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Laptop can't recognize External HDD
I connect an external HDD to an eSata/USB combo port on Vostro 3500 laptop, but the laptop can't recognize it.
Vostro 3500 had Win7 Ultimate 32-bit installed with all up-to-date drivers and windows updates. AHCI ans eSata are enabled in bios.
The external enclosure is 3.5" Antec MX-1 with USB2.0, eSata ports and power supply, the HDD is 3.5" WD5000AAKS 500GB Sata.
Both USB2.0 and eSata port on MX-100 work fine with eSata/USB combo port on a HP DV4 laptop,
but only USB port work with eSata/USB combo port or other USB ports on Vostro 3500, laptop can't recognize MX-100 if I use eSata cable
ieee488
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November 12th, 2010 07:00
The external hard drive is probably not getting enough power through the eSata cable alone.
John_7
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November 12th, 2010 09:00
I have had the same issue and in the end Dell support said many Dell laptops are not designed to supply full power needed to run eSATA. High end ones are OK, I was told. Indeed I know off a hoigh end one running the same eSATA drive I was trying to use so they will work with them!
It’s rather what I feel to be a con to sell a product to do something that is known it is unable to do.. The solution they told me was to use a USB power lead to supply the power the USB/eSATA socket is designed not to the drive.
I had a HP laptop which worked my eSATA drive OK so was not very impressed that a more expensive Dell couldn’t.
netonic
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November 12th, 2010 18:00
For 2.5" external HDD, laptop should supply full power to run esata.
But for 3.5" device, such as mine, has a power supply, so I don't think laptop need to supply full power to run esata, is that right?
John_7
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November 13th, 2010 01:00
The drive I am using is a http://www.verbatim-europe.co.uk/en_1/product_store-n-go-esata-usb-combo-portable-hard-drive-1tb_5276_0_28934__1534.html which is, as far as I can see given its size etc. a 2.5 inch one. It most defiantly doesn't work correctly, it has to removed and re-plugged every boot to work, with the power provided by my dell USB/eSATA port and needs additional power from a second USB port. With this it’s OK on reboots and remains recognised by the system and bios.
It worked with a HP and apparently does t on a high end Dell and as said above support have informed me only high end laptops and desk top PC’s are designed/built to supply full power to USB/eSATA ports.