Windows Logo crap.

[star-warrior]

My sis got me a external harddisk drive, Western Digital 250 GB. Plugged it in and waited for it to install. Then comes up the surprise that it did have Windows Logo certification or some crap like that. So, I can't get it to work at all, despite it saying it is compatible with XP on the box. What to do? Return it?

 

[3nipples]

My guess is that there was a warning message during the installation saying that the installation package wasn't certified by Microsoft and you panicked and aborted it as a result instead of just ignoring the warning and continuing.

It's unlikely to be a problem of hardware incompatibility with an XP system, so why not just try again?

 

[star-warrior]

I went into Install Hardware again, and did the reinstallation a second time, this time ignoring the warning. Same problem, it told me that it was incompatible.

 

[3nipples]

Easy to set up, easy to use -- Installation is a snap because you don't really "install" this drive, you just plug it in and it's ready to use. There is no CD to install; the included software loads from the drive the first time you plug it in.

System Requirements
Available USB Port
Windows® 98SE/Me/2000/XP or,
Mac® OS X 10.2.8+

My second guess: Are you sure you have a USB 2.0 port and not the slower USB 1.1?

 

[jft245]

How old is the computer? Sometimes newer hardware conflicts with an old system(and "old"could be just a matter of a year or two). Make sure that a driver does not have to be downloaded from the companies site. Check the support area of WD's site, there are usually FAQ's and user forums that might be able to walk you throgh the installation. Good luck and let us know how it is going. Nothing more frustrating then buying a new piece of equipment and not having it work.

 

[cellular]

I got a western digital my book 320gb in june last year, have no problems with it. I plugged it in, in a couple of minutes i could use it with my windows XP to transfer lots of stuff to it. Its still working till now, and im totally satisfied. I didnt have that compatibility issue so cant help you there!

 

[buster68]

Never had a problem with mine. Just plugged it in, XP saw it...loaded it and within a few hours I had the damn thing full of porn, had to go buy another one...so now I have two external drives and XP hasn't even flinched. My guess is that you have an old computer with outdated USB drives.

 

[trawler69]

I have had this problem with aborted installs. The computer remembers that the device doesn't work.

With the drive plugged in, try going to control panel / system / hardware / device manager / usb controlers. One of them should have a warning triangle. Double click it then click driver tab then uninstall option.

The computer should now find the drive and start the install process again, ignore warnings but read them to make sure you click the appropriate button to proceed anyway. Good luck. Let us know what worked for you so we can learn.

 

[SouthBeach30]

I had a problem with a 200GB drive that came preformatted in FAT32. Reformatted in NTFS and it worked fine. Not sure that's the problem, but that's my 2 cents.

 

[mike_n_herrin]

Can you give us the make and model number. Maybe i can find something on western digital's web site.

 

[star-warrior]

Here's the update.

Since I last posted, the support center for Western Digital can be reached, and through their advice, I right clicked on My Computer > Manage > Disk Management to see what drives could be seen. Although the Western Digital drive was recognised, no drive letter was assigned. The lady then asked me to format the disk to NTSF type, but the length of time taken indicated to her that the drive was defective.

So it's going back for a replacement.

Thanks guys for your time. DHL are coming tomorrow to pick it up, I wonder when the new one will arrive. Luckily, it was bought via Amazon, so all charges are theirs.

 

[mike_n_herrin]

cool. let us know if the replacement one works.

 

[star-warrior]

UPDATE:

I got the replacement drive today, and exactly the same thing occurs. The other half says its probably down to my version of Windows XP (with SP2). I've now sent a message to WD with screen caps of Disk Management and other message windows asking for help, will know in a couple of days I guess.