[Adama]

(Admins & Mods, feel free to move this thread if I posted it in the wrong forum. Thx)

Hi everyone,

Well, it's me again. I've been having a problem today with my WD Elements External HDD, on my old lappy Compaq, Presario, with Vista Home Premium.

This morning I tried to open the WD Elements to look for some pictures, but all I got was a blank page with the pointer going 'round and 'round. Then I went to close it off and got the "Win Explorer is not responding" msg



I tried every which-way-to-Sunday but my computer won't open the files. I plugged it in and unplugged it. I plugged it in another port. I plugged it in all my ports (3) with the same results. After the 1st attempt the icon didn't appear on my Notification Area so I clicked on Computer and then on the WD Drive but it just wouldn't open (see pic above)

I had Windows look for Drivers and after checking, Win gave me a msg that I had the updated drivers. I also had Win check for problems and it said "your device is working correctly" Lastly, I looked for a Java update for FF, which I found and installed it - thinking that would help, but it didn't. I must've spent about 1 hr trying to get this thing to work, to no avail.

Then I decided to try something else - I plugged it to my new HP laptop and it worked fine there!

So, my questions are:

- Have you ever had this happen to you?

- I so, how did you correct this problem?

As always, thanks for your kind assistance. I hope you guys can help me solve this mystery.

This post has been edited by Adama: 18 May 2012 - 02:13 PM

[LiveBrianD]

On the Compaq, go to device manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, and uninstall the USB Mass Storage Device. (note: if you have thumb drives connected, for instance, they'll show up too) Then, unplug the hard drive, and plug it back in. It should be automatically installed again.

Also, what security and tune-up tools do you have installed? (note: aside from ccleaner, tune-up utilities are mostly junk)

This post has been edited by LiveBrianD: 18 May 2012 - 02:52 PM

[Adama]

LiveBrianD, on 18 May 2012 - 02:50 PM, said:

On the Compaq, go to device manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, and uninstall the USB Mass Storage Device. (note: if you have thumb drives connected, for instance, they'll show up too) Then, unplug the hard drive, and plug it back in. It should be automatically installed again.

Also, what security and tune-up tools do you have installed? (note: aside from ccleaner, tune-up utilities are mostly junk)

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your input. So, I should have the WD Elements plugged in before I do what you suggest? And, if I uninstall the USB Mass Storage Device, will all my photos and stuff get deleted from the WD Elements?

Don't have any tune-up tools, I think they're mostly junk too. My Security software are MBAM and SAS, they've been working fine for me for quite a few years, so I don't think they'd start acting up now.

[LiveBrianD]

Yes, you need to have the drive connected when you do that. When you uninstall the usb mass storage device, the computer has to detect the drive and load the driver again when you plug it in the next time. (the same thing it did when you plugged the drive in for the first time) This doesn't affect your data or anything.

It's not a bad idea to disable your realtime security software (the free version of MBAM is NOT realtime) just in case, while testing this.

[Adama]

LiveBrianD, on 18 May 2012 - 05:30 PM, said:

Yes, you need to have the drive connected when you do that. When you uninstall the usb mass storage device, the computer has to detect the drive and load the driver again when you plug it in the next time. (the same thing it did when you plugged the drive in for the first time) This doesn't affect your data or anything.

It's not a bad idea to disable your realtime security software (the free version of MBAM is NOT realtime) just in case, while testing this.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the info. I might be able to do that when I have some time, this weekend.

I have the paid MBAM Professional version and it has never given any kind of problem blocking stuff.

Have a great weekend.

[LiveBrianD]

MBAM Pro is realtime, so as I mentioned you might want to disable it for now while troubleshooting things. It never hurts.

[Flashorn]

Hi sweetie!

Please read all of my post first and then ask questions LOL!

First, MBAM is Not a Antivirus program but, as the name implies, is a AntiMalware program. You should have both on your PC (notebook).

MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) will not interfere with any of those AntiMalware programs BUT, it already has both Antimalware And AntiVirus
programs in one. MBAM is only for Malware. I would recommend you install MSE: http://www.microsoft...ls.aspx?id=5201
Choose the 64 bit version
Once installed, go to the "Settings Tab" and click on "Real Time Protection" (left hand side). Make sure the check box for the "Real Time Protection" is check marked
Dis-activate Real Time Protection in MBAM as you won't need it anymore. Just use it as a scanner for a second opinion.

I have been using MSE since it was offered (it's also Free) and have never been disappointed in it's performance. It also uses less RAM (or memory) than MBAM.

It's just a recommendation. You can decide what you like best.

As for the Program Files on your desktop, what is the size of it?? IF you don't want it on your desktop, simply move it to the Documents folder for now.

Now, for the external drive. Plug it in and wait for the sound that Windows 7 has recognized the device.

Click on Start / Control Panel / Device Manager : Click on "Device Manager"



You will get a Pop-Up called "Device Manager"

On the Left of the "Disk Drives" you will see a little Arrow. Click on it to expand.

