I have all Seagates only and they all have only a single ended USB cable.

Only my USB external BD writers come with a Y cable, since burning requires more power. I will be producing coasters if I do not use the Y cables provided.

 

[Hopalong X]

The HDD worked when I used a Y cable( 2 usb male ports). I connected the Data port to my PC and power port to my laptop.

I agree with Kevin Ismail.
In your above statement the laptop is powering the HDD.
Power supply or motherboard not providing enough voltage.

As stated already try a different PSU or have the PSU tested if possible.

 

[jumanji]

Yes, if the HDD you use didn't come with a Y cable , it should work with the single-ended cable.

In the event even those which came with a single ended cable do not work, then as I mentioned in the first post either your Power Supply or Motherboard is suspect.

 

[tsram90]

Looks like power shortage then. I can't just cange teh Mb now.(Even if its the problem maker).

I can either go for a new PSU or look for a Externally powered USB hub rite.
I can get good powered hubs for Rs. 800/- (From belkin) but If I go for PSU I will have to get some avg standard ones so it will be around 3500/- + .
Will it be worth spending for PSU? I mean all my other stuff are going ok. I am not planning in overclocking, I don't go peak load most of the times. So the PSU won't get me any performance boost.
Should i just go for a Powered HUB?? Is the PSU worth it?

 

[Hopalong X]

If money is a big concern then a powered hub may be the best idea.

A powered hub is always useful for use on any PC/laptop.

Your choice.

 

[jumanji]

Take it to a Computer service professional/ your motherboard manufacturer's service center ( if available at your location) and ask them to substitute the Power Supply/motherboard and check, before blindly buying a new power Supply or motherboard. ( Personally I would not recommend any workarounds. To be safe the defective part should be replaced.)

Are not the PS and motherboard under warranty?