WD External Hard Drive not Recognized in Vista and XP

forensic · 08-28-2009, 08:11 PM

Hello TSF folks,

I was using a WD External Hard Drive that worked perfectly so far (around 2.5 years) without any issues. Today, I started my computer and it wouldn't get detected at all.

I tried to use "TestDisk" but the hard drive is not visible there. The hard drive is also not available under "Disk Management" and "My Computer"

I tried changing USB ports, computers, USB Cables and Power Adapters, but the drive wouldn't just get detected.

I've got plenty of educational material on this drive and don't wanna lost it

I'd really really appreciate if someone could throw some light on this issue.

Many many thanks in advance!

EDIT: I tried to use GetDataBack, but the drive isn't recognized there as well!

**raptor_pa** · 08-28-2009, 09:20 PM

Remove the disk from the enclosure and connect it directly to an internal port of a desktop. Post the model number when you get it out. This will eliminate the USB interface as a potential failure point, and USB will not pass all commands that might be needed to properly diagnose the drive. With the disk connected, check in BIOS and see how the disk is reported.

forensic · 08-28-2009, 09:33 PM

Thanks a ton Raptor!

I'm trying to figure out how to remove the disk from the cover!

It's a WD My Book Essential Edition 500GB USB 2.0 External Drive.

By any chance, you have any pointers on that, please?

If so, could you kindly let me know.. Thanks again..

**raptor_pa** · 08-28-2009, 09:43 PM

My books require working snaps loose around the edge of the case, and using card stock or credit card type strips to keep them apart till you get them all loose. There are several tutorials with images on the web googele 'remove my book enclosure' The model number of the actual drive inside is what will be important. I'm going to guess WD5000AAKS

08-28-2009, 08:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
forensic Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Vista SP 2	WD External Hard Drive not Recognized in Vista and XP Hello TSF folks, I was using a WD External Hard Drive that worked perfectly so far (around 2.5 years) without any issues. Today, I started my computer and it wouldn't get detected at all. I tried to use "TestDisk" but the hard drive is not visible there. The hard drive is also not available under "Disk Management" and "My Computer" I tried changing USB ports, computers, USB Cables and Power Adapters, but the drive wouldn't just get detected. I've got plenty of educational material on this drive and don't wanna lost it I'd really really appreciate if someone could throw some light on this issue. Many many thanks in advance! EDIT: I tried to use GetDataBack, but the drive isn't recognized there as well! Last edited by forensic; 08-28-2009 at 08:23 PM.

08-28-2009, 09:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
raptor_pa Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central PA Posts: 4,923 OS: XP	Re: WD External Hard Drive not Recognized in Vista and XP Remove the disk from the enclosure and connect it directly to an internal port of a desktop. Post the model number when you get it out. This will eliminate the USB interface as a potential failure point, and USB will not pass all commands that might be needed to properly diagnose the drive. With the disk connected, check in BIOS and see how the disk is reported. __________________

08-28-2009, 09:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
forensic Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Vista SP 2	Re: WD External Hard Drive not Recognized in Vista and XP Thanks a ton Raptor! I'm trying to figure out how to remove the disk from the cover! It's a WD My Book Essential Edition 500GB USB 2.0 External Drive. By any chance, you have any pointers on that, please? If so, could you kindly let me know.. Thanks again..

08-28-2009, 09:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
raptor_pa Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Central PA Posts: 4,923 OS: XP	Re: WD External Hard Drive not Recognized in Vista and XP My books require working snaps loose around the edge of the case, and using card stock or credit card type strips to keep them apart till you get them all loose. There are several tutorials with images on the web googele 'remove my book enclosure' The model number of the actual drive inside is what will be important. I'm going to guess WD5000AAKS __________________