If the PC does not see an external hard drive

If yesterday, a well-working hard drive without any apparent reason at one very fine moment ceases to work, it is like a disaster. Remembering the information stored on it, you suddenly begin to understand that there is nothing of value there - all the data are priceless. It's true that someone noticed that if the computer does not see an external hard drive, then it's like the end of the world. Although not always everything is so deplorable.

The main thing is not to succumb to provocations, but to carefully consider why an external hard drive does not work? What has changed since the last launch? Correct answers to these questions allow us to restore the capacity of the carrier in almost half the cases. Next, we'll talk about the main reasons why the computer does not see an external hard drive.

Perhaps, in their lives, each person had to get at least once a situation when the most complicated mechanism ceased to work because of the out-of-order insignificant detail. This fate has not bypassed and hard drives, both external and internal. Currently, USB-hard drives are popular, but there are also with SATA interface, significantly exceeding the first in terms of speed. Any external hard drive is connected to the computer through the connector of the corresponding port. Here is one of the most banal reasons why the computer does not see an external hard drive. There are two types of USB-connectors: some are uninstalled on the motherboard and output from the back side of the system unit, while others are built into the case with the output to the front panel. Obviously, most users connect the hard drive to the most accessible connectors, that is, on the front panel of the case. And since only a few of the computer is assembled in a reliable enclosure, it should not be surprising that Chinese manufacturers have saved on the elements of the connector. For example, sliding contacts may not be sufficiently spring-loaded, their area reduced for economy, and the materials used are too worn. It follows that sometimes, by connecting the interface cable of the hard drive to the port on the case, the computer does not see the external hard drive. The problem is in the connector pins. You can solve in two ways:

• Connect to the ports on the motherboard;
• To buy a quality USB extension cable - it's cheaper than replacing the case.

The next reason is a lack of food. The USB 2 standard assumes a maximum current of 500 mA per port. Therefore, if too many USB devices are connected, the hard drive may not have enough power to operate. Solution: remove all "extra" (web cameras, USB modems, etc.) or buy a hub with a power supply. In addition, the connectors on the front panel are connected to the motherboard by bundles of thin wires, which also have their own voltage loss. It's worth remembering that these connectors are suitable, first of all, for low-power devices (flash drives, phones).

If the hard disk still does not work, then you need to check BIOS settings: whether USB ports are not banned in it. For devices using a "pocket" (mobilrack), it is useful to check the status of internal loops and connectors - perhaps the reason is in them.

After that, you should believe the software part of the computer. Although external hard drives are designed to work out of the box, usually without requiring any special drivers, nevertheless, the system needs to install a package of programs for the chipset. This is especially important for generations before Windows Vista. Also, there may be a conflict in the configuration of the connected devices, in this situation, the computer can not completely boot at all.

Of course, an internal breakdown of the hard drive is possible. It is not always possible to repair it on your own, so you need to find out where the nearest service center is located.