Fix External Hard Drive Not Responding / Working Error – 100% Safe Solution

Sometimes, a user finds an alternative to fix an external hard drive not responding error. When the user connects an external hard drive to their computer, sometimes it may not work as expected and generate an error “hard drive not showing up to my computer.”.

In this situation, a user tries to reconnect the device several times, but the error still remains the same. Though their computer detects the hard drive and is visible in My Computer, yet it does not respond. Even when a user connects it to another computer, the issue continues. So, the main query of the user is how to fix hard disk stops responding error effectively?.

In this article, we will be discussing the solutions to fix the cumbersome problem. As we move forward, initially go through the below-outlined scenario that will help you to understand more about the external hard disk not responding error. The query is taken from the forum site:

User Query

“Yesterday, when I connected my Seagate external hard drive to my laptop, it was detected and the icon for hardware displayed in the bottom taskbar. But when I navigate to My Computer, it comes up as not responding. I can still open another program, etc. that is unrelated to the hard drive, but anything to do with the hard drive is “not responding.” When I plug it out, the laptop begins responding again. So, please provide me with an alternative to fix the external external drive is not working to the laptop issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.”

Also Read: Remove Write Protection from External Hard Drive 

5 Methods to Fix External Hard Drive Not Responding Error

There are various ways for fixing the hard disk stops responding issue. These manual techniques are divided into multiple workarounds. You just need to follow all of them to repair an external hard drive not recognized by my computer error:

Professional Solution to Save Data from Not Detected Hard Disk

The below-stated manual solutions are not able to fix the error in an effective manner. The free solutions have some disadvantages that may affect the procedure directly. To overcome all the limitations here, we come up with an appropriate software named SysTools Hard Disk Recovery Wizard. You can download and install this software on the Windows system.

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With the help of this utility, a user can repair the error within a few clicks. This recovery application is capable enough to extract data from an external hard drive, which is not responding to my computer. Moreover, it facilitates amazing features and functionalities and allows you a safe way to perform the repair task. This software is compatible with all advanced versions of the Windows operating system. If you are facing any type of data loss, then try this safe and secure way to get back all files.

Steps to Execute the Procedure to Extract Files from Not Responding Hard Disk

Step 1: The interface of the software will appear as you install and run.

Step 2: Here, scan the specified drive of the system hard drive.

Step 3: After completion of scanning, you can preview all the files and folders.

Step 4: Now, you can extract selected files or folders easily.

Re-Install the Hard Disk to Fix External Hard Drive Not Responding Error

Uninstalling and reinstalling the USB device via “Device Manager” may help you to resolve the external hard drive not working error. To do so, please follow the below-outlined steps:

• First of all, click on “Windows + X” keys and choose “Device Manager” option
• Now, expand the list that contains your device and hit on your device
• Here, select the Uninstall and confirm device removal in the dialogue box that opens
• After that, remove the device and connect it again. Connecting it will automatically reinstall the device.
• Lastly, check if you are able to access your USB; if not, you can proceed to another method.

Note: – After successfully executing complete steps. Check external hard drive recognized or not. If yes, then you need not to perform the below steps. Otherwise move to next method.

Run CHKDSK Command to Fix Hard Drive Stops Responding

If your external hard drive is highly corrupted or consists of bad sectors. Due to this, it creates hurdles in operating and shows a hard disk not responding error. You can repair it with the help of a disk check-up.

• Initially, open command prompt by pressing the “Windows + X” keys
• Now, hit the command prompt and select “Run as Administrator.” Hit on “yes” when the command is prompted properly.
• At last, in the Command Prompt wizard, add “chkdsk X: /r /f.” Here, X is the external hard drive letter and /r or /f are the parameters of CHKDSK.
• The CHKDSK will begin the scan, verification, and repair procedure. When completed, reconnect the external hard drive and check if you are able to access it positively.

Note: – Check if not responding error fixed then stop performing the steps. Otherwise move to next method.

Boot Computer in Safe Mode to Resolve Hard Drive Not Recognize

Sometimes, when an external hard drive is not showing up to my computer. This problem might occur and exist on the PC. Therefore, you can reboot the PC or laptop in safe mode and then check out where the problem exactly happens. This is not a technical workaround to fix the stop responding issue. But in some situations, it works. So, I recommend you, if the above-mentioned methods are unable to resolve Seagate hard drive stops responding error. Then try this solution.

Fix External Hard Drive Not Working Error Using Anti-Virus

If the external drive is highly infected by the virus or malware, it can cause some troublesome issues, which can lead to your crucial data loss. To clean a hard drive, you may need to utilize an appropriate and reliable anti-virus or anti-malware application.

Summing Up

You have to keep your system protected by installing a reliable antivirus program. Schedule CHKDSK to ensure your external hard drives health. However, if you faced any problem, such as an external hard drive not responding to my computer error, with the hard drive, or with any other device that can lead to data loss, The complete solution explained in this post: find a step-by-step guide to resolve an external hard drive stop responding issue.

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