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

Question

PC freeze and now the external hard drive can't be read.

Sep 27, 2011 12:46AM PDT

Last night, my PC randomly froze and lost internet connect after starting a Microsoft made application. It was not unfreezing so I had to force shut down. Well, my external hard drive was plugged in and now the PC won't read it. It says the USB devices has "malfunctioned". I tried another USB device and it works fine. My external hard drive was not backed up so any help would be appreciated. The hard drive was a 500GB Seagate Expansion. I tried more than one port and nothing works. Even unplugged the AC (it was a tip), and nothing. The light stays on even if the USB is not in any port. This never happens. Not sure if this would help but, when the PC was starting up, the hard drive was making sounds like it was starting up and turning off. Almost like it was being plugged in, losing power, and starting up again. I've been coming to the site for a while so I'm hoping to get some help. Again, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Re: hard drive
Sep 27, 2011 12:51AM PDT

"A Microsoft made application". I wonder if it's related to your issues in any way. My Microsoft made applications don't cause freezing and losing the internet connection.

Did you already try this external drive on another PC?
- If it works correctly there, I'd start making a full backup of its contents to another drive.
- If it doesn't work there either, consider contact a data recovery company like drivesavers.com or krollontrack.com. But they won't be free.

Kees

- Collapse -
Re:
Sep 27, 2011 8:18AM PDT

Not sure. If it isn't related, then it's a strange coincidence.

- Collapse -
Answer
"the hard drive was making sounds like it was starting up"
Sep 27, 2011 8:52AM PDT

"the hard drive was making sounds like it was starting up and turning off."

But I can't tell if this is the Portable unit or not that is USB POWERED.

For this failure I find myself placing the drive in a POWERED ENCLOSURE (USB power is not a good idea) then re-testing it. I may use the software titles listed in this forum's top post.
Bob

- Collapse -
Re:
Sep 27, 2011 12:24PM PDT

It is not USB powered. It had to be plugged into an outlet. I heard trying another outlet but I haven't tired/ don't know if it's a good idea.

- Collapse -
(NT) If that does not pan out, I'd try a new enclosure.
Sep 28, 2011 1:22PM PDT