Hello, everyone--
Just got my new computer (win XP with SP2) up and running, and would like to transfer to it files from the HD out of my deceased computer (Win XP SP1). I set this old disk up as an external HD: I re-jumpered it from CS to MASTER, and installed it into the case that came with the IDE-to-USB2.0 adapter kit I bought (it has its own power supply).
Problem is, this device is advertised as plug-and-play (no installation CD supplied), but my computer won't recognize it when I plug it in!
This external HD does not appear in Device Manager or in My Computer. Connecting it does not make the "Found New Hardware" balloon pop up, although the tray icon for "Safely Remove Hardware" does appear.
I uninstalled all USB devices using Device Manager, and rebooted; they all reinstalled perfectly. Didn't help.
I've read every applicable post in this Forum, but I'm still stuck. I'd appreciate any ideas on what to try next!
Full Version: Win Xp Won't Recognize External Hd
Welcome to BC! 
A couple of thoughts:
Are you SURE you have the jumper setting correct?
Have you tried rebooting the computer with the hard drive plugged in to the computer?
Have you tried to force Windows to install the hard drive? Plug in the external hard drive, go to: Start > Control Panel. Make sure you are in Classic View and not Category View- look in the left hand column for this. Then double click on Add Hardware.
A couple of thoughts:
Are you SURE you have the jumper setting correct?
Have you tried rebooting the computer with the hard drive plugged in to the computer?
Have you tried to force Windows to install the hard drive? Plug in the external hard drive, go to: Start > Control Panel. Make sure you are in Classic View and not Category View- look in the left hand column for this. Then double click on Add Hardware.
Thanks muchly for the welcome and for your advice!
Your point about the jumper raised doubts in my mind, too, so I removed the HD from its case, pulled/reinstalled the jumper (turned out I'd gotten it right the first time), and carefully pulled/replugged the IDE ribbon cable to the HD.
After I reassembled it and reconnected the USB cable to my computer, the setup immediately started working
My guess is, the IDE ribbon's connector was not well seated in the back of the HD (the ribbon gets very scrunched up when the HD is in place, and so has enough tension to pull out a partially plugged-in connector). Hope this experience helps somebody else down the road.
Your point about the jumper raised doubts in my mind, too, so I removed the HD from its case, pulled/reinstalled the jumper (turned out I'd gotten it right the first time), and carefully pulled/replugged the IDE ribbon cable to the HD.
After I reassembled it and reconnected the USB cable to my computer, the setup immediately started working
My guess is, the IDE ribbon's connector was not well seated in the back of the HD (the ribbon gets very scrunched up when the HD is in place, and so has enough tension to pull out a partially plugged-in connector). Hope this experience helps somebody else down the road.
Glad to hear the issue is resolved!
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