An external hard drive that is not detected or recognized by a computer can be an incredibly frustrating issue to encounter. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take in order to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem and hopefully resolve the issue. Here are some basic steps to try in order to fix the issue:
1. Check the Connections: The first thing you should do is make sure all relevant cables are firmly connected and securely plugged into their ports. Ensure that both the power cable and data cable of the external hard drive are firmly attached to both the power source and the computer. Also check the USB port for any dirt or dust buildup and clean it using a cotton swab if necessary.
2. Check Device Manager: The next step is to check the Windows Device Manager. To do this, open the Run window (press the Windows + R keys on a keyboard) and type “devmgmt.msc” to open Device Manager. Expand the Disk drives section, and check if the external hard drive is listed there. If it appears in Device Manager, it may have a yellow question mark or exclamation point next to it, indicating an issue. In this case, you would need to update the driver for the device.
3. Unplug & Replug the Drive: Occasionally, a simple unplugging and replugging of the external drive may resolve the issue. Make sure to make a notice if the drive doesn’t appear after a few reattempts.
4. Try Different USB Ports: If the external drive still fails to appear, try connecting the USB cable to a different USB port on the same computer. If it appears after the drive is plugged into a different USB port, there’s a possibility that the original port is damaged or malfunctioning.
5. Check the Hard Drive in Another System: If you’re able to access another computer, try connecting the external drive to it. Observe if the drive appears in the same way it did on the previous system. If the drive does appear in the new system, the issue is likely with your original computer, whereas if the drive fails to appear on the new system, the issue is more likely with the external drive itself.
6. Try Formatting the Drive: If the issue persists, it may be wise to reformat the drive. This will wipe all existing data stored in the drive, so be sure to create a backup of the data before you proceed. To format the disk, open the Computer window and locate the disk in the list of devices. Right-click on the drive and select “Format” and follow the onscreen instructions.
7. Check if the Drive Needs Replacing: If reformatting the drive still fails to make it visible, it may be beyond repair. In such cases, you may consider purchasing a new external drive instead.
Hopefully, one or more of these steps should help you resolve the issue and make the external drive appear on your computer. If the drive still fails to appear, contact a local computer technician to further diagnose and resolve the issue, as it could be related to other problems, such as a faulty USB port, motherboard failure, or a corrupt driver.