What Am I Using?
External drive not showing up?
Find out whether the drive is detected by the system. Check the connection and protect existing files before any format or repair operation.
Does the system list the drive even though its files are missing?
Check the system’s disk view. Cancel any prompt to format, initialise or erase a drive containing files you want.
Device and operating system
Preserve the data before changing the disk
A detected drive may be locked, unmounted or use a format this device cannot read.
- If available, reconnect it to the device that last read it. Copy important files before making changes.
- If the data matters and the drive is unreadable, seek qualified recovery advice before repair or formatting.
Check power and the direct connection
An external drive may be missing because of a data cable, power adapter or hub.
- Use its correct power supply and reconnect it directly with a known data cable.
- If it clicks repeatedly, smells burnt or disconnects under light use, stop and seek help before repeated tests.
Record the drive model and symptoms
Matching model and capacity reduces the risk of changing the wrong disk.
- Write down the drive’s model, capacity and any message. Keep it unplugged if it makes repeated unusual sounds.
- Tell support whether the files are backed up before agreeing to any operation that writes to the drive.