External HDD problem urgent help needed

[wendyl]

After a series of problems with a Freecomm HDD I purchased they diagnosed a hardware failure and asked me to return for replacement. I now have a Seagate instead. I installed this today (Minimal guidance supplied) Windows did not 'find' so left to go out although PC working. On return I switched on and Logitech mouse 'locked up' Tried again and iPC has locked up on Windows opening up so I can't use at all!
Is any advice available please especially as Rojash advised my Hard Dsk may be in danger so I desperately need to back up everything and am using laptop

[puzzlesRus]

As regards setting-up your new hard drive, I would recommend that someone downloads for you the Seagate disk wizard. Ii can be downloaded from:-

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downl oads/discwizard

It comes in two formats Windows or Dos and in view of the fact that you currentlly cannot access Windows, I would suggest the dos version which is created on 2 floppy disks.

[wendyl]

thanks very much but can i not download to CD/DVD? my laptop does not have a floppy driveit is fairly basic but quite new so does ot have a lot of programmes installed altough i believe I can back up with the same ext HD? Have also just tought I may be able to download to my husband's PC - I will look for some floppies

[wendyl]

sorry should be thought not tought

[puzzlesRus]

Yes, the website says that you can also download in the form of a CD image (ISO file). You could then burn the image to cd, using Nero or similar.

[wendyl]

thanks I'll try to sort it in the morning

[dodgyshirt]

I think puzzleRus has got hold of the wrong end of the stick here, presumably from the question title you are referring to an external USB HDD whilst he has assumed it to be your main hard drive. If this is the case, do not follow his advice as the Seagate will have already been formatted ready for use.
Unplug the external HDD and re-boot your PC to ensure that it works properly,even if it means doing a hard re-set.
Then plug in your external HDD again referably using a different USB port and see if the fault re-occurs.

[puzzlesRus]

Sorry, Wendy. Yes, Dodgyshirt is right - I had assumed you were referring to a Seagate Non-USB hard disk drive.

Just one thing I am not clear about, if you suspect that your internal hard drive is on its way out, why have you plumped for an external usb drive ? Just curious.

[dodgyshirt]

PuzzleRus, in answer to an earlier question, Rojash told Wendy that it sounded as though her HDD was failing and advised her to back it up before it suffered a terminal failure.
It would appear that she now has problems doing that.

[wendyl]

Thanks dodgy shirt but I have been unable to use the PC at all today it blue screened on me this am so I havehad to request professional help. The same result with and without the external drive
The reason for the external is to make a complete back up in case of internal failure - in that event I will need to replace it and not all my work is backed up as it should be! Good intentions to do better !Unfortunately I have had to call in a new engineer and he won't be here till Saturday

[wendyl]

thanks again dodgy shirt - you are right - only just switched on laptop and crossed with your posting to explain