Computer doesnt seem to recognize 2 of the exact same externals.

omegagenesis · 10-12-2009, 12:04 PM

I have 2x Western Digital Element 1TB external hard drive. My computer will not recognize one of them if they are plugged in at the same time. Only the first one plugged in.

Separately the comp will notice them fine or if I plug in a different model along with one of the WD element's they will both show up.

Is there a way around this problem so I can have 2 of the exact same model external hard drive plugged in and not have to use my PC as a middle man to move files and take 2x as long?

Also, both externals have different names (one is "Movies" other is simply "Element")

Dogg · 10-15-2009, 09:38 AM

I've not come across this issue. This is occurring with Windows 7 correct?

omegagenesis · 10-15-2009, 11:43 PM

Yes, Windows 7 RC version.

Dogg · 10-16-2009, 09:24 AM

Conflicting drive letter mapping maybe. Are the drives connected and powered on before you boot the PC? Or are you connecting them after it is booted?

Znanoc · 11-11-2009, 10:33 PM

I have this exact same problem with Windows 7 Ultimate. (Two External WD 1TB MyBooks) I contacted Western Digital about this, and the only suggestions they could give me were to daisy chain them if possible, or try various inputs (like eSata, Firewire, and USB)

It doesn't matter if I boot up with both hard drives plugged in or if I plug them in once booted, only the first one plugged in will work. I tried to use a non-powered usb hub with both hard drives on it and then plugging it in (basically so it is simultaneous) and all it did was shut down both of my hard drives :D Windows 7 does recognize that there are two MyBooks specifically, but I will only be able to view one.

Is it possible to change how the hard drive is mapped? I'm not sure if it is entirely the issue, I think it has to do with the drivers that were installed with the hard drive, but I don't really have any clue at this point. Any suggestions?

10-12-2009, 12:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
omegagenesis Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows 7 RC	Computer doesnt seem to recognize 2 of the exact same externals. I have 2x Western Digital Element 1TB external hard drive. My computer will not recognize one of them if they are plugged in at the same time. Only the first one plugged in. Separately the comp will notice them fine or if I plug in a different model along with one of the WD element's they will both show up. Is there a way around this problem so I can have 2 of the exact same model external hard drive plugged in and not have to use my PC as a middle man to move files and take 2x as long? Also, both externals have different names (one is "Movies" other is simply "Element")

10-15-2009, 09:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dogg Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 2,084 OS: XP sp3	Re: Computer doesnt seem to recognize 2 of the exact same externals. I've not come across this issue. This is occurring with Windows 7 correct? __________________ Google is your friend !

10-15-2009, 11:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
omegagenesis Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 2 OS: Windows 7 RC	Re: Computer doesnt seem to recognize 2 of the exact same externals. Yes, Windows 7 RC version.

10-16-2009, 09:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
Dogg Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 2,084 OS: XP sp3	Re: Computer doesnt seem to recognize 2 of the exact same externals. Conflicting drive letter mapping maybe. Are the drives connected and powered on before you boot the PC? Or are you connecting them after it is booted? __________________ Google is your friend !

11-11-2009, 10:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
Znanoc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1 OS: Windows 7 Ultimate	Re: Computer doesnt seem to recognize 2 of the exact same externals. I have this exact same problem with Windows 7 Ultimate. (Two External WD 1TB MyBooks) I contacted Western Digital about this, and the only suggestions they could give me were to daisy chain them if possible, or try various inputs (like eSata, Firewire, and USB) It doesn't matter if I boot up with both hard drives plugged in or if I plug them in once booted, only the first one plugged in will work. I tried to use a non-powered usb hub with both hard drives on it and then plugging it in (basically so it is simultaneous) and all it did was shut down both of my hard drives :D Windows 7 does recognize that there are two MyBooks specifically, but I will only be able to view one. Is it possible to change how the hard drive is mapped? I'm not sure if it is entirely the issue, I think it has to do with the drivers that were installed with the hard drive, but I don't really have any clue at this point. Any suggestions?