Windows XP Won't Recognize WD Ext Hard Drive [Solved]

Answer

+243

brakers 183Posts Sunday August 17, 2008Registration date Sep 1, 2008 03:39PM

Hi there
I dont know if this will work for you but looking on the web I came accross someone who had a similar problem they fixed it as follows.
They installed Tweak UI and then

She I was able to get the drive recognized using "Tweak UI", clicking on My Computer, Drives,and check marking Drive F. It did the trick.
Hope this helps
Kindest Regards Tony B.

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bobo - Apr 21, 2009 12:11PM

buy a ide to sata plug mother board adapter and presto load xp then unplug and connect sata cable works just fin load all drivers

bobo › suresh - Apr 21, 2009 12:13PM

got a ide to sata plug and loaded all xp and drivers switch back to sata cable a ok

richscho - Feb 13, 2010 05:02AM

I recently had an external drive that was recognized (with a drive letter), and yet, windows was incapable of accessing any files on the drive.

The drive was a partitioned drive and windows recognized all of the partitions. In the end, I had to go to the Disk Management routines and manually assign drive letters to each of the partitions. That allowed me to see the data on the drive.

KP - Feb 13, 2010 11:06PM

hey Richscho, I am having some trouble with my wd external 500 gb. it is not recognizing in My Computer but it does recognize it under my properties. it says it is Location: location 0. how do I designate a location for it so it recognizes it in My Computer?

Mukesh Sharma › svabo - Mar 14, 2010 07:44AM

I could not have imagined that plugging this device into a surge protector would cause it not to work. However, it was easy to try. I unplugged it from the surge protector, plugged it into the wall, and it immediately started to work. Thanks a lot to all of u. It really worked .... Hurreeyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave jogger - Feb 13, 2010 02:58AM

Thanks that saved me a lot of time.

Dave

Afghani mania - Apr 1, 2010 02:25AM

That was rediculous!!! I read the post above and thought, "no way, that can't be why I'm not seeing it!" Sure enough, that was the problem. Thanks Mukesh, great observation. It saved me a big headache!!!!

Sugrferg - Apr 7, 2010 06:29PM

UNBELIEVABLE!! I spent two full days researching this problem, tried every trick out there including buying $30 worth of software to fix registry errors as well as this to find that all I needed to do was plug the darn thing into the wall!?!?!? I pray that this was the problem all along and that I don't have to go through this again. Thank you Mukesh Sharma.

Answer

+53

Paul Sep 18, 2008 01:00AM

I read a fix for this specific problem (upgrade to SP3 for XP) somewhere, I can't remember which forum, that said the solution was to disable the Firewire 1384 connection under Network connections in Control Panel and restarting.

I hope that helps you out.

-Paul

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luv2surf - Oct 25, 2008 09:17PM

Thank you so very much for this fix. I have Googled for a week trying to find an answer. I bought a new external Western Digital My Book Essential 500GB. All indications on my computer was that the drive was correctly working. However, the drive was not recognized in Windows Explorer. After reading your fix, I went into Device Manager, disabled 1384 and VOILA! I have a new 500GB WD external drive.

Again thanks so very much for this answer.

tamaho - Feb 17, 2009 10:43AM

oh.. thanks
disabled my 1394 then I uninstalled My Book
reinstalled and now I have another hard drive
thanks again

tamaho

TOM_354 - Jul 31, 2009 11:22AM

WORKED FOR ME TOO! CHEERS! TOM

Answer

+35

Zak Oct 12, 2008 07:57PM

I have a similar problem. My external drive was previously used on a MAC and now I am trying to use in in XP. I have been using my external drive on my Mac with no problems. I recently changed to PC (XP) and plugged in the drive. The computer added it and I can see it in the Device Manager, but it doesn't show up as a drive in Explore. What am I doing wrong? I can't see in in Disk Management either. Do I need to reformat it? How? I tried the Firewire suggestion, but couldn't locate anything in Network Connections called Firewire.

Thanks!

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mrobles61 - Oct 14, 2008 05:35PM

Look into the Network Connections one with the name "Connection 1394". That's the one you have to disable.

Joe Shmoe - Oct 22, 2008 03:26PM

You are aware that a Windows Machine cannot mount a Mac-formatted hard disk without software right? Download Mac Drive (www.macdrive.com) or reformat the drive in Disk Management.

DrKewel - Nov 30, 2008 07:36PM

Thanks Smoe for the reminder. I was having a similar problem and forgot I formatted my external drive to backup my Mac. I wanted it for my XP machine later. Macdrive worked fine....

Answer

+29

feenix1188 Jan 31, 2010 10:40PM

I have a 500GB WD Passport Essential. In the span of using to play music, sending my laptop to standby, and then bringing it back up to write a paper a few hours later, I got this problem. Instead of labeling as "My Passport," it is just "Local Disk."

I went through every post and every fix in this thread. Tweak UI didn't do anything, going to Disk Management and trying to reassign the drive letter didn't work, I tried another USB cable from a buddy's Passport, I plugged it into another computer (same label), I only use the true USB ports (no hub), and I have no firewire port in my Network Connections.

When I looked at it in Disk Management and it shows as a Local Disk, the thing that worries me is that it says the drive is 100% free space and has no format. But if I look at it under the Device Manager from the Control Panel, it lists a Disk Drive labeled "WD 5000BEV External USB Device." Not sure if that helps at all.

At this point, I'm open to any suggestion short of trying to send it back to WD for some kind of data recovery.

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Answer

+27

Jp17hArD Oct 11, 2008 11:03AM

Hey,

I had a similar problem and going into Administrative Tools and Storage within Device Management and allocating a drive letter to them fixed it.

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Noti88 - Oct 23, 2008 02:17AM

Thanks very much I was looking for ages.

nixtr - Feb 1, 2009 04:36AM

Thanks, you saved me big time. I just got the problem today with my toshiba external hdd.

bunty - Feb 14, 2009 10:41PM

I had vista OS before, I formatted and installed Windows 2003 server. When I tried connected External hard drive (western Digital Mybook) it would'nt recognize it.
After reading all the answers, I went into Administrative tools->Computer Management->Disk Management. I could see all the drives there with the alloted size. There was one drive without any letter alloted to it. I knew it was MYBOOK external drive. So all I did was assign a Letter ( E in this case) and it worked Great! ( I had to give new letter to dvd drive to F, as it had E before). Thanks guys! paritosh.

Cochango - Jul 21, 2009 01:21PM

You guys are great...Problem was conflicting drive letters. Renamed the WD external "H" and all is well. Good advice.

Aragorn › bunty - Aug 15, 2009 07:29AM

YES! this works!!! hew... thank you so very much guys!

fastercomp - Mar 31, 2009 09:12AM

Yes, I had the same issue and thought it was related to Vista 64. Going into Admin Tools and affixing a drive letter to each external drive (thumb drives too) I had attached fixed thhe problem!

Thanks!

Answer

+23

Omega Nov 7, 2008 11:18AM

Hello. I have a problem, i have used the WB External Hard Drive to copy my Macintosh HD using Time Machine. Everything was succesful, it works and Mac OS X recognizes the Hard Drive as Time Machine. The problem is when i plug it to my Mac and im on Windows XP using bootcamp, it doesnt recognize it! Please help! What to do? Im not really that computer savvy so if someone would guide me what to do step by step i would be very grateful! Thanks!

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Twinkle - Dec 7, 2008 09:28AM

Have you sorted out your drive yet? By what you are saying it does look like you have murdred it.

dave7072 › nicolas - Feb 1, 2009 01:33AM

G'day :)
Recently I had a dual core intel pc built for me and XpPro.Sp3 was installed.
Great pc until I bought a 1tb seagate USB hdd. It would only reconise it sometimes. Other times I would get 'device not recognised' errors etc.. I uninstalled the usb drives and let them be found & reinstalled by the OS - but it didn't help. I tried the external drive on 2 other pc's I have, both are XpPro.Sp1 - and it worked OK.

So I gave the drive to my son and I bought a western digi 1tb hdd and the same thing happened!

I have not tried installing tweakUI on this box to see if that helps but it is pretty obviously an SP3 ERROR.

I ended up buying a 750gb external hdd instead. That works OK
I hope this helps.

Regards,
DAve

Rasmus - Dec 17, 2008 01:36AM

But how do i get both drivers up on it running?

Thomas › DrKewel - Apr 15, 2009 11:36AM

Dr. Kewel so, i have the same problem which i use it in time machine in MAC, it works normally. But, when comes to window xp, it can't detect it. How to split the WD so that it can function as both a MAC external drive and a Windows NTFS drive.

Thanks...

Palediver › DrKewel - Aug 8, 2009 10:51PM

I too had a hard drive (500Gig) that I had been using to back up with Time Machine on my Mac. I bought a new 1.5 Terabyte drive for my Mac and wanted to use my 500Gig for my PC. However, my Windows machine would not recognize it in Explorer but it was recognized as new hardware because the Safe Eject Icon for new hardware was triggered .

The Mac runs best in GUID mode and not Master Boot Record like Windows uses and mine was originally in GUID. I used the Mac Disc Utility to convert the hard drive to Master Boot Record from GUID. It was an almost instantaneous process and I thought it would now work on my Windows computer with XP.

