WD Hard disk driver could not install
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Jstrong.
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Jul 16, 2016 at 05:42 PM
Jstrong - Jul 26, 2016 at 11:51 PM
Jstrong - Jul 26, 2016 at 11:51 PM
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Monicadawson
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Jul 19, 2016 at 05:59 AM
Jul 19, 2016 at 05:59 AM
USB Drives
Begin by doing some basic troubleshooting in order to make sure that the drive is functioning properly, and to make sure that nothing is preventing the Windows drivers from being installed for the external hard drive.
Turn off the computer.
Disconnect all cables from the back of the external drive.
Plug the drive's power adapter directly into an electrical wall outlet.
Turn on the computer and let it fully load Windows.
If the external drive has a power button, turn the drive on.
Wait a few seconds, and connect the data cable directly to the computer.
If the computer continues to inform that it cannot find a driver, ensure that the drive is not being connected to a USB hub or other device to connect the drive to the computer.
It is also possible that the data cable being used is bad. Replace the data cable to see if that causes the drive to be recognized and the drivers to load. Make sure to use a data cable that is compatible with the drive - in the case of the WD Passport line of drives, using a cable longer than the one that came with the drive can prevent it from being properly recognized.
If the drive is still unrecognized, try to connect it to other computers to make sure that the drive is functioning correctly. If the drive is recognized on other computers, then it will be confirmed that there is something preventing the drivers from being loaded on the original computer. Get any available driver updates from the computer or motherboard manufacturer. The system may be using generic or out-of-date drivers. It is also recommended to update the system's BIOS to the latest version.
A further step in updating the USB or Firewire drivers is to make sure to have the latest Windows updates and Service Packs. Make sure to search for any hotfixes associated with the USB or Firewire ports being used. Hotfixes are not automatically downloaded. They will need to be searched out for at Microsoft Support, based on the operating system being used.
Below are a couple of links to help on getting started on downloading updates and service packs.
Windows Update
How to download updates that include drivers and hotfixes from the Windows Update Catalog
KB935791 - How to obtain the latest Windows Vista Service Pack
Finally, there is always the possibility that the driver files are corrupted, or that the Operating System has corrupted files. If this turns out to be the case, Windows will need to be reinstalled in order to fix the issue.
IMPORTANT Important: Never do anything with the operating system without first making sure to have a complete backup of all your data.
In the event that issues continue to arise, contact the system's manufacturer, or Microsoft, for further support.
If the steps above have been completed and the computer still tells that a driver is needed, then the drive is most likely damaged and should be returned to the place of purchase, if possible. If unable to exchange the drive at the place of purchase, then an RMA request will need to be submitted (in order to get the drive replaced through the use of the warranty) by following the link below:
Begin by doing some basic troubleshooting in order to make sure that the drive is functioning properly, and to make sure that nothing is preventing the Windows drivers from being installed for the external hard drive.
Turn off the computer.
Disconnect all cables from the back of the external drive.
Plug the drive's power adapter directly into an electrical wall outlet.
Turn on the computer and let it fully load Windows.
If the external drive has a power button, turn the drive on.
Wait a few seconds, and connect the data cable directly to the computer.
If the computer continues to inform that it cannot find a driver, ensure that the drive is not being connected to a USB hub or other device to connect the drive to the computer.
It is also possible that the data cable being used is bad. Replace the data cable to see if that causes the drive to be recognized and the drivers to load. Make sure to use a data cable that is compatible with the drive - in the case of the WD Passport line of drives, using a cable longer than the one that came with the drive can prevent it from being properly recognized.
If the drive is still unrecognized, try to connect it to other computers to make sure that the drive is functioning correctly. If the drive is recognized on other computers, then it will be confirmed that there is something preventing the drivers from being loaded on the original computer. Get any available driver updates from the computer or motherboard manufacturer. The system may be using generic or out-of-date drivers. It is also recommended to update the system's BIOS to the latest version.
A further step in updating the USB or Firewire drivers is to make sure to have the latest Windows updates and Service Packs. Make sure to search for any hotfixes associated with the USB or Firewire ports being used. Hotfixes are not automatically downloaded. They will need to be searched out for at Microsoft Support, based on the operating system being used.
Below are a couple of links to help on getting started on downloading updates and service packs.
Windows Update
How to download updates that include drivers and hotfixes from the Windows Update Catalog
KB935791 - How to obtain the latest Windows Vista Service Pack
Finally, there is always the possibility that the driver files are corrupted, or that the Operating System has corrupted files. If this turns out to be the case, Windows will need to be reinstalled in order to fix the issue.
