Portable hardrives

[Max]

Is there anything you can do when theres not enough power going through and It won't connect to a computer?

[Max]

There Is power going through It but only a small amount. The green light Is not as bright as It was.

[JMLE]

There are issues with some portable hard drives which rely on getting their power through a USB port in that they can't get enough for them to work. The way around it is to use a dual USB connector like this one...

Amazon.co.uk: LINDY USB Cable - Dual Power, 2 x Type A to mini B, USB 2.0, 1m: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-USB-Cable-Dual-Power/dp/B000FKP7XA/ref=sr_1_1/202-1601850-4048601?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223636616&sr=8-1)

[lindylou]

It's named after me ;)

[AntiPathos]

Max,

AFAIUI, some PCs can have low power and high power ports. Try it on a different port as they're not usually labelled.

AP.

[Max]

Thanks for the replies guys.

[corky100]

Problem is you may be using a USB 1.1 Port which doesn't supply the same power as a UBS 2.0 Port. The dual connector mentioned above may be the only option (or buying a PC with USB 2.0!!)

Many USB Drives also come with two cables, and the second USB cable has a Jack at the end, just for the purpose of supplying that extra power needed. If you have this - use it!

[Max]

It was supplying power fine for the first 10 months but not sure what USB point I have In this pc.

Nah I only got one USB cable with mine, It Is a Maxtor basics 500gb.

Hope I can sort It have original raw photo files on It and I need them If I have to prove photos are mine. Luckily I can get the Jpeg versions from other places I stored though.

[Max]

Tried plugging the HD In to my laptop too and used the laptops power unit and no powers going through It still on both PC and laptop.

Hope I can get It fixed.

[corky100]

OK looking at a Maxtor Basic its a 3.5" which always needs external power supply, so it could just be that that adapter is faulty. If you only had it 10 months then it should still be under warranty. Get in touch with the supplier/shop who should be able to exchange it.

on a side note If you need to retrieve the photos urgently, you can get an IDE to USB adapter, and remove the Hard drive from the case, and connect it directly to a USB port that way, then return the drive to its enclosure. Great in an emergency!

[anonymouse]

...remove the Hard drive from the case, and connect it directly to a USB port that way, then return the drive to its enclosure. Great in an emergency!

Careful though, -if a security seal is broken, removing the drive from the case will invalidate the warranty!

anon

[corky100]

Yp - Only in an emergency!

Check the PSU first...:D

[hmtmaj]

Is there anything you can do when theres not enough power going through and It won't connect to a computer?

Max, I have 2 external hard drives that now don't work ( via USB ) :PDT_Xtremez_42:

I tried the following:
Switched the PC off
unplugged the CD drive
( there should be a power supply and IDE cable ( flat wide one ) )
opened my external hard drive from the case and plugged it directly into the PC via the power supply and IDE cable.
Switched the PC on and it worked.
I can now copy off all my old data/pics/music etc. :PDT11
Martin.

[Max]

I bought a new one a while back and still going fine with that one anyway.

Going to break open the old one and plug it into my computer tower and hope that works.