Toshiba Canvio Connect II Portable Hard Drive - Power Issues?

[thejedigoddess]

Hello,

I've had the Canvio Connect II (HDTC820XK3C1) since April 2015. I don't remember noticing this issue initially but sometime towards the Fall, my device would make clicking noises when I charged other items such as an ipod, phone or portable charger. If I unplugged the ipod and phone, the clicking would stop. I then plugged my ipod, phone and another device up to see if I got the same result but they charged just fine without the clicking noise. When I plugged up the hd again, it started clicking. Basically it's taking all of the power from my PC. I don't have this issue with other devices. The issue has progressed. Now, if I have the HD connected to my PC, if I plug another item in it will not even charge the other item, if I disconnect the HD the other item charges. I tried reformatting the drive and checking for errors all to no avail. Any idea what could be causing the power issues? It appears to be connected to the Canvio Connect II as other items can be plugged in or charged without issue. Is it possible that the drive is just defective?

Portable HD: Canvio Connect II (HDTC820XK3C1)
PC: Dell XPS 8700 (2-3 years old)
Processor: Intel i7 dual core 3.40 ghz
OS: Windows 10 but also had the issue on Windows 7 Home Premium Edition--I've only been on 10 for a month or so...

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Welcome to the community, thejedigoddess!

I'd strongly recommend you to backup any data from the external drive and copy it somewhere else before proceeding with the troubleshooting! Afterwards, I'd advise you to download the brand-specific HDD diagnostic tool from the manufacturer's official website. If you cannot find it, you can also refer to some third-party testing tool suggestions from the community.

Unfortunately, the clicking sounds are definitely not a good sign as they might indicate internal/physical damage on the drive. Since it's relatively new, it should still be covered by the warranty but you need to check that with the HDD manufacturer's customer support. You should be able to RMA the portable drive and get a replacement from them.

Keep me posted with the S.M.A.R.T. results from the HDD utilities. Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD