Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: kingshaggy on October 16, 2009, 09:28:10 PM

Title: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: kingshaggy on October 16, 2009, 09:28:10 PM

I got a free Maxtor external hard drive from a co worker who is basically computer illiterate.

It is a maxtor model #3000ls, 40 gig capacity, FAT 32 file system, with a spin rate of 5400rpms.

I plugged it in and it works but when I checked the properties there is only about 328 mbs total size and only 300mbs of available space.

I did a virus scan, tried to a do an scan to automatically  fix any  file system errors and also did a scan for and attempt to recover any bad sectors.

I got nothing and it still has only 328mbs of total space.
Is this thing shot???  Any help would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: dahlarbear on October 17, 2009, 03:51:29 AM

1.  Root Directory.  How many files are in the root directory within that FAT32 file system?

2.  Disk Management.  View the disk's structure within Disk Management to see how it's reported. 

To access, select "Start" -> right-click "My Computer" -> select "Manage" -> within "Storage" category on left pane of "Computer Management" window, select "Disk Management".

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: patio on October 17, 2009, 08:19:49 AM

Or DLoad and run the FREE diagnostics from MaxBlast....these can be used to wipe it and prep it for use...

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: kingshaggy on October 17, 2009, 10:40:33 AM

okay ...so I went into computer management and under my disc one (the external hard drive) it seemed to broken down into 2 sections. 

One section is (112506 Partial (E.) 329 mb FAT32   healthy
there is about 301 mbs of free space 

the other section is titled (Acronis SZ)  37.69 gb FAT 32  healthy  (unknown partition)
there is about 8.21 gbs of free space 

I can right click on the first section (112506 Partial (E.)  and I get all the options...open, explore, change drive letter, format, delete logical drive, properties, help  etc

but when I right click on the 2nd section (Acronis SZ) the only options are delete logical drive and help.

 

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: patio on October 17, 2009, 10:44:35 AM

Acronis is a disk imaging app that creates virtual drives to store backups...
If you cannot boot to this drive and run Acronis the only option is to create a bootable Acronis floppy/CD to remove that virtual drive...
I'd still suggest running MaxBlast on it to wipe the drive entirely so it's full capacity can be used...

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: malai12 on October 17, 2009, 02:15:16 PM

Unplugged your Floppy and CD drive or just go to BIOS section and disable those option hope that can make some changes. :)

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: Smoker on October 17, 2009, 04:11:56 PM

Start over and format the drive.

Title: Re: Problems with my Maxtor external hard drive
Post by: dahlarbear on October 17, 2009, 04:24:01 PM

Quote from: patio on October 17, 2009, 10:44:35 AM

I'd still suggest running MaxBlast on it to wipe the drive entirely so it's full capacity can be used...

The drive appears to be working.  Suggest you take Patio's advice to wipe the drive and start fresh.

It's always been my experience there are things I don't want to know about others...  So do everyone a favor and wipe the drive.