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sskamin

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20 years ago

S

sskamin

29 Posts

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49583

September 14th, 2006 00:00

Computer doesn't recognize flash drive

My Optiplex running Windows XP SP2 has stopped recognizing a flash drive that it used to recognize.  The icon shows up in the notifications area to click to "safely remove", but the drive doesn't appear in My Computer or using the device manager.  This just started a few days ago.  This flash drive used to work fine, and other flash drives also work fine in the same USB port.
  • N

    nichomach

    34 Posts

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    Posted September 14th, 2006 12:00

    Have you checked to see whether it's there in Disk Management? XP has a nasty habit of assigning removable drives drive letters that are already in use. If it's there, then change the drive letter to one that isn't in use.
  • S

    sskamin

    29 Posts

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    Posted September 16th, 2006 19:00

    I've looked in the device manager and don't find it there-- is disk manager separate from that, and where can I find it?
     
    Steve Kamin
  • H

    Hydralisk00222

    2 Intern

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    2440 Posts

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    Posted September 17th, 2006 00:00

    Run compmgmt.msc and click on Disk Management. Assign the drive letters from there.
    If your flash drive does not show up there it's damaged.
  • S

    speedstep

    11 Legend

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    46969 Posts

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    Posted September 18th, 2006 01:00

    You can also just go direct by running DISKMGMT.MSC
  • S

    sskamin

    29 Posts

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    Posted September 21st, 2006 00:00

    I tracked it down on disk manager and it is now being recognized correctly.  Thanks.
     
    Steve Kamin
  • S

    speedstep

    11 Legend

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    46969 Posts

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    Posted September 25th, 2006 00:00

    This kind of error seems to be common. If you get a new kind of flash drive you will need to do it again and assign another drive letter.
  • J

    joemonte116

    5 Posts

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    Posted May 28th, 2007 17:00

    I too have the same problem with an XPS M1710 portable. The difference is I get an error message stating that the flash drive is not recognized. I have installed all drivers fot the PC from the Dell web site so I know that that should not be a problem. The drive does not show in Disk Management nor in explorer. In device manager it shows an an unknown object. The flash drives (I have several) work perfectly in my XPS 600 desktop. I have tried to uninstall all USB ports and re-install when re-booting. This also does NOT work. The ports themselves all work correctly since other USB attachments work(example-wireless mouse). Dell techs have tried to help but with no luck. I'm hoping that someone can come up with something that will help' Thanks in advance. Joemonte116

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