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General discussion

Desktop/laptop won"t recognize external hdd

by jennylabelle Mar 3, 2014 7:05AM PST

I have a Toshiba 250GB external HDD that used to work, but hasn't since i pulled it out after storing it awhile. My computer and laptop won't recognize it. A blue LED light turns on on the HDD to indicate it is running. I've tried some tips on the net so far no results. If I can't get it fixed, I'd at least like to learn how to format it. Please help!!!!

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2 Posts

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Tell more.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 3, 2014 7:08AM PST

Most of the USB powered drives do that when on a laptop or battery power. As to formatting it, are you saying it does not show in Device manager?
Bob

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Basically maybe...

by Willy Mar 3, 2014 9:17PM PST

Ext. HD setups are prone to the whims of nature, no matter what the cause. In as able to repair it, it practically isn't possible if h/w related. The best course of action if nothing makes it work, is to break open it's enclosure and remove HD and mount it using some adapter or jerry-rig to desktop with spare cables just to see if it will be acknowledged. If done correctly and it still doesn't work then HD is bad. If it does work, then buy another ext. case for it and re-use as before. Don't fiddle or handle it too much if it works, just get another case. If you have warranty then use it before any teardown and contact the vendor/maker.

tada -----Willy