PC not recognising external hard drive

[cypriana]

Hi

I have a HP Pavilion P6635UK (using windows 7 home) which I have been using with a WD external drive successfully for several months.  Now it does not appear to recognise this external HD.

When I connect via the USB then go to "Start/Computer" it does not show up. If I go to "Devices & Printers"  It is shown and says that the device is working properly. If I open "Devices & Printers" It will allow me to "Safely Remove Hardware & Eject Media". Giving the audible sound when I do so. I have tried using different USB ports (Pavilion) but the result is just the same.

It also appears in the "Device Manager" as working correctly. Using the "Troubleshooter" it says "Troubleshooting could not identify the problem" . Other devices using the same USB ports all work correctly

I have also a Compaq Presario notebook in which the WD external HD works just fine.

Any help would be appreciated

cypriana

[wb2001]

How many USB devices do you have attached to the P6635UK?

Are you using any USB hubs? If so, is it powered (external power brick)?

The same USB cable with both computers?

As a test, disconnect all USB devices, and then plug in the WD external drive.

[cypriana]

Thanks WB2001 for your reply.

USB devices connected - at the rear - 2 printers

                                                                    VOIP for Skype

                                                                    Mouse

                                                                    Keyboard   (total 5)

                                             at the front  - None

I am not using any USB hubs. I use the same USB cable to connect both computers. I have also tried connecting the WD on other ports (front and rear) but it made no difference.

I removed all the USB devices as listed above, except the keyboard and mouse, then plugged in the WD but again it made no difference.

Can you suggest anything else?

cypriana

[cypriana · Accepted solution]

I think that I may solved this problem by myself (with a little searching in the WD support forum)

Go to start, right click on Computer, select manage, select disc management. The next column on the left will show all drives with their corresponding letter. My external hard drive did not show any letter assigned to it. Right click over where the drive letter should appear and select Change drive letter and path. Select whatever letter that you want to call it and click OK.

It should now be recognised. But why it happened in the first place when it had been working fine before I have no idea.

[bobroe1214]

7/23/2011   ...   I just followed your instructions and FIXED my computer same problem...

THAT WAS GREAT............     bobroe1214