WD Element 2TB Has Me Stumped... :(

[Lost815]

Hello Community First Off, I'm a pretty computer savy guy, and I've exhausted all of my options. Recently purchased this WD Elements 2 TB External HD, WDBAAU0020HBK-NEST I have a Dell, Runs Windows XP. Connected the device as shown in the instruction (quick guide) My computer does not recognize the drive. It simply says that "the USB device Not Recognized". Ive reconnected several times. The white light at the rear of the drive lights up/blinks, so i know something is working. I then attempted to try to connect the Element drive to my laptop (running windows XP), to the same dead end. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Weinie · Accepted solution]

I am having the same problem, except it initially connected, then when I got up this morning, nothing. Windows 7 reports it as an unrecognised device. Power off, on, unplug the USB cable, won't see it again.

[Lost815]

Thanks man Truly Appreciate it

[dsmith2406]

August 10, 2010

RE: Blinking Light

To everyone in the community thank you for your posts regarding the "Blinking White Light."  I just bought a new 2TB Essential drive.  In less than a week after buying the drive it stopped functioning and I got the "Light."  I contacted customer support and received a complete run around.  Asked multiple times what it means when the light blinks.  Never once would they answer the question.  They told me to come to the community.  I had already done that looking for a solution.  They out and out refused to take any ownership for the product.  I received suggestions that never had a chance to solve the issue. They refused to help with any data recovery.  They offered me sites from which I could purchase software to recover the data.   I have had a similar experience with WD drives before.  The board that they use to interface the power and USB cables and the drive connections seems to be of poor quality.  The last drive I had was out of warranty so I took it apart removed the board and connected the drive directly and supplied my own power.  It has worked fine for a couple of years.  I believe on this drive the board may have wiped out the data on the drive because of an electricalproblem.

I contacted the source from whom I bought the drive. They are going to give me a refund and pay for the return shipping.  Did you hear that WD? 

Maybe Made in America is a thought worth considering.  I still have to buy a new drive but it will not be  WD.  They, WD,  showed no interest in customer satisfaction only canned answers and limited effort.

dsmith2406.