This is what you should see ( I have plugged in a SanDisk Cruzer USB Stick just as an example but, you device Western Digital Essentials should show up)



Now, "double click" on your drive. This is what comes up :



On the top of the second Pop-Up window, you will see "Drivers". Click on it. (use foto above as reference)

At the bottom of new Pop-Up you will see "Uninstall" . Click on it . You will get a "Warning" Pop-Up :



click on the "OK" button.

Now, keeping your device (or drive) plugged in, Restart your notebook. Windows should re-install the correct driver
upon re-starting your notebook.

When unplugging your device (disk drive) do you use the "Safely Remove Button" where the clock is ?



It might not show up there and you might not have to use it but it will show up in Computer. After Highlighting the
drive in Computer,try the Eject button at the Top of Computer. You will need to Click on the Pop-Up that appears
near the clock . It should now be safe to remove the USB connection from your notebook.

Give us a call when it's done.

Have you installed the Copy to - Move to reg keys ??



FLASHORN.

[Adama]

Flashorn, on 20 May 2012 - 11:20 AM, said:

Hi sweetie!

Please read all of my post first and then ask questions LOL!

First, MBAM is Not a Antivirus program but, as the name implies, is a AntiMalware program. You should have both on your PC (notebook).

MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) will not interfere with any of those AntiMalware programs BUT, it already has both Antimalware And AntiVirus
programs in one. MBAM is only for Malware. I would recommend you install MSE: http://www.microsoft...ls.aspx?id=5201
Choose the 64 bit version
Once installed, go to the "Settings Tab" and click on "Real Time Protection" (left hand side). Make sure the check box for the "Real Time Protection" is check marked
Dis-activate Real Time Protection in MBAM as you won't need it anymore. Just use it as a scanner for a second opinion.

I have been using MSE since it was offered (it's also Free) and have never been disappointed in it's performance. It also uses less RAM (or memory) than MBAM.

It's just a recommendation. You can decide what you like best.

As for the Program Files on your desktop, what is the size of it?? IF you don't want it on your desktop, simply move it to the Documents folder for now.

FLASHORN.

I Flash!! Thanks for the great info, as always.

Yes, I know that MBAM is Anti-Malware and SAS is Anti-Spyware, that's why I've had them both for a long time. I've never heard of MSE, but I'll take a look at the link you sent me.

re the folder. It showed up on my Desktop the moment after the Easy Transfer was finished. It doesn't say how large the file is, but it shows that it has 43 files. I took 3 Snips to show you (the folder on the bottom right is the one I'm talking about, which IDK why but it's named "Open Office 3") But you can see that the stuff in there is all from the (x86)

#1




#2



and #3



Right now I'm on my new lappy, so I can't do the other stuff you suggested, I'll have to go back to my Compaq to check on the WD Elements HDD.

I've doing computer/PSE stuff all morning. I'm going to take a lunch breather and I might be back later.

Thanks again, Sweetie!

[LiveBrianD]

That's just stuff in the Program Files (x86) folder on the root of the C: drive, that's normal and shouldn't be touched.

[Adama]

Hi Brian and Flash, me again guys,

Well, I just finished doing what you both suggested (thanks for the pics, Flash) I'm sad to say that it didn't work.

I uninstalled the driver, and leaving the WD plugged in, I restarted the laptop. It took a long while to restart, as a matter of fact, it kept on starting and going off, starting and going off. It did this 8 or 9 times, until out of panic I just pressed the power button to turn it off. I left the WD connected

Then I booted on normally. When I got my Desktop I could see the Driver Installation Icon on the Notification Area, so I knew it was installing the driver. When it finished the installation I safely unplugged the HD from the laptop. I waited about 30 secs and plugged it in again. This time I didn't even get the AutoPlay menu, I had to click on Computer to see the WD there. I clicked on it and all I got was the round pointer, then as usual the Computer Not Responding, yada yada yada.

I safely unplugged the HD. Waited a couple of mins and plugged it back in and still, the same thing happened. I checked the Device Manager one more time and the thing shows up in there, so IDK why this is happening.

I do remember that before I did the Easy Transfer to my new lappy, I had to copy some stuff to the WD from my new laptop and when I was almost finished it started acting up... hesitating, slowing down and sort of flickering a little. So, I wonder if somehow it reset itself to only be recognized by Windows 7? It seems highly unlikely though...

Anyway, my friends, looks like back to the drawing board we go, Oui?

I don't know if I'll be able to get back here again today, so I'll check back in tomorrow. Thanks for all your help, guys!

[Adama]

LiveBrianD, on 21 May 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

That's just stuff in the Program Files (x86) folder on the root of the C: drive, that's normal and shouldn't be touched.

Thanks, Brian. That was my first thought too. I'm just going to move it to my Documents folder and just leave it be.

