USB Port Doesnt recognise external HD

Shaun_d123

I have a 160gb Freecom Classic SL External Hard Drive

The device works fine on my desktop PC but when I plug into my lapto I get the error message USB Device Not recognized.

I know the USB port on my laptop is ok because I can use other devices on it (flash drive / MP3 player etc)

I have tried the obvious stuff rebooting, unplugging, using different USB cable but still not working

Can anybody help ?

espresso

What operating system is on the laptop?

Shaun_d123

Its XP on an IBM T40 laptop

lipidicman

My first thought is power. If the HD is powered by the USB port only, then the laptop may not have enough juice. If so, plug in a power supply for the drive (if you have one) OR try using a powered hub between the laptop and the drive

Shaun_d123

HD is powered with its own power supply which is plugged in and still no joy im afraid

Shaun_d123

OK ive tried various solutions from the net but still no joy

Started PC in sfae mode and deleted all USB Ports in Device Manager

Removed VID entries in regedit.

Powered down PC and removed battery for 30 mins.

Unfortunately still getting the same error message. Am desperate for ideas

lipidicman

Well you are not alone:
http://forum.freecompromo.com/viewtopic.php?t=277&sid=ac1db20fbe09e56043c95423bdd27e02

Shaun_d123

Just tried powering laptop down again and removing battery. Still didnt work !

So I thought right just give it on more try and lo and behold its recognised again.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions

crox

I've seen it where usb drives not shown in explorer, but they are there in computer manager and they just need to be given a drive mapping.