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General discussion

Can't see the External Hard drive. Need Help!

Oct 21, 2006 2:02AM PDT

Here's what I have,
Maxtor one touch USB 2.0, 120GB 7200RPM Ext. HD.

Here's what happened so far.

I was having trouble with my computer so I decided to reformat my local HD and reinstall Win XP. So first, I made a duplicate copy of my C: drive onto the Ext. HD(F: drive). I reformatted my C: drive and reinstalled Win XP. Next, I installed the software and drivers for the Ext. HD and connected the HD. Now in Device mgr I can see the HD under disk drives but under win explorer there is no HD or Drive letter. I have reinstalled this several times and connected the HD to different USB ports all having the same trouble. I downloaded TweakUI and the drive is not there. I have updated win XP to SP2 and still stuck. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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Tell about the motherboard drivers.
Oct 21, 2006 2:09AM PDT

What version did you install. I'd supply a link for you but your post left out the needed information.

Don't panic yet.

bob

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version #
Oct 21, 2006 5:21AM PDT

bob,

not sure what version number you are talking about. I installed maxtor one touch drivers and utility and also dantz retrospect express the computer spec are:

Pentium 4 2.40ghz
1.37 GB Ram
80 GB local drive

anything else that you need which could help in resolving this please let me know.

Thanks Mark

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Still can't tell what motherboard drivers you installed or
Oct 21, 2006 5:29AM PDT

need.

Maybe it's some Dell or other but it's up to you to supply the details. Even the CPU support chipset would do.

Bob

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chipset driver
Oct 21, 2006 7:13AM PDT

I own a Dell 4600

the chipset driver version is 5.1.2600.0
Dell version is A13-00

If this is not what your looking for please let me know where I should look for the specs.

-Mark

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I see 8.1.1001 dated 8/21/2006 at
Oct 21, 2006 7:19AM PDT
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Completed
Oct 21, 2006 8:02AM PDT

Ok I upgraded the Chip and I went into Device mngr and system BIOS, USB is enabled

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Completed
Oct 21, 2006 8:03AM PDT

But the system is still not seeing the Ext. HD

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Now look up...
Oct 21, 2006 8:26AM PDT

Zero Assumption Recovery. It's demo may give you a clue.

Bob

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ZAR
Oct 21, 2006 9:42AM PDT

Yeah, its still running right now, but there areplenty of file sysyem structures and Data fragments on the HD. So now I know that they haven't been deleted. what do you recommend next after this operation is completed?

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If it finds your files, buy it?
Oct 21, 2006 9:48AM PDT

Your choice. We've completed the usual hurdles so now it becomes the economic question.

Are my files worth this much?

Bob

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Just so I understand
Oct 21, 2006 9:56AM PDT

So, you beleive that I can recover these files through this ZAR program if these files are still on the hard drive(which looking at this program they're still there). I just don't understand how I can recover them if my computer doesn't allocate the HD a drive letter. Please explain sorry for being so naive.

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Then you may have to pay someone to get them back.
Oct 21, 2006 12:54PM PDT

ZAR could let you recover the files. I only note it since it's free demo lets you see what could come back. But I don't offer support for ZAR, just point to it as a possible tool to get files back.

Best of luck,

Bob

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Meet too...
Dec 29, 2006 3:39AM PST

Mark,

I am having the same problem. What did you do to resolve it?

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2 ideas.
Oct 21, 2006 9:04AM PDT

1. Be sure the drive is connected to a rear port.

2. Since you duplicated the drive, it would be nice to know how you did that. But regardless if the drive shows but has no drive letter did you go to the Disk or Drive Management in XP and try to assign a drive letter?

Bob

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Disc Mgmt
Oct 21, 2006 9:45AM PDT

I went into disk mngmt and the HD was listed as Disk 1. I right-clicked over it and it only gave me options to create an new partition and properties. I do remember seeing something of the sort about 114 GB of unallocated space. not sure what that meant.

Mark

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(NT) (NT) That's not good.
Oct 21, 2006 9:47AM PDT
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Help
Dec 29, 2006 3:41AM PST

Please let me know how you remedy this.

Thanks,

Stephen