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External HDD

So basically, I have a external HDD that works ONLY with Smart TV. When I try to connect it to the other (2) laptops (2) smartphones and (1)Desktop, nothing happens. Tried formating Windows, tried installing Linux, tried plenty of things but nothing worked. Not even showing nor recognized, nothing at all.
Like completely dead. But still, how is it still working and recognized normaly with LG tv then?

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks 🤝
HF Member Since 2010
What is the model and manufacturer of the drive and how is it formatted?
(Mar 22, 2019 04:45 PM)webdev77 Wrote:  What is the model and manufacturer of the drive and how is it formatted?

NTFS. It was internal HDD and I made it to external using external HDD case. Worked fine for 2+ years and now randomly it doesn't recognizes anywhere except smart tv.
Thanks for your input 🤝
HF Member Since 2010
Could you explain a bit what you mean by not showing up? Is the device not being recognized by the system or are the contents just not mounting/appearing. Try lsusb for Linux or Device manager for Windows and see if you can find it. If the first, maybe a driver issue. If second, often the drive is formatted using an unsupported partitioning scheme or filesystem type. But I have to say, it should at least appear in Linux if that was the case.
(Mar 22, 2019 05:36 PM)datguy.dev Wrote:  Could you explain a bit what you mean by not showing up? Is the device not being recognized by the system or are the contents just not mounting/appearing. Try lsusb for Linux or Device manager for Windows and see if you can find it. If the first, maybe a driver issue. If second, often the drive is formatted using an unsupported partitioning scheme or filesystem type. But I have to say, it should at least appear in Linux if that was the case.

It starts loading (LED blinking) and then drops/disconnects like not enough power. Tried changing the cable and still the same thing. I tried with linux as well and the result is the same. Although I don't understand how it is working with TV. It just doesn't make sense to me
HF Member Since 2010
(Mar 22, 2019 05:40 PM)Hopsin Wrote:  It starts loading (LED blinking) and then drops/disconnects like not enough power. Tried changing the cable and still the same thing. I tried with linux as well and the result is the same. Although I don't understand how it is working with TV. It just doesn't make sense to me

1) Plug in the drive.
2) Open Powershell and run: "Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly >> .\output.txt; gwmi win32_diskdrive >> .\output.txt; notepad.exe .\output.txt"
3) Paste the contents here.
(Mar 22, 2019 07:16 PM)datguy.dev Wrote:  1) Plug in the drive.
2) Open Powershell and run: "Get-PnpDevice -PresentOnly >> .\output.txt; gwmi win32_diskdrive  >> .\output.txt; notepad.exe .\output.txt"
3) Paste the contents here.

Is this fine? Couldn't get working the next command.
[Image: vvAftSv.jpg]
[Image: ZHuendC.jpg]

Not visible not even here
[Image: 9pSXFNs.jpg]
HF Member Since 2010
2.5" or 3.5"?
What adaptor are you using to plug in the pc?
(Mar 23, 2019 04:11 AM)Onireves Wrote:  2.5" or 3.5"?
What adaptor are you using to plug in the pc?

2.5" (HDD taken off from laptop)
I am using cable (usb micro b super speed) with laptops/desktop, tried different cables and still the same. I am using the same cable for the TV and it works normally.
Also, for the smartphone i tried the (Samsung) USB OTG Adaptor Original.
My last solution is to replace the old HDD case which I want to avoid. Been searching for weeks and out of luck.
HF Member Since 2010
You can highlight the text in PS and right click to copy. 😧 The images show your laptop should support USB 3.0 eHDD devices. I might be missing something because you didn't paste the raw text.


What error did you get running the second command. That maybe an issue enumerating drives. Try it with the eHDD plugged in and without. You should have results like:
PHP Code

<?php 
PS C
:\Users\dev> gwmi win32_diskdrive

Partitions 
: 2
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE4
Model      
: Seagate BUP Slim BK SCSI Disk Device
Size       
: 500105249280
Caption    
: Seagate BUP Slim BK SCSI Disk Device

Partitions 
: 1
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE0
Model      
: WDC WD3200AAJS-22B4A0 ATA Device
Size       
: 320070320640
Caption    
: WDC WD3200AAJS-22B4A0 ATA Device

Partitions 
: 1
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1
Model      
: ST3250823AS ATA Device
Size       
: 250056737280
Caption    
: ST3250823AS ATA Device

Partitions 
: 1
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE2
Model      
: WDC WD5000AAVS-00ZTB0
Size       
: 500105249280
Caption    
: WDC WD5000AAVS-00ZTB0

Partitions 
: 2
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE3
Model      
: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB
Size       
: 500105249280
Caption    
: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB 

Nonetheless, it appears the drive is not being detected by the system. Can you plug in the drive and expand disk drives in the device manager? If it isn't listed, see if the manufacturer offers a driver. If it is listed, right click it and check the status and what is the driver.
(Mar 23, 2019 05:38 AM)datguy.dev Wrote:  You can highlight the text in PS and right click to copy.  😧 The images show your laptop should support USB 3.0 eHDD devices. I might be missing something because you didn't paste the raw text.


