Windows 10: External Hard drive shows Disconnected with Red 'X' when attempting to do Windows Backup or...

Op System: Windows10


I have a 1TB Seagate external drive that I connected to a USB port. In File Explorer it shows as drive 'F:'. However, when I go to 'Backup & Restore' it shows as 'E:' and has a Red 'X' and says 'disconnected'. It does not allow me to select 'Backup'. However, I can click on 'Create a System Image' in the left side of the window, and an image is actually saved to the external drive. I can look at the data that has been written to this drive. However, if I want to restore this image, the 'Restore' function is not allowed (cannot click on 'Restore' or 'Backup'). I did experiment by using 'Disk Management' to assign the drive letter 'Y:' to the external hard drive. In File Explorer it shows as drive letter 'Y:', but in 'Backup & Restore' it still shows as drive letter 'E:' and 'disconnected' with the Red 'X'. Drive 'E:' is actually being utilized by a Flash drive that File History updates are written to.


*As a note, I am having the same problems on another system running Windows7.

I have read some information on similar problems, but they do not seem to resolve mine.


Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks much,

Steve Y.

:)

 

External hard drive disconnecting

Hi,

I realize the inconvenience caused to you regarding the external hard drive as it is disconnecting. I will certainly assist you.

Please answer the below questions to assist you better.

• What is the make and model of the external hard drive?
• Are you getting any error messages in the device manager?

Follow the below methods and check if it helps.

Connect the external hard drive and perform the following methods.

Method 1: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with the Bluetooth adapter. Refer these steps:

• Press Windows key +X, select Control panel.
• Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons.
• Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel.
• Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter.
• Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Check if you can see the device in Device Manager

• Press Windows key + X.
• Click on Device manager.
• Click on View Tab, Select Show hidden devices.
• Click on Scan for Hardware changes.
• Check if the devices show up in Device Manager in the device list.

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.

 

external hard drive shows "disconnect". Cannot connect

External hard drive shows "disconnect". Cannot reconnect.

[Moved from: Windows / Windows 10 / Windows update, recovery, & backup]

 

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.