I have had a problem on more than one PC when I try to reconnect an
external hard drive that I use to transfer files between the two
computers.  When I plug the external drive into the USB port,
sometimes the computer recognizes it; sometimes it doesn't.  If it
doesn't, I have to reboot the computer to get the external drive to be
recognized.  Can you give me any suggestions to either solve this
problem or work around the problem.  I am looking for a way to not
have to reboot the computer everytime the external drive is not
recognized.  Thanks!  -- Arthur

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Request for Question Clarification by palitoy-ga on 25 Feb 2006 08:59 PST

Hello Arthur,

Can you explain how you unplug the USB Drive from your computer?  This
may be the problem...  you should always follow the procedure detailed
in the section called "Safe Removal of your Flash Drive" on this
webpage:

http://www.5starsupport.com/tutorial/usb-drive.htm

This is the same procedure for whatever type of USB hard disk device
you are using.  Following this procedure ensures that Windows has
completely finished with the drive before you unplug the device (and
you should always do this even though it is tedious!).

Other links:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/hardware_display_removable_icon.mspx

Let me know if following this procedure solves your problem.

palitoy-ga

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Clarification of Question by civitas-ga on 25 Feb 2006 09:28 PST

I appreciate your response.  I generally follow the method that you
suggest, but all too often the computer "hangs up" while try to safely
remove the USB device.  The hour glass continues to run without giving
the message "safe to remove your device."  This is particularly so
when I have more than one device connected to USB ports.  Am I doing
something wrong which is causing the computer to "hang up" when I try
to safely remove the device?

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Request for Question Clarification by livioflores-ga on 25 Feb 2006 10:09 PST

It could help if you give us more info about your computers (operative
system, etc.) and the external drive (model, etc.)

Thank you.

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Clarification of Question by civitas-ga on 25 Feb 2006 12:11 PST

The computers are ProStar 9096s with 2 gig of RAM and two 55 gig hard
drives.  I think that the processing speed is 3.2 Ghz.  The external
drive is a Western Digital Model WD400U017-RTN.  The USB port is 2.0. 
I am using Windows XP Professional.

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Clarification of Question by civitas-ga on 25 Feb 2006 12:12 PST

I have had this problem with other computers.  It could be "operator
error," but if so, I would like to have your thoughts on what I might
be doing wrong.  -- Arthur

Does this happen when you boot to safe mode?

Uninstall your USB port from Device Manager. Reboot and let the OS
redetect the  USB ports. Maybe a device driver got corrupted and needs
to be reinstalled. This process will check for that.

-JtB

Hi,
   Just open you system & fix the USB port properly. This could help
You. Otherwise change the USB slot or USB cable that you are useing.

See, problem is solved.