What error did you get running the second command. That maybe an issue enumerating drives. Try it with the eHDD plugged in and without. You should have results like:
PHP Code

<?php 
PS C
:\Users\dev> gwmi win32_diskdrive

Partitions 
: 2
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE4
Model      
: Seagate BUP Slim BK SCSI Disk Device
Size       
: 500105249280
Caption    
: Seagate BUP Slim BK SCSI Disk Device

Partitions 
: 1
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE0
Model      
: WDC WD3200AAJS-22B4A0 ATA Device
Size       
: 320070320640
Caption    
: WDC WD3200AAJS-22B4A0 ATA Device

Partitions 
: 1
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1
Model      
: ST3250823AS ATA Device
Size       
: 250056737280
Caption    
: ST3250823AS ATA Device

Partitions 
: 1
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE2
Model      
: WDC WD5000AAVS-00ZTB0
Size       
: 500105249280
Caption    
: WDC WD5000AAVS-00ZTB0

Partitions 
: 2
DeviceID   
: \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE3
Model      
: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB
Size       
: 500105249280
Caption    
: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 500GB 

Nonetheless, it appears the drive is not being detected by the system. Can you plug in the drive and expand disk drives in the device manager? If it isn't listed, see if the manufacturer offers a driver. If it is listed, right click it and check the status and what is the driver.
Via powershell:

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> gwmi win32_diskdrive



Partitions : 3
DeviceID : \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE0
Model : Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
Size : 250056737280
Caption : Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB


Using Devices Manager, its not listed at all. Not even notification!
HF Member Since 2010
(Mar 23, 2019 05:45 AM)Hopsin Wrote:  Via powershell:

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> gwmi win32_diskdrive



Partitions : 3
DeviceID   : \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE0
Model      : Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
Size       : 250056737280
Caption    : Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB


Using Devices Manager, its not listed at all. Not even notification!

What is the model of the eHDD?


Do you happen to have a USB 3.0 hub which requires external power adapter? That would eliminate any power related issues.


You don't have another computer you can try the eHHD on?
(Mar 23, 2019 06:27 AM)datguy.dev Wrote:  What is the model of the eHDD?


Do you happen to have a USB 3.0 hub which requires external power adapter? That would eliminate any power related issues.


You don't have another computer you can try the eHHD on?

Just tried with very old computer with USB 2.0 in another laptop and it worked fine. I guess not enough power or something?
All my laptops have usb 3.0 but if in case its the power issue why it worked before normally for so many years?
HF Member Since 2010
(Mar 23, 2019 06:49 AM)Hopsin Wrote:  Just tried with very old computer with USB 2.0  in another laptop and it worked fine. I guess not enough power or something?
All my laptops have usb 3.0 but if in case its the power issue why it worked before normally for so many years?

At least you narrowed it down to a specific laptop given then eHDD fails on multiple OSs on that laptop, but it'll work on another. I can't tell you why.


I'm sure you tried all USB ports on your laptop right? How many are there? Otherwise, it could be a poor connection where there is some buildup on the contact pads inside the USB housing "after so many years." (VCC, Data +/-, GND) Maybe there is a broken solder joint on the housing etc etc.
(Mar 23, 2019 11:38 AM)datguy.dev Wrote:  At least you narrowed it down to a specific laptop given then eHDD fails on multiple OSs on that laptop, but it'll work on another. I can't tell you why.


I'm sure you tried all USB ports on your laptop right? How many are there? Otherwise, it could be a poor connection where there is some buildup on the contact pads inside the USB housing "after so many years." (VCC, Data +/-, GND) Maybe there is a broken solder joint on the housing etc etc.

There are 3 USB 3.0 ports and on the other laptop 2 Usbs 3.0 ports. So, basically, no solution unless I change the HDD case? 😯
HF Member Since 2010


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