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

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Written By Chirag Arora
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Published On September 21st, 2022
Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

Sometimes, a user finds an alternative to fix 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 “external hard drive not responding 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.

external hard drive not working

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?.

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

“Yesterday when I connect my Seagate external hard drive to my laptop, it is detected and the icon for hardware displays in the bottom taskbar. But when I navigate to My Computer, it comes up as not responding. I can still open another programs etc; that are 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 provides me with an alternative to fix external hard disk not responding in laptop issue. Any help would be appraised. Thanks.”

Solutions to Fix Hard Drive Not Responding Error

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

  1. Use 100% Secure Tool and Save all Data Not responding Disk in PC
  2. Reinstall Hard Disk to Fix Not Responding in Laptop Error
  3. Run CHKDSK Command to Fix Hard Disk Stop Responding Issue
  4. Boot Computer in Safe Mode to Fix External Hard Drive Not Working Error
  5. Scan Hard Disk to resolve Seagate hard Disk not Responding My Computer

Professional Way to Save Data from Not Responding 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 is SysTools Hard Disk Recovery Wizard. You can download and install this software on 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 external hard drive which is not responding my computer. Moreover, it facilitates amazing features and functionalities and allows you a safe way to perform the repairing task.

This software is compatible with all advanced versions of Windows Operating System. If you are facing any type 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: Interface of the software will appear as you install and run.

how to fix external hard disk not detected

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

how to fix external hard drive not detected

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

how to fix external hard drive not detected using cmd

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

how to repair external hard disk not detected

Re-install the Hard Disk to Fix Hard Drive Not Working Error

Uninstall and re-install the USB device via “Device Manager” may help you to resolve the disk not responding 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 consists 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 re-install 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 responding 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 hard disk not responding error. You can repair it with the help of a disk check-up.

  • Initially, open command prompt by pressing on “Windows + X” keys
  • Now, hit on command prompt and select “Run as Administrator”. Hit on “YES” when command 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 Disk Not Responding

Sometimes, when an external hard drive not responding 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 stop responding issue. But in some situation it works. So, I recommend you, if the above mentioned methods unable to resolve Seagate hard drive stops responding error. Then try this solution.

Fix External Hard Disk 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 hard drive, you may need to utilize an appropriate and reliable anti-virus or anti-malware application.

Tip: – You should also know how to remove write protection from external hard drive.

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 external hard drive is not responding 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 steps by step guide to resolve external hard drive stops responding issue.

FAQS

How do I fix my external hard drive not responding

The simplest way to fix external hard drive not responding by using SysTools HHD Recovery Application. This also allows users to recover formatted and deleted data from computer.

Is it possible to fix External Hard Drive Not Responding to My Computer?

After reading this blog users can fix external hard drives not responding in the computer by using the manual as well as third party application.

Can I Fix not responding in laptop error?

Uninstall and re-install the USB device via “Device Manager” may assist users to solve the disk not responding error by reading this blog.

  author

By Chirag Arora

Having around 9+ years of experience in technical writing. Knows about the core technical areas. Also, provides easy and reliable solutions to resolve difficulties faced by users while working with different platforms.