I recently purchased a Maxtor brand external hard drive one-touch back-up system for my computer. Since I installed it back it November, I've got it scheduled to run daily at 6:30 pm. Within the first 2 weeks of installation, I kept getting error messages stating that the drive was not recognized. I checked all the connections (power, USB cables, etc.) and everything was fine. I disconnected everything then reconnected it, the computer then recognized the external drive. A few weeks later, the same thing happens. I disconnect, then reconnect, and it recognizes the external drive. Is there something going on with my main hard drive, operating system or any software that you may know of that may be kicking the external drive off line? Any ideas? I am running Windows XP Home edition. Any info would be appreciated as this is driving me crazy.

My first stop would be the Maxtor website to see if your question has been already answered in the Support section. Some manufacturers also have a support forum as well.

If you want to rule out the hard drive, then go to the manufacturer's website and download the diagnostic tools. Those will tell you if your harddrive is bugging out.

You can find out the harddrive manufacturer by either popping open the case and looking at the label or download freeware like Belarc Advisor which will give you the specs on your computer.

You may also want to go into your Scheduled Tasks menu to make sure that nothing is running at the same time.

Next time you get the error, check the system event log. It should give you some additional information. Also check Device Manager--see if there is a warning symbol over the icon for your drive.

If you don't know how to do these things, PM me with the model number for your external drive and I'll be happy to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Also check the manufacturer's website to see if there is a firmware upgrade.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will have to wait until Monday when I get back into my office to check everything out. It is so frustrating to have things like this happen to a system which is supposed to be a backup. I love/hate computers! Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. I will let you guys know if I have further trouble whatever the outcome is. I'm crossing my fingers it's an easy fix.