OS Win 7 Pro 64 Bit
3 Passport USB 3.0 2=Ultra 1 TB 1=Passport 500 Gb
connected to USB 3.0 using USB 3.0 4 port hub
PC was on for several days, then shut down
When started again had to start in safe mode then restart normally
after restart PC would not recognize Passports.
(see screen shots)
had to use USB extension cables tried 3 different cables did not work
I disconnected drives, and reboot, still show drives connected
PC calls for Format to use.
Moved drives to Laptop using Win 8.1 64 Bit and they were recognized
but security settings on drives did not allow access to files.
UPDATE: Connected USB 3.0 Hub directly to USB 3.0 Port without extension cable, and all worked fine.
However still cannot remove the 4 “Removable Drives” as shown in Win Explorer…
It sounds like the driver has become corrupt. Whenever I run into USB problems like this I use USBDeview.
View any installed/connected USB device on your system (scroll to the bottom of the page for the download link)
Unplug the USB from the port then in the USBDeview list find the Device Name(s) and/or Description(s) that are corrupt. Right-click and choose ‘Uninstall Selected Devices’ then plug in the USB again and Windows should recognize it.
Edit. Sorry I may have replied too fast. I’m not sure if this will remove the Removable Drives but this page shows how to hide empty drives.
I had a similar experience with my 3TB Passport. It was only in use for a couple of weeks when ALL of my computers stopped recognizing it.
I took it in to DriveSavers to try to recover the data. As advanced as they are, they were unsuccessful using their normal tools so they sent it out to their R&D shop. It took them an additional 4 weeks but they were able to recover just about everything and for the low cost of only $2,242.15!
Getting WD to follow through on their warranty to replace the device has been a nightmare requiring way too many emails and phone calls providing them with the same information over and over.
I’m waiting now for an email with the shipping label so I can return the device and get a replacement.
To say that I am not pleased with WD is an understatement.
