I have a problem with my seagate agent go 500 gb. when plugged in to my laptop it doesn't detect it and it freezes my laptop until i unplug it. how can i get to my files in the external hard drive?

try all usb inputs. if it still isn't try another computer. It should be found. Make sure it is plugged in just right or wiggle to see if it finds it. if not then maybe the hard drive is 3.0 usb and the computer is 2.0 just some thoughts

check in the bios if it is showing HDD detected
.if there in bios HDD not detected then there is problem with HDD (change the HDD ) or

go in bios and ...check sata settings
.change the sata settings n then ...install again

It seems that your Seagate Free agent has lost it connection to your laptop because of the problem in usb cable
Try to unplug the usb cable from your laptop and plug in again

ok here goes, my neighbour has the Seagate FreeAgent Desk 500GB, and in under 2 weeks it started to beep and was not reconized by any Laptop or P.C. if this is the same for you with any FreeAgent Desk series ( not GO series, different procedure for GO products). You maybe in luck click this link, you may have to register in the forums to view thread.... http://www.yo-lid.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=84 hope this helps Ytee.

Do a FULL POWER DOWN Reboot. and try a different USB outlet in the PC... same Laptop to see if it is in your PC that is causing the problem.
Note: Most of those Drives do stop unless they are connected to the PC... energy savings.
If that didnt work... you could have a failed drive. Seagate should help you do some diag if it is in warranty... typically 3 years.

You better check with the Seagate people. This seems to be a problem with the casing. And since you're under warranty, you can get a replacement.

As you know,the Seagate sometimes has the firmware problems,so it seems that this firmware designed only valid in XP or Vista system,you may find the firmware update from the seagate official website

you should plug the connection properlly and match the cables properly&then check

I think you screw yourself... you have just burn your files

465.66 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 = 499,998,617,764 bytes. The problem is the definition of gigabytes.