How to connect an external drive?

Most users are faced withthe lack of free space in the computer memory. In addition, due to the hard drive's usage, the PC starts to hang and work unstable. To avoid these problems, you need to move the files to an external hard drive. This will not only increase the speed of the computer, but also provide the ability to have the necessary files at your fingertips.

How to connect external drives to a computer

Connecting via USB cable

The easiest way to connect an external drive and computer.

Connect the cable from one side to the external drive (USB / mini-USB) connector, and from the other to the USB connector on the computer.
After connecting an external drive to the computer, wait until the machine detects the new device.
Click the "Start" button and go to the "My Computer" tab.
In the left column, find yours from the list of devices and click on it two times with the mouse.
Get to work.

Connecting via Y-USB cable (cable with extra power)

It can happen that there is not enough foodfor an external hard drive. In this case, the device will need additional energy. To do this, you will need a special USB cable with a branch.

Connect the cable from one side to the external drive connector (USB / mini-USB), and on the other to the two USB connectors on the computer.
Some drive models are includedadditional power cord. In this case, you must first connect the USB cable to the computer and the external drive, and then in the same way - an additional cord.
After connecting an external drive to the computer, wait until the machine detects the new device.
Click the "Start" button and go to the "My Computer" tab.
In the left column, find yours from the list of devices and click on it two times with the mouse.
Get to work.

Connection via two cables

Large external hard drives inbasically have in a complete set two cables with different sockets. The wires look identical, but they have different functionalities: one is for information transfer, and the other is for power supply.

Connect the cable from one side to the external drive (USB / mini-USB) connector, and from the other to the USB connector on the computer.
Connect the second wire in the same way.
After connecting an external drive to the computer, wait until the machine detects the new device.
Click the "Start" button and go to the "My Computer" tab.
In the left column, find yours from the list of devices and click on it two times with the mouse.
Get to work.

Connection via a separate power supply

This method of connecting a drive and a computerimplies the power supply of an external drive from an ordinary outlet. To implement this type of connection, a network adapter (power supply) is provided in the disk assembly. Usually this method is used when connecting a large external disk.

Connect the cable from one side to the external drive (USB / mini-USB) connector, and from the other to the USB connector on the computer.
Connect the AC adapter to the external drive via a special connector, and plug in the socket.
After connecting an external drive to the computer, wait until the machine detects the new device.
Click the "Start" button and go to the "My Computer" tab.
In the left column, find yours from the list of devices and click on it two times with the mouse.
Get to work.

Possible causes of connection problems

Lack of power (in this case, use the method of connecting the device through the Y-USB cable or the AC adapter);
USB port malfunction (try connecting the cable to another connector);
If none of the USB ports are working, then a motherboard failure may occur (consult a specialist);
Faulty cable (in this case, you need to purchase a new cable);
Faulty hard drive (it is necessary to pass the drive for diagnostics).

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