HELP with new external storage purchase: I use a dell PC and have a lot of external storage devices I plug in and unplug as needed. I am now needing more space, so I bought a WD 5 TB...

alphadog

I use a dell PC and have a lot of external storage devices I plug in and unplug as needed.

I am now needing more space, so I bought a WD 5 TB device refurb, but could NOT get it to download or connect to my PC, so have returned it as defective.... when I followed the instructions provided, it kept going in circles and finally stated this model [elements] is discontinued, despite just buying it from a refurb store... so this is why I just asked for a refund...

Now today, I was attempting to buy a SEAGATE 6 TB external device and asked them via chat as to whether IT will work with my WIN10 Software and I could NOT get a straight yes or no... I am older and usually just plug these devices into my computer and then see IT appear on my PC window without having to do anything techy...

So MY QUESTION: attached is my computer layout and the unit I want to buy... will it work simply on my PC or do I need to make arrangements with a neurosurgeon to add 6 TBs to my current system? thanks for any constructive help...

(Download)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Interesting.
I currently use two old 1TB WD My Passport Ultras on my Win11 desktop and Win 11 laptop. Both HPs.
No problem using them at all. I went from Win 7 to 11 on the new computers, skipping 10.
I also have a 2TB and 1TB hard drives in an <old> external drive dock which is connected to the desktop by USB. Works like a champ also.

alphadog

Thanks for that information, but I use Win10, not Win11, and my current setup will NOT accept the Win11 upgrade...

but the question remains, will a NEW External drive work with my current PC Win10? thanks, I suspect it will and may just need to buy it and find out what happens... thank you

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

alphadog wrote:

Thanks for that information, but I use Win10, not Win11, and my current setup will NOT accept the Win11 upgrade...

but the question remains, will a NEW External drive work with my current PC Win10? thanks, I suspect it will and may just need to buy it and find out what happens... thank you

Point was they work under 7 and 11, I would surmise they would also work under 10.
So I wouldn't see why the currently manufactured drives wouldn't work under 10.
If they are not recognized at all, it could be the USB port you used. Did you try another port?
You used the cable that came with the drive, correct?

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Assuming the drive is USB attached and you have an open USB port, the version of Windows will not matter - it should work fine. I would just add, buy the best quality drive that fits your budget, and I would avoid refurbished consumer grade drives, no matter how inexpensive. Also, I hope you are backing up your data.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TriX wrote:

Assuming the drive is USB attached and you have an open USB port, the version of Windows will not matter - it should work fine. I would just add, buy the best quality drive that fits your budget, and I would avoid refurbished consumer grade drives, no matter how inexpensive. Also, I hope you are backing up your data.

alphadog

I used another cable I knew was working, with a different 5TB WD already plugged into the PC. I did not use their cable, I did not try a different port. This may have worked.

Here was the last menu msg sent after plugging it into my PC. When I clicked on this msg, it wanted me to install it again. Finally, I went to their site and it stated this unit was discontinued and no longer serviceable.

I have already returned it. I plan on buying a Seagate NEW and will see what happens when it arrives.

Thank you for your response. Regards, Richard

(Download)

alphadog

Longshadow wrote:

Thanks for your response. I will buy the Sea Gate model and see what happens.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

alphadog wrote:

I used another cable I knew was working, with a di... (show quote)

Not sure what their included “installation” SW does, but all you really need to do is plug it in. If file explorer recognizes it as a drive and shows the capacity, just use it. If not, right click on the start button, choose disk manager, locate the new drive, and making SURE you select the correct, new drive, format it with NTFS file system. If you need step by step instructions, return here for assistance.

Cheers

ecblackiii Loc: Maryland

alphadog wrote:

I use a dell PC and have a lot of external storage... (show quote)

I've bought Dell XPS 8920, 8930, and now an 8940. My external drives worked immediately on each one of them as soon as I plugged them in.

ecblackiii Loc: Maryland

alphadog wrote:

I use a dell PC and have a lot of external storage... (show quote)

My external drives have worked on my XPS8920, 8930, and now 8940 as soon as I plugged them in. They were running on Versions 7, 10 and 11. It didn't seem to matter.

alphadog

TriX wrote:

Not sure what their included “installation” SW does, but all you really need to do is plug it in. If file explorer recognizes it as a drive and shows the capacity, just use it. If not, right click on the start button, choose disk manager, locate the new drive, and making SURE you select the correct, new drive, format it with NTFS file system. If you need step-by-step instructions, return here for assistance.

Cheers

new drive never installed to click ON, it continually axed me to install, and IF install didn't work, click on help, which started the whole process again... I have about 9 external drives which I have used and installed as you suggested.

This one would not, thanks for your input. NOT my first "rodeo" or external drive.. but it is gone now and the irony so far is, the SEAGATE BARGAIN immediately was revised and removed as well... it is a NEW WORLD these days... nothing is simple or straightforward

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

alphadog wrote:

new drive never installed to click ON, it continua... (show quote)

I'll bet on a buggered drive then.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

alphadog wrote:

new drive never installed to click ON, it continua... (show quote)

Good luck. Will wait to hear…

alphadog

TriX wrote:

Good luck. Will wait to hear…

Well, my Dell PC is working just fine... I am going to get another TB unit and I will see how it responds... but IF my computer is now working with all my external drives and fully functioning, I am not sure why you would conclude there is an issue with my computer drive? wouldn't I have all kinds of other issues at this time?