Buffalo Forums

   

Recently install a Drive Station Combo #HD-HS1.0IU2/F to USB 2.0 port on a Windows PC.  The boot process hangs at AUTO DETECTING USB DEVICE when the drive is turned on.  The boot process does not continue if the drive is subsequently powered off.  If the drive is powered off, the boot process is normal.  I can turn the drive on after the computer is running and can read and write the drive as expected.

 

I have tried this on two different machines and have found the same result.  The only commonality between the machines as they both have the same ASUS motherboard.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Since the issue is the same on two systems with the same motherboard, I would recommend updating the BIOS. You can get information on how to update it from the ASUS website.

   I have checked and seem to have the latest BIOS.

I have strong doubts that the device is the root of the problem. If you can, see if the issue is reproducible on a computer with a different motherboard. If you try that, and the issue continues, I would recommend exchanging the device at the retailer or call your local support for an RMA.

   

As you suggested, I have tried the drive with other computers.  I was able to boot up on two new Vista machines with 2008 BIOS normally.  I was not able to boot up on either of two older machines, BIOS 2002 and 2003, respectively.  I have looked through the setup on these last two machines and do not see anything pertinent that I can change.

 

It appears to me that there is a compatiblity problem with machines 2006 and older.  Am I the first to report such an experience?

Who is the manufacture of your motherboard and what is the model of the board you have?

Also what version of BIOS are you running.

   

I have tried this on seven machines, two of which boot properly.  Those are both new 2008 Gateway computers laid out for Vista OS, one Intel and one AMD CPU.

 

The five machines that do not boot are as follows;

1.  ASUS #P5GD2-X with BIOS 0401.

2.  ASUS #P5GD2-X with BIOS 0601.

3.  MSI # (unknown) with AMIBIOS 3.31 dated 2003

4.  HP desktop, motherboard unknown, Award Medallion BIOS V6.00PG Rev 3.04 3/18/2002

5.  SONY VAIO laptop, motherboard unknown, circa 2006.

This does not make sense,  this is not a known issue this product does not get that many complaints.  Aside from making sure that you have the latest chipset drivers for this I would try another combo to see if it gives the same results.

 

Are you installing the Turbo software with this?  If so try to install it then boot up.

   

I did install the turbo software on the first machine and still had the problem.  I will install the software on some of these other machines to see if anything changes.  If I get the same results then I will try to return the unit for a replacement.

 

I really needed to know if this problem had been reported previously.  Thanks for the input.

This is the first my office has seen this.  What region did you purchase this in?

   It was purchased at Fry's Electronics in Manhattan Beach, CA, (Southern California)

I would try another unit, or if you would like to RMA this one I can review it once it comes in for RMA.  Please let us know or call my office at 866-752-6210

   What is the RMA process and what is the turn around time?

Contact support 866-752-6210, you can set up an Advanced RMA (use a hold on a credit card to get a unit shipped to you first) turn around time is aprox 1-3 days.  Or you can do a standard RMA (you send in the unit first, then one gets sent back to you) turn around time is aprox 1-3 days.

   

Paul,

 

I have the exact same problem with a brand-new DriveStation 1TB external drive (S/N 95504481205352) unable to boot to an Asus P4B motherboard (Windows XP - SP3).

 

I have not had this problem with either my older Buffalo 500Gb external drive, nor with a Buffalo MiniStation.

 

The 1Tb external drive has no problem booting into a Dell laptop or for that matter an older PC with an Asus motherboard.

 

I purchased the drive from Fry's in Renton, WA today and will be returning it tomorrow.

 

As an aside I found the drive showing signs of "made in China" low quality issues... a very chinzy USB cable and  software with messages like "There are NOT new drive to be able to format".  Me spekee pidgin?

 

 

   

Finally found the cause of the problem - but no solution :-(

 

My ASUS P4P800 Deluxe motherboard's BIOS does not "see" drives 1Tb (or larger). Even if you plug the Buffalo drive in after the Windows boot-up and use it then, it will eventually crash with a BSOD in the middle of your backup - so that solution is not  acceptable.

 

There are a multitude of messages about this problem on the ASUS board forum - but so far ASUS has not fixed the BIOS - not just for older boards like my P4P800 but also newer boards...

 

My much older ASUS (10 years) works with the 1TB Buffalo drive - go figure...