However, as I said, Windows recognized the new hardware but would not show it in My Computer. I had to go to Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management and then Disk Management listed under Storage. There the hard drive was listed but not partitioned. I opted for partition and NTFS. I then opted for the long format which took 4-5 hours. I knew I was on the right path because it assigned it drive F:

It was recognized after the format concluded. In fact it is backing up my PC now as I type this.

Bshattucknh - May 6, 2010 11:41PM

I just had the same problem and I found you cannot run these VERTICAL! they MUST be laid down horizontal..... That worked for me..... ?!?!?

NATTYROL\ - May 9, 2010 07:31AM

SORRY IF YOUR HARD DRIVE IS CLICKING, GET RID OF IT, THATS CALLED THE CLICK OF DEATH. i HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MY COMPUTER TRIED EVERYTHING THEY TOLD ME BUT IT NEVER WORKED. i TRIED THIS SIMPLE TRICK BY MISTAKE.....CLICK START AND TYPE WIN.EXE. I DID THAT AND MY COMPUTER RECONIZED MY DRIVES. SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY WINDOW EXPLORER NOT WORKING. mAKE SURE YOU TRY THIS BEFORE BUYING ANYTHING OR TRYING ANYTHING ELSE.

Answer

+23

Pache Nov 23, 2008 03:58AM

If you have a front panel USB on your case, just try the USB ports from the back of your case.

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Otari - Dec 15, 2008 05:31PM

This worked for me. When I plugged my brand new WD 400GB drive into the front panel USB ports, it kept popping up a Window asking for me to install drivers.
When I plugged it into the rear USB port, it detected the drive correctly and installed it within a few seconds.

I definitely recommend you try this before anything else.

As it happens, I have NO listing for Firewire 1394 in my Network Connections.

Thank you for posting this tip!

ajrom - Mar 17, 2010 08:46PM

Tnx Pache, ur a genius indeed! the suggestion of plugging at the back port is effective in solving the above problem.

Radush - Apr 19, 2010 09:30AM

I can't believe it but this worked for me. Switching to the back usb port did it. Thank you very much. That's the first time I have this problem. I have 3 metres cable from the back of the computer and connect everything ti it w/o any problem except this.

Answer

+10

bailua Nov 22, 2008 05:29PM

thanks for the tips guys
i found that going into COMPUTER MANAGEMENT in ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS, firstly activating the external HDD then changing the drive letter (to Z:) - as soon as that was done XP detected the HDD and did the autoplay thing.
Good luck

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Answer

+8

David Oct 8, 2008 06:41PM

Thanks for posting. I just did the same thing and disabled and then enable the Firewire and it worked. So far so good, because I think my USB connection is failing. :(

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Synyster - Nov 20, 2008 10:35PM

Where is fireware located like were do i go exactly

Answer

+7

Hard Drive Solution Dec 2, 2008 09:12PM

Hey all.

I had the same problem recently and found this forum. None of the tweak or firewire solutions worked for me. I had recently done a reinstall of windows. Maybe some of you have done the same recently.

All I had to do to fix the non reckognition problem is this:

With the computer turned on and and logged in unplug the external hard drive. Then plug it back in. Windows will reckognize the hard drive and then.... FIXED!

Kinda of obvious, but I wouldn't be surprised if that will help out some people.

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Answer

+6

McChora Cole Jan 22, 2009 12:30AM

Hi

To solve this problem, after seeing that the HD was installed and all sign showed that it was working fine but no indication in the list of drivers, I went to computer management. That is a right click on my computer icon on desktop, properties, go to the disk management and you will notice in the right pane that the external HD drive letter is not assigned. On the volume level, right click and assign it a driver letter (F :) or as is and then Walla.... Explore the drive and all your files will be right there....enjoy...i figured this after days and days of trying....

McChora Cole

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cat - May 11, 2010 11:21AM

wow thanks Dude, just followed your suggestion and it worked. thanks

chloechen - May 21, 2010 09:24PM

Is my "Ultrabay Slim" HDD adapter for my T61p not going to work with the "Serial Ultrabay Slim" bay of the T410s I have on order?

On a related note, has anyone had any experience with the 3rd party HDD caddies sold on ebay? They sell for under $14, which is a lot cheaper than from IBM. Since there's not much to them, I could believe it can be made for under $20, but I could also believe the thing might not latch properly.
http://www.sourcingmap.com/hdd-adapter-cable-c-987_1916.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-5-HD-3-5-IDE-Hard-Drive-HDD-Adapter-Converter-/290428985232

Answer

+6

Hemu May 9, 2010 08:23AM

Hi, I have Acer Aspire 5570z Laptop. I have problem with the Seagate Go external Hard Disc. It is not detected. My operating system is windows Xp 2.
How can I solve this problem. Please give me solution as early as possible.

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Answer

+5

Manuel Oct 12, 2008 12:59PM

Paul, it worked nice and easy for me. I searched in a lot of forums with no luck, until I found your answer. Thanks a lot man, you rock!!!

