External Hard Drive Failure?

sparkov · 01-30-2008, 08:18 AM

I purchased a 80 GB Seagate 3.5" External Drive many months ago and it's worked wonders. I have a Windows ME that has very small HD space, so I found it perfect to store my data on an external HD and also be able to take that with me when I travel.

Last night I decided to clean around my computer area-- I turned off the Seagate, unplugged and set it to the side. After I was done I plugged it back in and turned it on, only this time I was greeted with a pulsing faint green light (it's supposed to be a bright, steady green light.) The drive will not spin or even turn on for that matter.

I have tried plugging in the drive in other places around my apartment, to no avail. Both computers won't read the HD now, it's not the USB, but I'm at a loss. I'm afraid something is fried, but I AM getting the LED to flash when I turn it on. I do not have the money for data recovery. I need a solution on how to fix this, fast. Is it the power cable? Has ANYONE else had this problem? I'm not computer savvy, but if there's anyway I can take things apart and turn it into an internal drive/slave drive, I'm willing to do it. My computer is barely functioning at this point due to all my programs being installed on the Seagate.

Help, please!

2pistolpacker · 01-30-2008, 09:53 AM

Hi sparkov, it sounds to me like the hard drive controller went out in the enclosure. Usually a failing drive will give an indication way before complete failure. If the drive is out of warranty, you can remove the drive from the enclosure and install it in your computer. Be sure to get the master/slave jumpers correct when you install the drive and run the Seatools utility on the drive after installation. You could buy a new external enclosure after verifying the drive is still good. Mike

sparkov · 01-30-2008, 06:25 PM

Thanks Mike,

I'll give your suggestion a try. Just for safe refrence, though, is there a website I could read into about safely installing the hard drive? I'm just afraid that something will go wrong and I'll lose everything. Also, will my computer read it as the C:\ drive, or a seperate one?

I appreciate the help, I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it turns out!

**Deleted090308** · 01-30-2008, 06:46 PM

See if this helps: http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading...hard-drive.htm

01-30-2008, 08:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
sparkov Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Windows ME	External Hard Drive Failure? I purchased a 80 GB Seagate 3.5" External Drive many months ago and it's worked wonders. I have a Windows ME that has very small HD space, so I found it perfect to store my data on an external HD and also be able to take that with me when I travel. Last night I decided to clean around my computer area-- I turned off the Seagate, unplugged and set it to the side. After I was done I plugged it back in and turned it on, only this time I was greeted with a pulsing faint green light (it's supposed to be a bright, steady green light.) The drive will not spin or even turn on for that matter. I have tried plugging in the drive in other places around my apartment, to no avail. Both computers won't read the HD now, it's not the USB, but I'm at a loss. I'm afraid something is fried, but I AM getting the LED to flash when I turn it on. I do not have the money for data recovery. I need a solution on how to fix this, fast. Is it the power cable? Has ANYONE else had this problem? I'm not computer savvy, but if there's anyway I can take things apart and turn it into an internal drive/slave drive, I'm willing to do it. My computer is barely functioning at this point due to all my programs being installed on the Seagate. Help, please!

01-30-2008, 09:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
2pistolpacker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lenexa, Ks Posts: 1,038 OS: Win XP Pro My System	Re: External Hard Drive Failure? Hi sparkov, it sounds to me like the hard drive controller went out in the enclosure. Usually a failing drive will give an indication way before complete failure. If the drive is out of warranty, you can remove the drive from the enclosure and install it in your computer. Be sure to get the master/slave jumpers correct when you install the drive and run the Seatools utility on the drive after installation. You could buy a new external enclosure after verifying the drive is still good. Mike __________________ Speak kindly to me, beloved master. Revel in my unconditional love, and give me every minute that you can spare, for my time with you is short. --Your faithful dog

01-30-2008, 06:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
sparkov Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Windows ME	Re: External Hard Drive Failure? Thanks Mike, I'll give your suggestion a try. Just for safe refrence, though, is there a website I could read into about safely installing the hard drive? I'm just afraid that something will go wrong and I'll lose everything. Also, will my computer read it as the C:\ drive, or a seperate one? I appreciate the help, I'll be sure to keep you posted on how it turns out!

01-30-2008, 06:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Deleted090308 Not... Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 22,277 OS: Xp	Re: External Hard Drive Failure? See if this helps: http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading...hard-drive.htm