external hard drive not recognized Closed

Question

Hello, 
I am new to the board. I have an issue with an external hard drive & would appreciate any help. I have tried all of the recommendations I have seen to date but nothing seems to help. 
I have a Seagate external hard drive. It has been working fine, now the computer does not recognize the device. It simply doesn't show up anywhere. Have tried different cables, USB ports etc. the device has two plugs, one for USB & one for power, it getting power, it lights up. If I go to disc management it does not show up nor does it show on devices. Any ideas?  
Thanks, 
Oilwell

Ambucias · Answer

Hello, 

Try this 1 

Click on Start --> In search box, type cmd and press Enter. 

"Command Prompt" will be opened. 

Now enter the below commands 

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 --> Press Enter 

cd\ ---> Press Enter 

cd windows\system32 --> Press Enter 

start devmgmt.msc --> Press Enter 

"Device Manager" window will be opened. 

Now in the device manager, click on "View" --> Select "Show hidden devices" 

Now expand all the nodes by clicking on "+" symbol. If you find any greyed 

entries --> Right click on it --> Select "Uninstall". 

Restart your PC --> Now try connecting your external drive. 

Good Luck

You may thank jack4rall for this solution

Ambucias · Answer

How long is the usb cable ? Try a shorter USB cable. It may have to do with voltage drop received to and from the port

Oilwell46 · Answer

Thank you Ambucias,
I tried a very short USB cable, still no luck. What is strange is that it's worked well for the past year & now all of a sudden, it won't recognize the drive.
JC

External hard drive not recognized

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