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External Drive Not Recognized? 3 Solutions For USB Problems
You don’t need to, despite the frustration welling up inside you. There are several fixes for the scenario. It could be as simple as plugging the USB drive into the USB port instead of the front one, or restarting the computer again. Let’s look at the three common fixes.
The Simplest Solution You Can Try
Unplug your computer from the power supply. Don’t just switch it off with the Power button, as the motherboard still draws power. Power off and unplug from the mains. Wait for a minute or two, then power it back on.
The reasoning is that all hardware components are on the motherboard. The motherboard needs to be rebooted to reload the USB drivers and ensure they function normally. If the problem is on a laptop, remove the battery for a couple of minutes before plugging it back in and restarting Windows.
Uninstall the USB Device
If you previously installed the USB device, the error may be due to a malfunctioning device driver. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver using these steps:
1. Open the Device Manager (Start – Search – Type Device Manager).
2. Expand the list of hardware. If the USB device is an external hard drive, click on Disk Drives.
3. Right-click on the USB device with the error and select Uninstall.
4. After uninstalling the drive, unplug the USB device.
5. Reboot your computer and reconnect the USB device. The hardware should reinstall automatically.
6. Check if the USB device is now recognized.
Reinstall USB Controllers
Remove all USB devices. From the Control Panel, go to the Device Manager. Expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers and check for any drivers with an exclamation mark, indicating a problem. Right click on the problematic USB controller, select Uninstall, and then OK. Repeat this process to uninstall the remaining controllers. Restart your computer, and Windows 7 will automatically reinstall all USB controllers. For additional solutions, visit Microsoft’s support pages. Resources you can use include tips for troubleshooting USB device problems.
USB problems can be caused by a lack of power in a USB hub or a BIOS error. However, you can troubleshoot and solve these issues by following these steps:
1. Update the driver for the malfunctioning hardware.
2. Check if the USB hub has enough power.
3. Identify any BIOS errors and fix them.
By following these steps, you can resolve USB problems and ensure your hardware functions properly.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.