[Paul W.]

I'm running latest win xp without problems. I connected newly purchased Hitachi Deskstar Coolspin 3.5 HDD, via USB to my Dell E1505 laptop. I've never had such a problem, but the drive is not found, not recognized, as if it was not even plugged in. It also has loud screeching noise as it starts spinning. I bought the drive in March 2014, but didn't try installing it until August or September 2014. Is there an alignment problem? I noticed that the drive is no longer supported with the alignment software. Is there any other software or troubleshooting I can use to get the drive to be found, the partitioned and formatted? Thank you in advance.

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Hello Paul W.

 

That doesn't sound too healthy 

 

Can I ask how you connected the HDD as in was a USB HDD enclosure or a USB type adapter used, a link to that used would be helpful.

 

The HDD will still be under warranty and while a pain in the proverbial returning it is better than having to toss it in the trash, Hitachi HDDs are part of Seagate now so you could try SeaTools for Windows v1.2.0.6 (10.15.2011) from here but if the drive is not detected at all it may be hosed.

[phillpower2]

Hello Paul W.

 

That doesn't sound too healthy 

 

Can I ask how you connected the HDD as in was a USB HDD enclosure or a USB type adapter used, a link to that used would be helpful.

 

The HDD will still be under warranty and while a pain in the proverbial returning it is better than having to toss it in the trash, Hitachi HDDs are part of Seagate now so you could try SeaTools for Windows v1.2.0.6 (10.15.2011) from here but if the drive is not detected at all it may be hosed.

[Paul W.]

I used an enclosure. I also used the same type of enclosure on another Hitachi which I bought at the same time, but not a Coolspin. That drive worked fine. I've contacted the Amazon seller twice, but they have yet to reply. Any other advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Paul W.]

Hello Paul W.

 

That doesn't sound too healthy 

 

Can I ask how you connected the HDD as in was a USB HDD enclosure or a USB type adapter used, a link to that used would be helpful.

 

The HDD will still be under warranty and while a pain in the proverbial returning it is better than having to toss it in the trash, Hitachi HDDs are part of Seagate now so you could try SeaTools for Windows v1.2.0.6 (10.15.2011) from here but if the drive is not detected at all it may be hosed.

I did forget to mention, that I have already tried the Seagate tool, but as you suspected, since the drive is not found, it's not able to help. I did read somewhere about an alignment software for the drive, but somehow it is either not supported anymore, and would need to purchase software; if that's really the problem (alignment). Thank you.

[phillpower2]

You know for sure that the enclosure is good so that does suggest that the coolspin is bad, that coupled with the fact that you have contacted the seller twice but not received any reply, was this a private seller or a merchant, dependant on which you may have been duped, would you trust this HDD with your important data.

[Paul W.]

You know for sure that the enclosure is good so that does suggest that the coolspin is bad, that coupled with the fact that you have contacted the seller twice but not received any reply, was this a private seller or a merchant, dependant on which you may have been duped, would you trust this HDD with your important data.

I believe I bought the HDD from a merchant, through Amazon. And, you're right. I don't trust my data on this drive; even if I can somehow get it going. I'd use it as a backup of backup data. I thought that Hitachi was quality. Or, I could have been unlucky with the drive. I could very well have been duped. There are probably a few tricks out there to get people to not use Hitachi, and instead WD or other drives. I just want quality at an affordable price. So, I guess it's back to WD or SG. Thank you.

[phillpower2]

The Hitachi drive has a 3 year warranty and if purchased from a merchant you have a better chance of the warranty being valid, you may be able to verify any warranty here

 

The noise that you mentioned is a concern but can I ask if the enclosure that you used is capable of handling 2TB HDDs as not all can, one such example here

[Paul W.]

The Hitachi drive has a 3 year warranty and if purchased from a merchant you have a better chance of the warranty being valid, you may be able to verify any warranty here

 

The noise that you mentioned is a concern but can I ask if the enclosure that you used is capable of handling 2TB HDDs as not all can, one such example here

I found out through hgst.com that my drive doesn't qualify for RMA# to return it. I'm pretty certain the seller was fraudulent in knowingly selling me a defective HDD. I've sent an email to hgst to see what to do next. The enclosure works well on another 2TB HDD. Thank you.

[terry1966]

it's not unknown to have a dead drive from new, i've had at least 1 brand new dead drive that needed returning and a replacement sent out next day by a reputable retailer.

 

in your position if the seller isn't responding then i'd contact amazon directly, they are usually very good at sorting out any problems with the seller and will even refund your money as a last resort. having the drive for such a long time before testing might be a complication tho.

 

Edited by terry1966, 27 October 2014 - 02:23 AM.

[phillpower2]

Aye and no doubt the seller will say that the drive has been damaged in the post.

 

Not sure what HGST will be able to do for you but worth checking is what terry has suggested and go through Amazon, good luck with it and let us know if you have any success with a refund or replacement HDD.