Ubuntu
util-linux package

system won't recognise my usb WD external hard drive

Asked by Dougie Macintyre

I have a WD usb external hard drive. My computer with ubuntu 10.10 installed won't recognise it. It will recognise my usb memory stick. I have ubuntu 9 on another computer and it recognises it and I transferred files from the computer to it. Is the problem with my bios settings or some setting in ubuntu 10.10? I would be grateful for any help.
cheers Douge

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mycae (mycae) said : 		#1

Can you, with the device plugged in, and with the device unplugged, provide the output of the following terminal command (to open a terminla, press ctrl+alt+t, or select it from the applications menu)

lsusb

?

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Dougie Macintyre (dougie) said : 		#2

plugged in or unplugged the same
       Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b: 0001 LINUX FOUNDATION 1.1 root hub

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mycae (mycae) said : 		#3

Then the device is not being detected on the bus at the electrical level.

One possible problem is that some hard drives draw too much power through the USB ports to power up under most systems (can you hear the device spin up properly?)-- you can buy splitter cables to plug into multiple distinctly powered USB ports (usually adjacent ports share the same power supply), or you can see if there is an external power supply available for your device.

Example of Y split power cable:
http://www.targus.com/us/Downloads/PAUH200_210UG.pdf (search for "Model PAUH210").

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mycae (mycae) said : 		#4

Alternately, some PC cases have USB ports that are not plugged into anything. You can check 'round the back of your machine for any additional ports

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Dougie Macintyre (dougie) said : 		#5

I have sent for a Y splitter power cable and I will let you know if this works. Thanks for your help
         Dougie

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