Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

HD Beeping / Can't access

Dec 25, 2010 3:31AM PST

Hello,

I have the Seagate Free Agent Desk P/N 9ZC2A8-500, 1.5TB external harddrive. Recently it starting beeping and the computer (Windows Vista o/s) would not recognize it. I unplugged it, removed the usb wire and replugged, same thing. Beeping sound from HD with no recognition. I unplugged again, shut down computer, removed computer power source, plugged computer power source back in after minute and when started up, plugged HD power source in and beeping started again.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Rich

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Probably it's time for a new external drive.
Dec 25, 2010 3:39AM PST

If you still have warranty (a 1.5 TB drive can't be so very old), it will be free.

But you didn't tell what program in Vista didn't recognize it. The only reliable one in a case like this is Disk Management. Not (My) Computer or Windows Explorer or the BIOS. So, with a lot of luck, Disk Management will see it and let you repartition and reformat it. But I don't expect so.

Kees

- Collapse -
Did you see the top post in this forum?
Dec 25, 2010 3:54AM PST

The most common fix is another drive or trying the HDD inside the case in a new case.
Bob

- Collapse -
HD Beep
Dec 25, 2010 5:48AM PST

I try to recognize it with the program it game with, but it seems it doesn't even really power up, just beeps.
I need the files on the HD so I do not want to reformat it yet. I will be getting a new HD but hopefully can get the files from this HD. I'm not tech advanced to switch a case. Who should I be looking for in the "yellow pages" with this type of expertise?
Thanks again.

- Collapse -
Sorry but are you writing you never used a screwdriver?
Dec 25, 2010 6:00AM PST