External WD HDD problem

[a7928671]

Hi, Im having a problem with my 1TB external WD HDD. It is not showing up when I open up my computer. However the white light is flashing, but I cant seem to be able to see it under my computer. Im using Windows XP, thanks.

 

[i7Baby]

Have you downloaded and installed the drivers for it to your pc?

 

[a7928671]

Well the windows installed drivers automatically. Oh and btw...it is WD 1021 HDD.

 

[i7Baby]

Does it show up in Control Panel, Device Manager?

 

[a7928671]

Yes under device manager I can see it. It also shows on safetly remove hardvare as USB mass storage device.

 

[i7Baby]

Can you see it in Windows Explorer?

 

[a7928671]

If you mean under my computer no, if thats not what you mean please explain me where do you mean.

 

[i7Baby]

If it shows up in Device Manager, it should show up in Windows Explorer under Computer. Is the drive formatted?

 

[a7928671]

Well it does show under device manager, but I cant see it under my computer. It is not formatted, there are files on it that I need.

 

[i7Baby]

If there are files on it then it must have been formatted. If it shows up in Device Manager as working then you should see it under Computer.

If you disconnect it's usb cord, does Windows make the disconnect noise? And the connect noise when you connect it's usb cord?

 

[a7928671]

Well yes there are some files on it already that I would like to save.

Yes I do hear sound when I plug it in and out.

 

[i7Baby]

Then it should appear on Windows Explorer. In fact a screen should pop up asking if you want to view its content.

Have a look here - https://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/hardware_installing_overview.mspx?mfr=true

 

[a7928671]

Yes I know, however I dont see it on explorer, and the pop up window doesnt show.

 

[Markkk]

Under Computer Management / Disk Management
Is the Drive Active? - If not right click mark as active