IMPORTANT Important: Never do anything with the operating system without first making sure to have a complete backup of all your data.
In the event that issues continue to arise, contact the system's manufacturer, or Microsoft, for further support.
If the steps above have been completed and the computer still tells that a driver is needed, then the drive is most likely damaged and should be returned to the place of purchase, if possible. If unable to exchange the drive at the place of purchase, then an RMA request will need to be submitted (in order to get the drive replaced through the use of the warranty) by following the link below:
R2D2_WD
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Jul 20, 2016 at 06:12 AM
Jul 20, 2016 at 06:12 AM
Hi Jstrong,
I believe I have tried to assist you in another thread.
https://ccm.net/forum/affich-817044-wd-500-gb-external-hard-disk-in-not-detecting-in-my-computer#p910041
Have you seen it? Please check the following suggestions: test the drive on another PC and with another cable and search for the drive in Disk Management. If you are facing a driver issue, open Device Manager and uninstall the drive. Restart the PC and plug the drive back in. Does the driver installation start?
Hope this helps
I believe I have tried to assist you in another thread.
https://ccm.net/forum/affich-817044-wd-500-gb-external-hard-disk-in-not-detecting-in-my-computer#p910041
Have you seen it? Please check the following suggestions: test the drive on another PC and with another cable and search for the drive in Disk Management. If you are facing a driver issue, open Device Manager and uninstall the drive. Restart the PC and plug the drive back in. Does the driver installation start?
Hope this helps
Thank you for your response R2D2_WD.
I have tried all you said but its not working. I have used other data cables in addition to the original data cable that came with the device, which is still working well, but it didn't solve the problem. I also connected the drive to other computers to check it and it wasn't detected on them as well. Since it is not detected, it doesn't show up in device manager, neither does it show up in disk management or command prompt. In the device manager what it shows is unknown device, which I uninstalled, and restarted the computer, then connected the device again, and it still shows unknown device. What else can I do please?
I have tried all you said but its not working. I have used other data cables in addition to the original data cable that came with the device, which is still working well, but it didn't solve the problem. I also connected the drive to other computers to check it and it wasn't detected on them as well. Since it is not detected, it doesn't show up in device manager, neither does it show up in disk management or command prompt. In the device manager what it shows is unknown device, which I uninstalled, and restarted the computer, then connected the device again, and it still shows unknown device. What else can I do please?
R2D2_WD
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Jstrong
Jul 21, 2016 at 05:48 AM
Jul 21, 2016 at 05:48 AM
Unfortunately, it is very likely that the drive has failed. If you have important data stored on it, I would suggest you try connecting it to a Linux PC. There is a better chance to get the drive recognized. You can also try using a Linux Live version, which you can freely download and boot from. No installation is required.
If you have no data on the drive, I would recommend you to change the drive.
If you have no data on the drive, I would recommend you to change the drive.
Thank you so much. I also suspect it is a drive failure. So sad since I have lots of important documents and applications stored in the drive which I can no longer access now. please tell me more about the Linux line version. Is it a software I can download and use on a windows operating system? I don't have any Linux PC around me now. So if i know more about the Linux Line version I will be glad.
R2D2_WD
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Jstrong
Jul 25, 2016 at 03:59 AM
Jul 25, 2016 at 03:59 AM
The Linux Live version can be downloaded freely. Burn a bootable USB drive with the Live version files. Restart the PC and select the USB as the primary device. You should see a loading screen. The Linux OS should load and you may be able to navigate as if it has been installated, but the PC will read it from the USB drive. These versions are very similar to Windows OS. Check if the hard drive is recognized. I hope you will manage to save all your important data!
Thank you very much. I understand the explanation. I will try it out and see. But should incase it works out, the files and content of the hard disk I copy out, how do I save them? If I save them on the Linux environment, will I be able to access them from the normal windows OS, after I disconect the Linux Live version with which I booted the system from the flash?
Jul 20, 2016 at 09:43 AM
I have tried all you said but its not working. I have used other data cables, in addition to the original data cable that came with the device, which is still working well, but it didn't solve the problem. I also connected the drive to other computers to check it and it wasn't detected on them as well. Since it is not detected, it doesn't show up in device manager, neither does it show up in disk management or command prompt. So I cant even assign a drive letter to it since it is not listed among the devices when connected to the computer. What else can I do please?