External USB HDD not deteced - windows server 2003

[infinet]

server : HP ML370 G3 with Dual processors

I have issue with Windows Server 2003 Ent with SP2, when try connect usb
hdd. It is not detected.

After applying w2k3 service pack 2 I noticed that the USB drive was not
always being detected. I was advised to apply the hotfix KB931317 (Windows
Server 2003 - KB931317 -x86-ENU.exe) but this has not solved the problem.

I first noticed problems with the usb disk being detected while still on
SP1. And thought SP2 would cure the problem.

The hard drive is a toshiba MK4025GAS sold as a branded mobile hard disk
called "flight case".
- The usb HHD works fine on my w2k3 SP1 machine and on my XP SP2 machine
- I have updated to the latest bios
- I have updated the Proliant Suppport P**** (PSP) software to the latest
available.
- I have apllied all the MS security updates available.

Any ideas how to solve the problem.

[cw]

Just a thought, but are you sure you don't need to assign a Drive Letter to
the USB drive on the server? You can go to the Computer Management console
and check Disk Management. You "may" see the disk, but no drive letter.
"If this is the problem.....", when you assign it a drive letter you should
then be able to see the drive.

[infinet]

Sorry no disks with unassigned dirve letters. So rescaned for disks but this
did not help.

Also there are no usb devices under Device Manager either. Its as if the
server does not recognise that a usb device is attached.

[acherman]

Hey infinet, were you ever able to find a solution to this? I have a similar issue with 2003 SBS running on a Dell PowerEdge 1850. Sometimes it will detect the drive, but more often it won't. Only a reboot with the device attached makes a difference. Even trying different USB devices shows no detection in Windows (devices work fine on other servers/workstations). We have tried all of the usual Scan for Hardware Changes, Rescan Disks, etc but with no results.

Aaron

[vl51]

Hi all,
Hope you have fixed this issue. here is your option:
1. (Rename) Give a name to your EHD (external Hard disk ) from a pc which can detect your EHD;
2. If you only have one pc:
* open the "Device Manager" and "Disk Management" , take screenshoots for reference later ;
* plug-in your EHD, you should find one more "USB Mass Storage Device" show up on your "Device Manager", also a disk icon (no name )shows on your "Disk Management" screen (you may need to change to another usb port if nothing changed)
* right click that icon, select "Change drive letter.." -->"Add" then chose a letter. after you click ok, your EHD should show up on "My computer"
*select your EHD in " my computer" and give it a name (rename). you should never have this "detect" issue again!

Thank you very much CW, you provide the solution. I had been spent two weeks for online research. I really like buy you a lunch :-)

VL51

[Saber82x]

vl51
you are the man or woman i was told this was an impossible problem but u have then done the impossible thanks
saber82x

[dhadkan009]

*!*!*!* Thank you very much "Change drive letter.." it's works *!*!*!*