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Cannot open any file on Seagate 320mb external drive (Resolved)


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#1
6stringer

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As the topic says, I cannot open any file on my external backup drive.If I'm opening a photo I get the "please wait while Windows Live Photo Gallery locates the photo or video". This is for any of the hundreds of photos.

 

If I try to open a Word document I get this: Word experienced an error trying to open the file.Try these suggestions:

  • Check the file permissions for the document or drive
  • Make sure there is sufficient free memory and disk space
  • Open the file with the Text Recovery converter

If I try to delete an MP3 for example it says "Could no longer locate this item.Verify the items location and try again.

 

As always...suggestions are most appreciated.

 

Thank you


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#2
Troy

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Have you verified these issues on more than once computer?  Might be an idea to run a Check Disk (CHKDSK) on the drive.


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#3
6stringer

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Have you verified these issues on more than once computer?  Might be an idea to run a Check Disk (CHKDSK) on the drive.

 

You know, I hadn't thought of that! SO I checked the external drive on another computer and everything works perfectly. I can locate and open all files.

Your response brought to mind something that happened earlier this week when the computer started shutting down for no reason and Windows ran the check disc. It hasn't shut down for a couple of days but maybe I need to do something?

 

Thanks!


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#4
phillpower2

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Hello 6stringer

 

While Troy is offline do you mind if I chime in  :)

 

Overheating and a flaky PSU are common causes of such behaviour, the causes are not limited to these two though.

 

Please provide information about your computer, this includes is it a notebook or desktop, is it a custom build or brand name such as Dell or HP, if it is a brand name provide the model name or series number (not serial) if a custom build post the brand and model name or number for the add on video card if one is used and the PSU (power supply unit) + the amount of optical and hard drives that you have hooked up to it.


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#5
6stringer

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Sorry for the delay in responding.I've been struggling with the computer for the last several days. Here are the specifics:

  • HP G72 laptop
  • Pentium 2     2.0 GHz
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Win 7    64bit Home Premium

The computer has stayed on approx 20 hours this time before shutting down. Wondering about the overheating thing. The battery died so I removed it a few weeks ago(never use it).

 

Thanks


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#6
phillpower2

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Purchase a new HP (and not a cheap generic power brick) and clean out the notebook using the guide here and you should be right  :thumbsup:


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#7
6stringer

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Not so sure it's entirely heat related after all. On occasion the computer will not even finish it's boot cycle before it shuts off.

Anyway, I did clean it out per the instructions from HP, so thanks for that.


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#8
phillpower2

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Have you backed up all important data off the internal HDD, if not please do so and then run the HDDs own branded diagnostic tool;

 

To run the HDDs diagnostics tool;
Make sure that you select the tool that is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
Depending on the program it'll create a bootable floppy or a bootable DVD/CD.
If the downloaded file is the .iso type use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn the .iso file to a DVD/CD disk depending on your OS (select "Write image file to disc" option) and make the disk bootable

.
RE ImgBurn: please use the custom install and uncheck the attached foistware such as "Install Entrusted Toolbar etc


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#9
6stringer

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Ran the Seagate diagnostics and everything passed. I am concerned though about the 48C/118F temp.


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#10
phillpower2

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Good news that the HDD passed the tests, was it the extended tests!

 

What are the temperatures like where the notebook is used.

 

Have you considered using a notebook cooling pad, an example here


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#11
6stringer

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It passed every test,including the extended tests. Funny thing is when I turned the computer on it shut down within 10 minutes when all I was doing was checking email. When I rebooted it ran the entire three hours of extended tests without a hiccup. The computer barely felt warm even after all the tests were ran!

 

Question: is a battery necessary or can a laptop run off of AC all the time?  Could the power cord be going bad?  I'm running out of things to try.

 

Thanks!


Edited by 6stringer, 12 May 2014 - 07:24 PM.

