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Axemusica's avatar

Windows will not recognize my portable HDD, can you help?

Asked by Axemusica (9500points) August 21st, 2011

I’ve had this portable hard disk drive for quite a few years. It doesn’t get much use because I use it mainly as a data backup. I was going to back up all my filed because I’m planning on getting a new laptop. I plugged it in today and windows (vista32) does not recognize it.

“One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and windows does not recognize it.”

It’s a Western Digital 150G, model number is WD1200XMSC-00. It’s getting power, the LED is lit up and I can feel it spooling up.

Any ideas?

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7 Answers

FutureMemory's avatar

This happens to me often. Try rebooting the computer.

FutureMemory (24758points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
Axemusica's avatar

I’ve done this once already @FutureMemory. I can try it again, also I read something about removing the battery too. I can try that too.

Axemusica (9500points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
FutureMemory's avatar

Hmm, I don’t know what else to try. Sorry Axe =/

FutureMemory (24758points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
XOIIO's avatar

Try another computer, it may not have been ejected properly, that can mess these things up sometimes

XOIIO (18328points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
9doomedtodie's avatar

I once had the same problem which you have now.
Just have a look at this. After this problem, I purchased a new hard disk and took a backup.

9doomedtodie (3113points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
XOIIO's avatar

True, you could test it. Boot from Hirens Boot CD, and use HDAT2 to scan for bad sectors.

XOIIO (18328points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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