WD External HD not recognized

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RussianCarl

Junior Member
Jun 19, 2008
7
0
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I've had a WD My Book 2.0 500gb for about 6 months now and it has worked perfectly fine... no funny sounds or anything. Well, today I reset my computer and unplugged my external while doing this. I did not think it was a big deal, but when I went to plug it back in a few hours later it was not recognized.

At first, the blue indicator light was on so I looked under Disk Management and Devices but it was not there. Tried 2 other USB ports and then I unplugged the HD from the power strip, let it sit, and replugged it. Blue power light flashed and did not come back on... still no recognition. I then tried it on another computer and it was not showing up either.

Next, I googled around some more and I went through various booting and rebooting sequences and made sure Plug and Play is activated. I am pretty clueless here... the only thing I can think of is that I fried the power switch in the case. I can't imagine I corrupted the data or anything else by unplugging it without ejecting first, or through the reset. But, before I open it up and void my warranty I wanted to check if there were any other ideas or things i could try.

I am running a brand new computer with XP SP3, and a EP35-DS3L if that information is relevant.

Thanks.
 
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RussianCarl

Junior Member
Jun 19, 2008
7
0
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I actually just looked at that guide, but it doesn't apply to the model I have. In fact, all the googling I have done only finds results on that model! I'd like to open this thing without destroying it so I can RMA it possibly. Any ideas?
 
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Old Hippie

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2005
6,361
1
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I'm sorry Carl but I'm fresh outta ideas.

The only advise I can give is don't buy those pre-made externals.

Buy a quality internal drive and install it in a quality external case.

Many find the pre-made units to have a financial advantage...cheap.

The small amount of money saved is not worth the aggravation of lost data.

Good Luck!

 
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Old Hippie

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2005
6,361
1
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How 'bout let's think of it like this...the case workings are much cheaper than the drive itself.

According to my figures :)):beer:), your drive will last longer than the case.

WD makes all their drives the same. It really doesn't matter where they're going.
Chances are the drive's good, unless killed by heat, and the case electronics have gone to that big parts store in the sky.

How ya like that positive attitude?

Good Luck!


PS. Come back when you need external case recommendations!
 
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RussianCarl

Junior Member
Jun 19, 2008
7
0
0
Yeah, i'm like 95% sure the data is okay and its just a power or circuitry issue. This case is so dumb though! I've been working on it for about 30 minutes and i just can't seem to get that last hinge off near the "binding" area of the book.

It is funny too because I originally wanted to go make my own external enclosure so I could get quality parts, but I saw a really good deal for a prefab one from WD and decided to give it a whirl. I read reviews on it and i'd say there was an 80/20 split between perfectly fine and failure. Most of the bad reviews came from circuitry problems like I am having, so I figured it would be no big deal to take it apart.

Yeah. not so easy. the plastic is so soft and deformed now from prying I should have just drilled into it. So much for that snazzy looking piece of equipment that was supposed to save me a few dollars...

http://www.instructables.com/i...stern-Digital-My-Book/

 
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RussianCarl

Junior Member
Jun 19, 2008
7
0
0
Well I finally got it out of the stupid case. I didn't quite destroy it but there are some noticeable pry marks... so much for RMA.

Can anyone recommend a good external enclosure? I'd prefer one with aluminum case at minimum, but a fan would be nice too. I'm not sure how much a fan would help so I guess its a price/performance thing... SATA drive btw.
 
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