Ext 2.5" hdd HELP!!

[bash]

I think my Freecom XXS 500gb usb2 hdd is b0rxed! Everytime I connect it to my laptops, they just turn instantly off. Its if I use the small usb lead that came with the hdd. If I use a normal length USB2 cable then nothing happens.

Please someone tell me it isnt completly fooked, I've got my lifes work/rubbish on there

[EvilBoris]

It could well be the usb interface part of it, what I'd do is crack it open, remove the HDD and connect it to my laptop another way to check

[bash]

This is the one, I took it out of its black, foam cover and connected the cable again and the same thing happened. I've no idea how to dismantle it away from the female usb connection or whether it even has a different type of interface behind the usb ARGH!

[charlesr]

A bit late now perhaps, but may I recommend sugarsync (that's my referral link - if you sign up with it, I get more and you get more)? Lots of backup for a decent price and it makes photo albums for you. Apps for your phone too. You specify what you sync, so you don't need to bother with music and films and other replaceable stuff. Keeps a few versions too, which is good for work stuff.

[charlesr]

Is you laptop plugged in? I'm wildly guessing because of the different length usb cable weirdness, but is there a chance on battery, it's not providing enough juice to power up the drive? Have you got a PC you can try it on?

[NemesiS]

You sure thats the correct USB lead. A lot of 2.5 Etx HDD's these days come with a double headed USB attachment (which connects to the computer) as one USB doesn't provide enough power to the disk.

[bash]

Its definetly the right lead guys, its the same one that came bundeled with the little git. As soon as I get my serial Im going to log a fault with Freecom but Im not holding my breath considering I bought it in Jan 2009. Whats really annoying is I've hardly used the thing!!!

[Oldgamingfart]

It looks like this particular drive has been manufactured to a different specification, presumably to save space by integrating the USB interface.

I think the only DIY option would be to get hold of an identical drive and swap out the entire controller board. Even then there's no real guarantee it'll work as different board revisions may be incompatible. There is also a risk of permanent data loss.

[bash]

There is also a risk of permanent data loss.

Nooooooo!

Never buying Freecom again, certainly wont be trying to get "The worlds smalled portable hdd" again anyway!

[NemesiS]

Does the USB adapter board come off to reveal if its an IDE or SATA as you may be better just shoving it in another caddy if you can.

[EvilBoris]

Yeah as someone said, maybe check there is no power saving options going on in your laptop. Create a new profile for maximum performance and try all of your USB sockets

[bash]

Im going to give lay it into the hands of people more techincally savvy than myself. As far as Im concerned all the info is lost now so anything more is a bonus. I hope there is a connection behind the female usb but I doubt it

It cant be the laptop profile as its happening to more than 1 laptop on all sockets, with and without the cover on.