Hey

I've recentlybought a Sony external hard drive. When I plug it into my laptop it finds it and recognises it. However, when I plug it into my PC it doesn't?

Do you know why or how I can find it?

HELP!

Is it mains or USB powered?

OS?

With the drive plugged in -->

XP --> Start > run> in the run box type "diskmgmt.msc" (without the quotes) > ok

Vista --> in the start search box type "diskmgmt.msc" (without the quotes) > click search

Is it listed and assigned with a drive letter? (eg. F: , G:, H: etc)

Thanks for the advice. However, I have tried this and only the C: drive comes up?

It is USB powered.

What shall I do now?

Thanks for the advice. However, I have tried this and only the C: drive comes up?
It is USB powered.
What shall I do now?


You still haven't mentioned what your Operating System is.

Windows XP does not need any drivers, whereas Windows-98/2000 do need drivers to be installed for USB devices.

what Operating system is the PC using ?

my lacie 500gb hard drive was recognised instantly by both xp and vista

i'M on win xp

If its BUS powered and you have an oldish desktop it may not be able to power it on a single USB connection, did you get 2 USB plugs with it or a seperate power to usb cable?

All i can recommend is plug the HDD in and boot up XP, I had this issue with any external HDD. XP would only see them when the PC was rebooted with the HDD connected.

If its BUS powered and you have an oldish desktop it may not be able to power it on a single USB connection, did you get 2 USB plugs with it or a seperate power to usb cable?

If it's the type i have that is a laptop HDD is a small alloy case, then pretty anything can power it. I've had mine runing on a P3 700 laptop, P3 1300 laptop and desktops.

some desktops do not, I would advise the OP to listen to the drive (put your ear to it and listed to the speed) connected to a working machine, and do the same to the desktop, let us know if there is any differnce - it will prob be this stopping your machine working.

If it sounds the same...

Click Start > Run
type devmgmt.msc and press enter
Is there any items listed under a yellow question mark or do you have any items with an exclamation mark?

Are USB devices enabled in the Bios?

If its BUS powered and you have an oldish desktop it may not be able to power it on a single USB connection, did you get 2 USB plugs with it or a seperate power to usb cable?

Yes it has 2 usb's so iv plugged them both in but still nothing?

Yes it has 2 usb's so iv plugged them both in but still nothing?

What did you check?