[LiveBrianD]

Adama, on 21 May 2012 - 02:42 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 21 May 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

That's just stuff in the Program Files (x86) folder on the root of the C: drive, that's normal and shouldn't be touched.

Thanks, Brian. That was my first thought too. I'm just going to move it to my Documents folder and just leave it be.

No, as I said, those screenshots you posted are of a system folder on the current machine, and thus it is currently being used. Do NOT delete or move that folder, as you will screw up the system. You'll probably get an error about permissions when moving it anyway. (I thought you said it was on the desktop! In that case, the folder is defunct and unnecessary.)


Anyway, did you uninstall both the USB controller and the hard drive, or just one? Try doing both. Also, close unnecessary programs that are in the system tray, just in case.

This post has been edited by LiveBrianD: 21 May 2012 - 03:27 PM

[Flashorn]

Hey sweetie !

That folder looks like it is from your Vista machine and not from your new notebook.

Open Computer and double click on it. Now , click on Program Files x86.

Now, open that x86 file on your desktop and look.

Compare both and if they are not he same with the same programs then, It's from
the Vista Transfer. You should be able to move it where you want to.



FLASHORN.

[Adama]

Flashorn, on 22 May 2012 - 04:50 PM, said:

Hey sweetie !

That folder looks like it is from your Vista machine and not from your new notebook.

Open Computer and double click on it. Now , click on Program Files x86.

Now, open that x86 file on your desktop and look.

Compare both and if they are not he same with the same programs then, It's from
the Vista Transfer. You should be able to move it where you want to.



FLASHORN.

Good morning, Flash!

Thanks for the msg. No, it's from my new HP laptop. If you check my pics #2 and #3 on the address bar you can see the "(x86)" and also down the middle "Skype" My Compaq didn't come with Skype, that came in my HP also.

Have a great rest of the day!

[Adama]

Hi guys,

So, I've spent all morning trying to unravel the mystery of Windows Explorer not responding when I connect my WD Elements External HD. Because it's happening on my old laptop running Windows Vista, I couldn't find any info on it... MSFT has stopped all assistance to anything Vista.

Anyway, I was checking on YouTube for some info, then I checked some stuff through a link I found there. It said that the problem was easily solved by unplugging the Computer to the power supply and waiting a couple of minutes. Then, restarting the Computer and plugging the HD back in.

I did all of the above, waiting about 30 mins before I plugged the HD. I got the AutoPlay menu, but when I clicked on "view files" the thing just got hung up. Again. I checked on my Computer and clicked on WD, but got the same result, the Windows Explorer not responding msg.

I started thinking back to what I had done just prior to the Easy Transfer... I had uninstalled a bunch of old stuff that I was no longer using. I also had downloaded Macafee SiteAdvisor. So, I used Revo Uninstaller and uninstalled it. I had also downloaded Silverlight from MSFT to be able to do the transfer, so I uninstalled that too - thinking that maybe those 2 programs were the culprits.

Then the big test came... plugged my WD back in and still.... NO GO! So, I'm kind of at my wits end, not knowing what to do next. I guess I could register the WD at their website and then ask for assistance, but that'll be another week before I get any answers from them... *big sigh*

Anyway, I just wanted to keep you guys on the loop as to what I was doing to try and resolve this problem.

Have a good Wednesday!

[LiveBrianD]

Do you have a portable WD Elements drive (which gets all its' power off the USB port) or do you have a desktop one? (which has an external power brick) I think you mentioned it before, but I can't find the post.

I wonder if autoplay is freezing the drive. Click start, type 'autoplay', and at the top uncheck 'Use AutoPlay for all media and devices'.

[Adama]

LiveBrianD, on 23 May 2012 - 02:51 PM, said:

Do you have a portable WD Elements drive (which gets all its' power off the USB port) or do you have a desktop one? (which has an external power brick) I think you mentioned it before, but I can't find the post.

I wonder if autoplay is freezing the drive. Click start, type 'autoplay', and at the top uncheck 'Use AutoPlay for all media and devices'.

It's a Portable for the desktop, Brian. I purchased it on July, last year.

#1




#2

[LiveBrianD]

I see, that's the desktop version. It's not an issue of the USB ports on your Vista machine being underpowered then. (because it has a power brick)

Try disabling autoplay as I mentioned above.

[Adama]

LiveBrianD, on 23 May 2012 - 06:10 PM, said:

I see, that's the desktop version. It's not an issue of the USB ports on your Vista machine being underpowered then. (because it has a power brick)

Try disabling autoplay as I mentioned above.

Hi Brian,

Ok, once I disable the AutoPlay what do I do? How do I get to see my files in the WD HD if I don't use AutoPlay? What do I do if they don't show up?

Thanks for your help!

[LiveBrianD]

Once you disable it, try plugging the hard drive in again. To get to the files, click Start, Computer, and the drive will appear. Autoplay is the little prompt that asks you what you want to do with the drive when you plug it in, and isn't actually necessary for the drive to work.