USB Hdd cannot be seen

**takissd** · 05-24-2005, 11:49 AM

Well this is not really off topic, just wasn't sure where to post it so here is the problem:
I have a Vaio notebook (grx670) where i have all my music. to transfer music, pics, progs from the laptop to my caprpc i want to use a usb/firewire hdd like the ones that come in a hard case (removable ones). Problem is i cannot do that cause every time i connect it to either firewire or usb it will work for a few seconds then the pc will freeze and after a while it will work again but the usb drive will not be in thedrive list. If i go to control panel /system/devices, i can see it there with a warningthat there is a problem with it.
I searched on google and found out there is an incopatibility with SP2 (which i have) and firewire/usb and i should try putting the SP1 sys files. Tried that, it worked for a session and now i have exactly the same problems as described above. anybody has any suggestions /experiences with this matter? It is not the drive enclosure cause it works fine on every other pc! and i am sure it is not the pc cause it used to work before SP2!

**Seth** · 05-24-2005, 02:30 PM

Long shot but did you try to force the HDD to work as master? (even 2.5" have those jumpers)

Some IDE to USB/Firewire bridges act strangelly if the drive is set to cable select. Just a thought...

**tj!2k4** · 05-24-2005, 02:40 PM

Might be that Windows File Protection is overwriting the SP1 files..

Edit: also see if it makes a difference if you power the enclosure seperately when you have it connected to the laptop.

**stevieg** · 05-24-2005, 04:58 PM

I use a USB2 enclosure for a 2.5" drive.

It came with two USB cables - one extra for extra current. On some PCs I need to use both cables, otherwise I get the same problem.

All machines are SP2

**takissd** · 05-25-2005, 06:12 PM

seth, there is no jumper settings on the drive!!
tj!2k4, drive can only be powered by enclosure power supply
stevieg it only came with one of them for me.. is there a different type that you know of ???

thanx for trying guys .. i will give it a try with different cables. also i mostly wanna use firewire, since the usb i have on the vaio (laptop) is 1.1 (too slow)
stevieg u think there is a high current firewire cable ??? i will search online after i post too!!

**Seth** · 05-25-2005, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by takissd

seth, there is no jumper settings on the drive!!

Which drive is it? Is there a chance you missed the jumpers?

2.5" have them AFAIK...

**takissd** · 05-26-2005, 11:15 AM

oh ok... mine does not have one its a toshiba, but it doesnt matter cause i need it for a 3.5' anyway... i will set it today to master and i will let you know!

**takissd** · 06-06-2005, 10:35 AM

hey guys i finally fixed the problem, the actual solution was to use a shorter thicker cable like stevieg suggested. It is actually the one that came with the enclosure. the other one i was using was a longer thinner one. the reason i was using it was that it had a mini connector at the laptop side, but the one that came with the enclosure had a big connector. so i went and bought a big to smaller firewire adapter and all problems are now sold! thanx for everyone for their suggestions!