For computery people: a problem with an external HD

[Lyric]

Background: we have two computers. One is an HP laptop running Vista, the other is a desktop running Windows 7.

The problem: I can't get the laptop to recognize my WD Passport Essentials external HD. The desktop has no problems recognizing it and everything works great over there, but when I plug it into the laptop's USB ports (and it doesn't matter which, because I've tried all three) nothing happens. It doesn't show up in My Computer and it doesn't show up in Device Manager. The USB ports themselves are all functional and fine. The external HD is functional and fine, as it works perfectly on the desktop PC. The problem is obviously with the laptop itself, but I have no idea what it might be.

The laptop previously DID recognize the external HD, but a few weeks ago it just stopped. It's an older, grumpy laptop so I thought maybe it was just a temporary glitch and forgot about it, but the problem is still there.

Any ideas?

[HopeHoops]

1. Does it recognize memory sticks or other external drives?

Vista has a process that is supposed to scan the ports. I've had it stop working on various laptops so I doubt it is the hardware. Usually a full shutdown and restart will fix it. A "reboot" won't always solve the problem. It seems to need the complete power-off to reset the system. Give that a try before freaking out.

[Lyric]

2. Yes, it recognizes thumb drives, etc. No problem at all with those.

Let me try doing a complete power-off with the external HD connected. The laptop is only computer with internet access, so it'll take me a minute. Be right back!

[HopeHoops]

3. Well, that's not good. If it recognizes thumb drives but not the external, something is screwed up.

One other thing to try, odd as it may sound, is a different USB cable. The contacts actually do suffer wear and eventually become less reliable. The ports on the laptop may be more worn than those on the desktop so it might not be getting a clean connection. It is a long-shot, but worth a try.

On another note, I've had various drives that wouldn't work on some machines while working fine on others. The only kind I've had pretty much 100% success with is Seagate. I've got 6 TB of external drives hanging off of my desktop full-time, through hubs, and another 4TB or so of externals I use for the laptop on an as-needed basis - all Seagate. I've never had a problem with any of them.

[Lyric]

4. It worked!!!

I powered off the laptop with the external HD still connected, and then when I turned it back on, VOILA--there it was! I'm copying the data I needed to transfer as we speak.

Thank you so much!

:hug:

[HopeHoops]

5. No applause, just throw money.

:evilgrin:

Glad I could be of assistance.