Help - Buffalo Hard Drive turned into file folder which now can't be accessed

[d_lange]

   

Hi, 

 

I have a Buffalo Ministation External hard drive I use for work.  I'm not sure what the model is on this it may be "DC5V" or "HD-PF500U2/BK-US".

 

I have used this for over a year with no problems.  The other day I went to another office and plugged it into a computer, and used it briefly.

 

When I returned to work my hard drive shows up as a "file folder" and not a hard drive and I am unable to gain access to it on any PC.

 

Something happened at that other office I normally don't use.  Any tips would be appreciated.  I surfed the boards here and could not find what appeared to be a similar problem.

 

If you don't mind also directly e-mail me your suggestion.  I am just learning how to navigate this board.

 

Thanks.

[Kameran]

Depending on the computer, you can go to start, right click on computer or my computer, then go to manage,  then disk management.  See if you can right click on the disk usually the model name. and explore or open, and see if you have access to your files.  I would backup your files if you do have access, and then format and move files back to the usb hard drive.

[d_lange]

   

Hi Kameran,

 

Thanks for your help.  I tried that option.  No luck.

 

For some reason it is a file folder now with no access allowed.  It no longer shows up like a thumb drive, external drive, or how any drive normally does.

 

I backed up the files a day before.  Is this external drive done?

 

Any other things I could try?

 

Thanks again

[dcsam2000]

I had the same issue & I tried the below and it worked. Go to the Below website.

 

http://www.buffalo-asia.com/cgi-bin/support/index.cgi?country=sg">http://www.buffalo-asia.com/cgi-bin/support/index.cgi?country=sg

 

Select your hard disk and download the "Patch File for NAS". It says it only works for Vista but it worked for me on XP as well. Your HDD should be plugged in wne you run the patch file. It should work cause it worked for me!

 

You should be able to access files from then onwards. Unplug & plug again & you would be able to see it as an hard disk like before.

 

Hope the above helps.

 

Regards,

Dan