Computer problem (1 Viewer)

[normanandsue]

Can any computer buff help me PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I use an external hard drive to store all my files. Everything has been working fine until a couple of days ago. Now when I try to access the files on my hard drive Windows explorer closes down and I can't access my files.

Please tell me what I can do?

Norman

 

[pappajohn]

are you opening the hard drive from the 'my computer' icon on the desk top or directly from explorer ?

 

[normanandsue]

are you opening the hard drive from the 'my computer' icon on the desk top or directly from explorer ?

Thanks Papajohn. I go to my computer and click on hard drive from the icon shown.

Norman

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[pappajohn]

it was just a thought Norman......have you tried plugging it into a different USB port.

one port on my lappy doesnt appear to have full functionality for some reason.

sorry cant be any further help.

 

[acting_strange]

Try using a different usb connection cable betwen the two...does the external HD need power? and is it on?

Try it on a different computer/laptop...

 

[Xoxoc]

Have you tried re-booting your computer?

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[normanandsue]

it was just a thought Norman......have you tried plugging it into a different USB port.

one port on my lappy doesnt appear to have full functionality for some reason.

sorry cant be any further help.

Thanks, I tried that - it made no difference.

Norman

 

[normanandsue]

Try using a different usb connection cable betwen the two...does the external HD need power? and is it on?

Try it on a different computer/laptop...

Tried the first options and it makes no difference.

Have tried on my netbook and it works fine.
the problem is clearly in my computer.

Norman

 

[pappajohn]

Tried the first options and it makes no difference.

Have tried on my netbook and it works fine.
the problem is clearly in my computer.

Norman

try a system restore to an earlier date......only needs to be a few days back.

all programs > accessories > System Tools > system restore

that may repair any corrupted/missing OS files on your computer.

if that works then undo the restore and the repaired files should stay put.

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[magicsurfbus]

If it still works on another computer then Pappajohn's advice is definitely worth following.

If it fails on all computers, don't despair. I've used this software before now and it works fine.

Basically you download it for nothing, scan the duff drive, and see if it finds anything. If it does you pay online and buy the software, which you can use as many times as you like.

It can resurrect data from reformatted drives - it's pretty powerful.

 

[Xoxoc]

Have you tried re-booting your computer?

Have you tried re-booting your computer?

 

[acting_strange]

What version of IE are you using? and what OS?

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[normanandsue]

try a system restore to an earlier date......only needs to be a few days back.

all programs > accessories > System Tools > system restore

that may repair any corrupted/missing OS files on your computer.

if that works then undo the restore and the repaired files should stay put.

Thanks papjohn - whilst thinking what I might do I came to the same conclusion and it fixed the problem just fie.

Many thanks to everyone for your help and advice.

Norman

 

[meanders]

If you've tried the system restore option above and still got nowhere, then there are four options I can think of:

1. Try plugging the disk in, wait for Windoze to see it and then go to 'device manager'. Point at 'My computer', right click, take the 'manage' option, then open 'device manager' under 'System Tools'.
Look under Disk Drives and you should find the external drive. Point at the drive, right click and take the uninstall option. Unplug the drive, then REBOOT the lappy TWICE letting Windows load fully and sign in each time. Only then reconnect the drive and it should then reinstall and be OK.
2. Check that the disk is getting enough power. Some need the power output from two USB ports.
3. If still causing trouble, then look in Disk Management as in step 1. to check that its not mapping to a drive letter something else is, or has used. If so, right click it and change the drive letter.
4. If all that fails, look in Event Viewer as in step 1. and look under System and application logs for the time the error last occurred to see if it logs any errors. If so, you could search for the error code or post the details here.

Good luck ..... Robin

EDIT: Just read the reply you made while I was typing my reply. Good news.

 

[normanandsue]

If you've tried the system restore option above and still got nowhere, then there are four options I can think of:

1. Try plugging the disk in, wait for Windoze to see it and then go to 'device manager'. Point at 'My computer', right click, take the 'manage' option, then open 'device manager' under 'System Tools'.
Look under Disk Drives and you should find the external drive. Point at the drive, right click and take the uninstall option. Unplug the drive, then REBOOT the lappy TWICE letting Windows load fully and sign in each time. Only then reconnect the drive and it should then reinstall and be OK.
2. Check that the disk is getting enough power. Some need the power output from two USB ports.
3. If still causing trouble, then look in Disk Management as in step 1. to check that its not mapping to a drive letter something else is, or has used. If so, right click it and change the drive letter.
4. If all that fails, look in Event Viewer as in step 1. and look under System and application logs for the time the error last occurred to see if it logs any errors. If so, you could search for the error code or post the details here.

Good luck ..... Robin

EDIT: Just read the reply you made while I was typing my reply. Good news.

Robin,
Thanks for your advice - the system restore option worked brilliantly and we are now all sytems go. I think I will use this option first for any future spasmodic problems I have.

Norman

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[sealski]

When you plug the external hard disk into the USB drive, does the computer recognise the drive. Try a different USB port and the computer may try and download the drivers again.
Another thing to try, is instead of double clicking the drive letter, try right clicking the mouse on the drive and select open. What operating system you using? If your PC is connected to the internet, with your assistance and authority, I can remote onto it and take a look at it. Oh by the way I am a microsoft developer. If you need further help, send me a personal message.

Sorry just seen that your problem has now been fixed. But if you do need further help, please contact me.