[midknight129]

Here's the problem. I have a Simpletech external hard drive that, more or less, worked fine. I had it plugged in via usb, and could access files on it. I recently got an Epson NX415 printer/scanner which has a removable data drive for memory cards (compact flash, sD, etc.). After I installed the printer, I found that my computer wouldn't recognize my external drive anymore. When ever I try to turn it on/plug it in, I get the message "USB Device Not Recognized: One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, etc." Basically, it will recognize that "something" is plugged in, but windows has no idea what. If I unplug my printer from the computer, and turn my drive back on, it is detected just fine and I can access all my files. Plug the printer back in, the drive still works until I turn it off or restart the computer. If both Printer and External HD are plugged in, the HD malfunctions, but not with the HD alone. I've tried uninstalling all usb drivers also, no dice. It seems that the printer is doing "something" but I have no idea what, it doesn't even seem physically possible that the presence of the printer should have anything to do with the hard drive other than them both being plugged in via USB. Each is running on their own power cord and I've tried different USB port combinations for both devices.

[colpurps]

Hi, This is not an uncommon problem. It would seem likely that you unplugged the USB cable from the external drive while data was being transmitted or without clicking on the 'Safely Remove Hardware' icon in your Systray. I have just done the same thing by mistake when pulling out a plug. Whether there is some service that can help you by reading your disk, I am not sure. I guess that I'm about to find out! I suggest you obtain USB 2 cables with LEDs that are colour coded or use coloured tape to denote which cable connector is which on your USB sockets. I will post again with any progress I make, colpurps

[midknight129]

Oh, the disk reads just fine... as long as I don't turn it on with the printer plugged in. Also, I had the computer turned off when I disconnected the external drive because I was installing an internal hard drive before the problem happened. Here was the exact course of events. I powered down the comp then unplugged everything. I opened it up and used an air can to blow all the dust out, then I used a newly bought SATA cable to re-connect my old internal drive (which had problems and couldn't boot) as a 2nd hard drive so I could recover some of the data. I closed it up, plugged everything back in (the external drive was still switched off) and started it back up. Then I installed the printer drivers and plugged in the printer (via usb). The printer worked fine. Later, I needed something off my external drive, so I flipped it on. That's when the error detecting it occured. After a little experimentation, I found that if I just unplug the usb from the printer and only attach the printer when I need to print, I don't have problems. But I'd prefer to be able to just have my printer connected and work normally. One thing I just realized, the external drive used to be drive H:. The printer has a photo card reader and the reader has taken over the H: designation and my external drive has been relegated to drive I:. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. Does any of that help narrow down the problem? If you need any additional details, I'll provide what I know, but honestly, I don't see how a printer can have anything to do with the ability of the computer to detect the hard drive.

[colpurps]

I don't know your printer but I suppose it is mains-powered through a power-pack? Some USB devices draw their current from the USB line if they don't have an adaptor, but I am sure that you are aware of that. I was thinking that your HDD was corrupted, but you say that it works on its own, therefore it can't be. Have you checked the addressing for conflicts? It sounds as if Windows has changed your drive letters for some reason when you used the removable drive without your ext HDD, as H was free. That should not be a problem as you can manually change the drive letter selection yourself in Windows to any unused letter. When you opened your case you could have nudged a loose connection, it might be worth checking all and every one of them as I have found that can happen even with the most careful intrusion. Maybe try a powered USB hub? It doesn't sound as if you have a disaster as you can access your files. I wish I could. Good wishes, colpurps.