External Hard drive

Discussion in 'hardware' started by samy, Oct 12, 2012.

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  1. samy

    samy Registered Member

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    I changed the boot sequence, having the Hard Disk in first position.
    Same issue.

    I 'gave up' and have to follow Aventador advice.
    I will write to WD to tell them my deep disappointment regarding their product.

    Thanks
     
  2. kdcdq

    kdcdq Registered Member

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    Samy,

    I know this is just a work-around, but I think if you make your WD drive bootable, your system will boot normally. It's just a hunch, but I've been doing hardware work for over 30 years.
     
  3. samy

    samy Registered Member

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    Hi kdcdp

    After additional thinking, I realised that I can use this HD for data backup only and not for operating system backup (i.e. patition C for example) since I cannot boot the PC when this HD is connected, therefore I cannot retrieve data using a backup program bootable disk (IFW, Macrium, SP, etc.).
    This is a big constraint which makes this HD useless.

    kdcdp, can you please guide me how to make it bootable and how to have its representation on the Bios.
    That's my last alternative prior to throwing this new HD in the trash.

    Note: Why doesn't WD mention this limitation either in their advertisement or on the HD box of this product?

    Thanks
     
  4. roger_m

    roger_m Registered Member

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    You can use it with a boot CD. Just connect the drive as soon as the CD starts booting.
     
  5. samy

    samy Registered Member

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    hi roger_m

    As I mentioned in one of my thread above, I tried using a bootable partitioning CD (Acronis Disc Director) to re-format and partition the HD.
    When I connected the HD as the CD starts booting, the booting process stopped, and continue when I disconnected the HD.
     
  6. Get

    Get Registered Member

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    In bios disable USB Legacy Device Support (when you use/have a ps/2 keyboard that is!!).
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2012
  7. chattycathy

    chattycathy Registered Member

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    This would be a workaround but do as I do. I keep my WD external drives plugged in all the time but they are not on until I get ready to use them. I have a power strip that I have my external drives only plugged into and then turn them on only when I'm ready to use them. Maybe I'm paranoid but I don't like the idea of my backups being exposed to viruses, etc. while I'm online. Just a thought.
     
  8. Robin A.

    Robin A. Registered Member

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    My external USB disks are normal WD or Seagate disks installed in enclosures, both USB 2.0 and 3.0.

    I can boot with them connected, use them with WinPE boot media, and store both data backups and images in them. This is simple and effective and avoids all these problems caused by external WD disks.
     
  9. Brian K

    Brian K Imaging Specialist

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    samy,

    What happens when you connect your external HD after Acronis Disk Director has completely finished loading?
     
  10. samy

    samy Registered Member

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    Problem solved.

    I connected the HD to a laptop , it work smoothly.

    On desk PC I disabled USB Legacy Device Support as suggested by Get and connected a PS2 keyboard and mouse. It worked.

    I would like to thanks to all of you for your time and your kind support.

    Brian:
    After the CD finished loading , I connected the HD but couldn't choose any option (Disc Director, OS selector, etc.) using either the mouse or the cursor.

    I agree with your advice, to keep this HD disconnected, and when a a backup is required, then to connect the PS2 (keyboard + mouse) for this purpose. Same process for recovery.
     
  11. Aventador

    Aventador Registered Member

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    I honestly never have any issues with my Seagate FreeAgentGo. Its a small, portable external hard drive that I plug in when I need to backup and unplug when its done. I fail to see the dilemma here. Mountainous out of mole hills. Glad you worked it out.
     
  12. samy

    samy Registered Member

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    Hi Aventador

    What surprised me (and made me upset) is that I have different external HD's, one of them same as the problematic one, an old Seagate (now out of order due to electrical surge), a small portable 80Gb 2.5" and this is the first time I encountered such a problem.

    Due to this small constraint, I will use it only for full backup and keep it disconnected when not in need.
     
  13. Aventador

    Aventador Registered Member

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    It will also prolong the life of your external HDD cause its not running 24/7.
     
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