External Hard drive playing up

[puternut]

Ohhhhhh n1ckers

Haveing nothing but problems lately with hard drives!!!!!

My external drive connected via a v2.0 USB and on Win 7 has suddenly decided it is an 'unknown device'. The thing just installed plug and play straight away on first connection 18mths/2 yrs ago and now decided it wants to go to sleep. Power still getting there and it appears to be spinning

I have loads of personal files on there including years of photos, bank statements, letters - you name it, its there.

Any help appreciated

[Buenchico]

A good first step might be to try connecting the drive to a friend's PC. If their computer doesn't recognise the drive you'll know that it's a problem with the drive; if it is recognised it's a problem with your PC.

That won't solve your problem but it will save you wasting time dealing with the wrong device.

Chris

[wildwood]

Often just unplugging the device and making sure the computer is at rest, then plug it in again will fix the problem.

If the hard drive is knackered, all is not lost. It may just be an electronic mishap, take it to a techie and often they can temporary stick the actual platter in another drive and save your valuable info but you'll have to fork out some moolah.

[Hymie]

I have revived dead hard drives by placing them in a freezer over night.

If Buenchico’s suggestion fails, wrap the drive within a plastic bag (to avoid frost formation) and place within a freezer.

On removing the drive from the freezer, keep the drive within the plastic bag and connect to your PC. Should the drive come back to life – be prepared to copy the contents of the drive across to your PC - ASAP.

[TTG]

Are you sure you are using the correct power lead? I have, on a couple of occasions, used the wrong lead. I can power up my external drive, the power light comes on and it makes an "activity noise" but will not be recognised by the pc. It was the power lead for my scanner. Used the correct lead...all ok.

[puternut]

Firstly thanks to you who replied. I read all the answers and kind of amalgamated them.

Connected drive to my wifes PC and hey presto - it was there after windows seeing it. So deep sorrow as according to Buenchio the PC was at fault.

Left it disconnected overnight then reconnected to original PC and surprise it now saw it!!! - as per wildwood.

I will be getting another drive and set up a back-up regime as this has spooked me a little.

TTG - the unit has been connected entirely the same for the past 18m / 2 years?? power cables not moved.

And I hope the other 3 don't mind but Hymies suggestion is the 'Best Answer'. Didn't try it but it sure made me chuckle. Will remember it if any other problems arise