WD External Hard drive keeps connecting and disconnecting

[kieron22]

My WD External Hard drive keeps connecting and disconnecting every second or so. I already went into power settings and disabled the USB selective suspend settings but that didnt solve the problem. I also went into the device manager and unchecked the option to allow the computer to turn of this device to save power option but no luck there either.

 

[CKWD]

Hello kieron22!


I'm sorry for your problem with a WD external!


Which model is it, a My Passport (which one?), a My Book?


You could try using a different USB cable, a new one, then on every port – USB 3.0 and 2.0, then on another system. Does the same issue occur everywhere? Doyou hear clicking from the drive or any other unusual sounds? Any error messages? How is the drive's performance? Please use the WD Data Lifeguard software (Support Answers) and check the drive's SMART values, post the results here. Please, be careful not to post the drive's serial number, too!


CK_WD

 

[kieron22]

Hello kieron22!


I'm sorry for your problem with a WD external!


Which model is it, a My Passport (which one?), a My Book?


You could try using a different USB cable, a new one, then on every port – USB 3.0 and 2.0, then on another system. Does the same issue occur everywhere? Doyou hear clicking from the drive or any other unusual sounds? Any error messages? How is the drive's performance? Please use the WD Data Lifeguard software (Support Answers) and check the drive's SMART values, post the results here. Please, be careful not to post the drive's serial number, too!


CK_WD

Hi thanks for the reply.
Its a My passport Ultra and I tried using a different cable and on all the other ports on my desktop. When that didnt work I tried it on my laptop which also has windows 8.1 and it works fine. So that leaves me to think that its something with my desktop.

 

[ArazelEternal]

There is a problem with some USB chipsets that causes this. I have this issue on my Toshiba laptop an its caused by the specific Intel USB chipset that it uses. Unfortunately, it is a driver issue however Intel knows about it and does not plan on releasing a fix from what I understand.

 

[CKWD]

I'm sorry, but it does seem like the issue is in the specific connection between the external and the desktop. :/


You could try to update the drivers, or directly reinstall them. If the problem continues, try repairing the system which could reset the drivers. If not, may be a professional should check the USB ports and the motherboard.


Good luck!


CK_WD

 

[kieron22]

I know this was a main issue with windows 8 some time ago

 

[RolandJS]

This is a long shot, maybe, possibly the solution is an AC-powered 4-usb-port hub. After I purchased one of those, my two ext usb Seagates and WDs no longer act up, they consistently remain accessible. I may be wrong, keep your receipt until proven yea/nay.

 

[Steve C]

Try different USB ports & cables - it sounds like a hardware connection problem. Also, check the mains connection if your disk is mains powered.

 

[brooksndun]

Have you updated the firmware?

 

[ComputerGeek]

Also check for any BIOS updates for your machine

 

[Randyl.Kriner]

WD external drive issue of disconnect and reconnect is hardware, not software.

Shortly after I bought my WD external drive, it began the disconnect/reconnect. Very annoying but it was still usable.
I tried various cables but it persisted.

Recently I began to think it was the connector on the drive so I was thinking of checking if i could replace the power supply board. I took it apart (very easy, does not damage the drive).

I discovered that the power supply board is not attached to the drive. It sets in a channel. The connectors touch but not firmly. How much would it cost WD to solder the pieces together?

My solution? Rubber bands on each end of the power supply and drive to hold them firmly together.
I have had one (1) disconnect reconnect beep in the past six (6) months.

 

[Watchdog]

My WD External Hard drive keeps connecting and disconnecting every second or so. I already went into power settings and disabled the USB selective suspend settings but that didnt solve the problem. I also went into the device manager and unchecked the option to allow the computer to turn of this device to save power option but no luck there either.

If it was moved recently from another PC, it may be because it was encrypted with Windows Bitlocker. Reconnect it to the old PC and run the decryption of the drive