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+5

Jimmie May 13, 2010 09:34PM

Windows XP right click on my computer choose manage then disk management you should see your device right click out on the drive set disk letter and format should be ready to use>

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Answer

+4

trixie Nov 27, 2008 05:29AM

tried using tweak tools disk still doesnt work pliz help!

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goodi - Feb 4, 2009 10:58AM

I had the same problem. My WD 160 Gb usb hard drive works on my laptop but when I connect it to my desktop computer after windows plug and play fails to find proper driver, it shows the message in system tray.

I checked my desktop mother board jumper and I found there is a jump set for USB connection. I set it to +5v instead 2.3V and it worked.

So I think it is worth to have a look on mother board jumpers.

paul - Apr 17, 2010 07:25AM

i instaled deamon and asked me to format drive;f and i thought it was virtual memory but it was my external drive now my maxtor 500g is 40 g how can y restore or seen it all to save important data

Answer

+4

BPM Feb 10, 2009 12:26AM

I laughed at the posts about not using a surge protector, but I exhausted every other option and tried every other suggestion. So I take a look out of despiration and guess what... the damn surge supressor isn't plugged in. [face slap]

The thing is the external drive DOES show up as a USB device, which is confusing. It just doesn't see the unpowered drive as a volumn.

BPM

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Answer

+4

bilge Oct 12, 2009 11:10PM

Had similar problem with new Astone ISO Gear external drive.
Recognised OK with Vista Home Premium, and had files loaded onto it, but when attached to Windows XP system, only appeared in 'Disk Management' as 'GPTprotected drive' and shown as empty.
When plugged into Vista sytem on another computer, all files still shown.

After much searching, came across 'Paul Gu' blog, with reference
http://blog.paulgu.com/2008/01/06/how-to-delete-gpt-protective-partition/

Using the information provided, I first copied my files onto Vista hard drive, connected the external drive to the XP system, then using 'diskpart' from 'Run", carried out formatting as detailed in blog.

When formatting etc. completed, I had a 'System Information' folder on my external drive.
I re-connected the external drive to the Vista system, deleted the 'System Information' folder, copied my saved files back again, and all is well now.
I can use the external hard drive on both Vista and XP, it is stated this also works for Mac users.

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Answer

+4

ekebil29 1Posts Monday November 23, 2009Registration date Nov 24, 2009 01:09PM

Hi,
I really need some help with my situation. I have an 80 GB wd passport that works real good. I've used it on a windows vista and it worked just fine. However, I plugged it into a windows xp and its not reading in My Computer(the blue light comes/USB Cable works fine/USB port works good also). It shows in Disk Drive under Device Manager as "WD Rom Model-Scorpio--USB Device" I've tried downloading the TweakIU software but it's not doing anything.

I clicked on the Properties of DVD/CD-RW Drive (G:) in My Computer and went to the Hardware Tab and there it shows my WD Passport Drive. Why isn't it being read separate? Why is it under DVD/CD-RW Drive? Please help me on this for I dont know what I am doing.

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Answer

+3

I'mcute Oct 13, 2008 11:11AM

hi
I had a similar problem. my external disk didn't work on one of my computers, although it did work on my old one.

I suggest you replace the usb cable, it might be defected. worked for me anyway :)

hope it helps.

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andye54494 - Jan 12, 2009 10:09AM

Just wanted to say thanks for that. I could not have imagined that plugging this device into a surge protector would cause it not to work. However, it was easy to try. I unplugged it from the surge protector, plugged it into the wall, and it immediately started to work.

Seal2009 › Mihir - Jan 31, 2009 11:51AM

Thank you very much for your solution with power cable.
I have windows XP with SP3 and my computer didn`t want to recognize my external hard drive Western Digital.
I tried your solution and it worked perfect.
Thank u one more time friend.
GOD BLESS U:)

TunaFish › Mihir - May 4, 2009 09:59AM

I have NO idea why this makes a difference...but I tried it, and it worked! Had a 500GB that WinXP SP3 wasn't recognizing.

Dee › Mihir - May 29, 2009 04:16PM

Thanks! Worked like a charm!

Jackofdbush - Apr 7, 2010 07:17PM

Have spent 2 days trying to figure out why my new WD 1TB external drive wasn't showing up in XP. In desperation, I plugged it out from the surge protection extension lead and plugged it into the wall socket - and it worked! Thanks for this fix - it was driving me nuts.

Answer

+3

Paul H Nov 3, 2008 11:56AM

I had the same problem but was on a network, I logged on to work station only and the drive was visable so I created a desktop shortcut, when I went back on to the network the drive could be accessed from the shortcut no problem

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Windows XP Won't Recognize WD Ext Hard Drive [Solved]

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