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#12
phillpower2

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When you did the cleaning out of the notebook did you also remove the Ram and blow out the slots then replace the Ram, if not, try removing the Ram and gently blowing out the slot/s before replacing the Ram and testing, for removing and replacing the Ram safely see pages 51 and 52 here.

 

Does your AC adapter get hot to the touch at any time.

Also worth checking are that the DC jack port on the notebook is secure, no movement whatsoever.

There is a pin in the centre of the DC jack port, is it straight and not loose.

 

Some but not all of the below is relevant to your question but the information may help others who read your topic looking for guidance themselves.

To prolong the life expectancy of a notebook battery it should be allowed to run out of charge once in a while and then be fully recharged again, this is sometimes called exercising the battery.

It is not a good idea to use a notebook with both the battery and AC adapter/charger in place as it will shorten the life of the battery, this because the battery becomes reliant on being fully charged all of the time and so when the AC adapter/charger is removed the battery will quickly lose it`s charge, not all batteries do have but what many older ones do have is a memory cell (EEPROM) which stores the charge amount/content rating and this is often what becomes affected by continuous charging from the AC adapter/charger, typical symptoms may include not charging at all and only charging to a certain percentage and no further.

To exercise a removable notebook battery you should charge the battery to 100% when you are not going to be using the notebook away from a wall socket power outlet for an extended period of time, turn off and remove the AC adapter/charger and the battery, store the battery in a safe place, reconnect and use the AC adapter to power the notebook while you have access to a mains power socket, every once in a while (1 to 2 months) remove the AC adapter, replace the battery, use the notebook until the battery charge is depleted, connect the AC adapter/charger, charge the battery up to 100% and then repeat the very same steps as above.

Notebook and Netbook users who`s computers have integrated batteries should follow any guidelines provided by the manufacturer regarding best power management and settings but would benefit from once in a while allowing the battery to become empty of all charge by following the above steps, then fully charging the battery back up to 100% and then reverting back to the recommended power management steps that the manufacturer has suggested, these steps may include charging the battery up to 100% and then removing the AC adapter/charger, using the computer until the battery charge depletion level reaches the pre-set minimum allowed, reconnect the AC adapter/charger and then fully charge the battery up to 100% again and repeat the process.

Please note that the above will not help with a battery that has been damaged by being continuously connected to mains power or has reached it`s maximum charge amount limit/life expectancy.

If your notebook battery will not fully charge it suggests that it may be damaged or has been charged the maximum amount of times and so you should not allow it to lose all charge until you have a suitable replacement battery, this because a damaged or naturally expired battery may not begin to charge at all.

Some further information regarding how to prolong the life of a Notebook etc battery which includes calibrating it http://batterycare.net/en/guide.html


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#13
6stringer

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Ordered a new HP battery and it should be here next week.I've tried everything I can think of with not much success. If the laptop would do the same thing every time it might be easier to diagnose. Sometimes it shuts down within minutes of start-up, while at other times it will run for 8 hours or longer before shutting down. Maybe it's time for a new one,after all this one gets used very heavily by three people.

 

Thanks


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#14
phillpower2

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:thumbsup:

 

When you did the cleaning out of the notebook did you also remove the Ram and blow out the slots then replace the Ram, if not, try removing the Ram and gently blowing out the slot/s before replacing the Ram and testing, for removing and replacing the Ram safely see pages 51 and 52 here.

 

Does your AC adapter get hot to the touch at any time.

Also worth checking are that the DC jack port on the notebook is secure, no movement whatsoever.

There is a pin in the centre of the DC jack port, is it straight and not loose.

 

 


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#15
6stringer

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Well the plot thickens. Installed new HP battery a couple of hours ago. Indicator says "81% available(plugged in,not charging"). I just noticed that the cable is loose inside the jack.When I jiggle it around nothing happens like shutting the computer down,but I do not remember it being loose like that before.I've likely bumped the connection as the cabinet is a bit tight where the cord goes into the computer.


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