Ubuntu
util-linux package

Trouble accessing a portable external hard drive

Asked by Rachel

I am new to Linux and LOVE it so far, however, I'm having the most difficult time with something that should be pretty simple.

I purchased a Hitachi LifeStudio Plus portable 320GB external hard drive to free up some space on my desktop but can not access it.

Usually with Windows; once it recognizes the device it automatically prompts installation options. Not with Linux.

In the midst of trying to resolve my little problem on my own, I was able to locate the devices folder.

The drive was titled MYKEY.

I clicked the icon and an image was displayed but there weren't any software installation options available.

I hope this was detailed enough..I just really want to use my external hard drive.

If anyone can help I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks much!

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Nathan Heafner (nathan1465-5) said : 		#1

Hello Rachel.
Generally speaking, your external HDD should be plug and play. Meaning you do not need to install any special software to use your external hdd. When you plug it in via USB, and icon should pop up showing you the drive is mounted, and you should be able to click on that icon to open the drive and access its contents.

are you attempting to access files already on the Hard drive?

with your hard drive connected to your computer, please copy and paste this command in terminal and paste the output here as a comment. You can open terminal by searching for terminal in dash, or by holding down CTRL ALT T.

lsusb && uname -a && cat /etc/lsb-release && mount && sudo fdisk -l

it will ask you for your admin/root/user password, type it in and press enter. It is normal to not see your password as you type it. this is a security feature.

Revision history for this message
Rachel (kaisamonne) said : 		#2

Thank you for your reply! No, I'm not attempting to access files on the hard drive. The hard drive is new. I'm simply trying to move files from my computer to the external hard drive (pictures, music) so that I can free up some space internally.

I restarted the computer and the icon appeared and I am currently in the process of copying the 66gb of pictures! Not sure why it didn't display properly before..

Thanks again! Its good to know that help is out there. I'm sure I'll be back for more help! lol

Revision history for this message
Nathan Heafner (nathan1465-5) said : 		#3

No problem. Glad everything is working now. Have a great day.