Hard drive not detected since update download today - 3.10.2022

[Robin_1966]

Hello,

I just downloaded auto updates to my desktop computer and my external hard drive is now not recognized.  I am not very computer savy, I have turned the computer off, re-booted, unplugged a couple of times.... this is still my issue.   Any suggestions?

[itsmyname]

@Robin_1966 -- any suggestions?

Connect the external disk-drive to a different computer (PC or Apple).

If it is not detected, you have isolated the problem.

Note that an external disk-drive has two major components inside its case:

1. the same type of disk-drive that is used inside of a desktop/laptop computer

2. a circuit-board to "adapt" from the USB cable to the disk-drive

If you can open the case, separate those two components. 

Then, the disk-drive can be connected as a "secondary" disk-drive inside a desktop computer, allowing you to copy all your files from that disk-drive onto a brand-new "backup" external drive.

[Robin_1966]

Thank you for your suggestions... I connected my external hard drive to my laptop & it's working fine so it is something with the desk top since the update.  

[itsmyname]

@Robin_1966 -- so it is something with the desk top since the update.  

Weird, but nothing is impossible. 

If you connect a USB memory-stick to the USB socket where you usually connect your external disk-drive, is it detected?

Open the Windows "Device Manager", and look for any issues -- "yellow-coloured triangle" icons.