Windows 10: CAN AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE BE PHYSICALLY CLEANED IF IT HAS COLLECTED DUST?

First, the external hard drives that I own (one is a 1 TB) couldn't be recognized by the computer. I was overjoyed that I simply had to download a driver so that they would be recognized but by the time I asked the question (years after this issue surfaced) and was given an answer, the external hard drives seemed to become non-functional. I'm assuming that the dust build-up from many years is the culprit.


Can external hard drives be physically cleaned of dust?


RAP

:)

 

External Hard Drive

Hi John,

We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
• Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.

The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

External hard drive not recognised

Thanks for this. I've done what you suggested and been through all the steps mentioned in the article. The hard drive works fine on a Mac computer, and I've managed to copy the information on it. It must be a Surface issue so I'll try to get a chat line tomorrow.

 

External Hard Drive

To address your concern, here are the troubleshooting steps that you can try. Follow the steps below:

Uninstall and reinstall the external hard drive program.

• In the Settings app, go to System.
• Go to Apps & features and locate the external hard drive program.
• Uninstall the program and go to the manufacturer's website to reinstall the updated version.

Uninstall and reinstall the Paragon driver software.

• Following the same steps mentioned above, locate the software in Apps & features
  and uninstall it.
• After uninstalling the software, go to the manufacturer's website to reinstall it.
  

To further isolate your concern, we'd also like to verify if the OneDrive app is enabled on your PC.

You can hit us back for additional help.

Kind regards.