Seagate Expansion Portable Device Recognized, But Then Disconnects. Blue Light Is Flashing

Feb 21, 2018
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Hi Everyone!
I have a 1TB Seagate Expansion Portable Device.
When I connect it, Windows makes the sound indicating an external device has been recognized, and in the tray I see the option to safely eject it. During this time, the blue light on the device is on.
However, after a few seconds Windows makes the sound indicating it has disconnected, and I can no longer find it in the tray. However, the blue light on the device is rapidly blinking (so it's still getting power).
I tried it on two different computers, via various USB ports, and the same happens.
Please help me!

Edit: I should add that during the time it is recognized by Windows, I cannot access its data and can't find it in My Computer.

Thank you :)
 
Solution
Well, external hard drives aren't native (typically, it's just a hard drive sitting inside an enclosure)
I'd suggest you remove the HDD from it's enclosure, and if possible, connect it via SATA>USB adapter (or a different enclosure)
It depends on whether it uses a detachable SATA>USB adapter, or has the USB port integrated into the drive itself.
If the USB port is integrated (no adapter used), then you'd be best getting a PCB replacement for it, refer to this post for more information:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-3647821/hard-drive-longer-bios.html#20726708
This of course provided you need the data on it, if you have nothing important on it, then just buy a new one (or use the warranty, if still valid)
Probably insufficient power from the USB port - - hence the connect/disconnect sound.

The fix for that is to buy a mains-powered USB hub and plug the external drive in to that instead.

I had to do exactly that with my USB-powered external hard drives, and it solved the problem.

Amazon is a good source for mains-powered USB hubs, that's where I got mine.
 


Thank you for your reply!
The drive worked fine for years via USB.
I'm not familiar with the device you mentioned. I don't have access to Amazon in my country, but I'll see if I can get it in local stores.
By the way, I also tried connecting it to my monitor's USB connections. Still the same thing happens.
If you have any other solutions I'd be happy to hear them!
Thanks again :)
 
Sorry to hear you're running into trouble with your Expansion Portable. A couple of simple steps to try are things it sounds like you've already done (try a different port, try a different computer). The next step would be to try with a different USB cable.

We have a more in-depth troubleshooting guide here: Expansion Portable Guided Troubleshooter.

If you would like to look at potential warranty info on the drive, then here is our Warranty Validation Tool.
 




Thank you for your replies!

It's connected via USB directly to the computer, no power adapter.
I have a second external drive. I tried using its cable, but the same thing still happens.
 
Well, external hard drives aren't native (typically, it's just a hard drive sitting inside an enclosure)
I'd suggest you remove the HDD from it's enclosure, and if possible, connect it via SATA>USB adapter (or a different enclosure)
It depends on whether it uses a detachable SATA>USB adapter, or has the USB port integrated into the drive itself.
If the USB port is integrated (no adapter used), then you'd be best getting a PCB replacement for it, refer to this post for more information:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-3647821/hard-drive-longer-bios.html#20726708
This of course provided you need the data on it, if you have nothing important on it, then just buy a new one (or use the warranty, if still valid)
 
Solution