External HDD recognized but not accessible

petewine · #1 May 9, 2008, 09:37 PM

I was trying to backup my complete c: system drive to an external HDD using Nero 7. After a couple of hours it crashed, unfortunately unable to read the error message. I have had on occasion the "Delayed write failed....." error so assumed the crash was something to do with that. Now, when I try ro access the External HDD, I see it as drive n: in My Computer but if I double click it I just get a blank screen; no folders or content are shown. If I right click and check properties , it shows 100% full. If i try to run error check on it, it just does nothing. I tried chkdsk from the Run CMD but I see a quick flash of a black screen/window and then nothing. I notice also that the R/W light on the HDD is permanently on.

I am running XP SP2
The HDD is a ZAAPA bought here in Spain

I have tried to format it but nothing happens, so I am at a total loss and whilst there a nothing too mega important on that drive, I do have all my music files so would to save if I can.
Anyone got any ideas? I guess I'll end up getting another drive; maybe a multi media but I'd better make a new topic for that question.
Thanks and sorry if I ramble on a bit.

seahwk83 · May 10, 2008, 07:20 PM

try disconnection the external and reboot your pc, once restarted attach drive and see if it shows up in explorer and then try to right click on it and choose format

post back if this helps or not

petewine · May 11, 2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seahwk83

try disconnection the external and reboot your pc, once restarted attach drive and see if it shows up in explorer and then try to right click on it and choose format

post back if this helps or not

Sorry for delay; unavailable all day (Mothers' Day in Spain). I thought I had tried your suggestion along with many other attempts but I gave it another go anyway. No joy I'm afraid; I see the drive in Explorer and My Computer, but when I try an do anything with it, just zero. It still shows up as full under Properties.

seahwk83 · May 11, 2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

I notice also that the R/W light on the HDD is permanently on.

have you tried another usb port or whatever type port you may use?

If you can, take it to another computer and see if anohter computer can access the drive, if another pc does same thing, it would be something with the drive itself, if another pc can see and acces the files and folders, format the drive on that computer, bring it back to yours

petewine · May 11, 2008, 08:29 PM

Tried other ports but no luck. I've come to the same conclusion as you that my only option now is to try another PC. If that fails I'll probably just have to junk the drive and all my music files. Thanks for your help and suggestions so far anyway.

I'll post back when I've found another PC and what happens.



At Ask Me Help Desk you can ask questions in any topic and have them answered for free by our experts. To ask questions or participate in answering them you must register for a free account. By registering you will be able to: Get free answers from experts in any of our 300+ topics. Accept money for answers that you provide. Communicate privately with other members (PM). See fewer ads. Sign Up!