Hook up external harddrive - Computers & Internet

Pull the harddrive out, install in an economical external enclosure.
The external enclosure has a USB cable.

Plug the USB cable into any available USB port, on a working computer.

Go to My Computer, or Computer; and double-click on the drive letter, that corresponds with the external enclosure.

(Actually with the harddrive in that external enclosure, it is now an external harddrive)

http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=PCVR539DS&LOC=3#/howtoTab

It's an IDE harddrive. Also known as a PATA harddrive.

A harddrive is measured across it's width.
2-1/2 inches across is a laptop harddrive.
3.5 inches across is a desktop harddrive. (3-1/2 inches)

So you need a 3.5 IDE (PATA) external enclosure.
One example,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1733195&CatId=2779

Regards,
joecoolvette

The reason your monitor is in screensaver mode, (Read your other problem too), is there is no video signal coming to it.

No Signal

This is because the Netbook isn't sending one.

It isn't sending one because apparently you have graphics problems. Problems with graphics hardware.

So no, there is no Sync, or settings to change on the monitor.

(It is Not a video/graphics card. Your laptop uses Integrated Graphics. Intel HD 3000 Graphics )

However the point is moot now. Netbook is being sent in.

Point now is getting the info off the Harddrive, before some geek looses it.
(I'm a computer geek too, so that was no slam)

Remove the Harddrive. Then install it in an external enclosure.

You've seen an external enclosure, if you have seen an external harddrive.
You can buy just that 'outside case', too.

The external enclosure has a USB cable going to it.
The USB cable goes inside the enclosure, and connects to a small circuit board, with an interface on it.

The harddrive plugs into the interface.

The external enclosure comes apart VERY easily. Manufacturers make it easy to open the external enclosure, and install the Harddrive.

Usually a 2 piece case. One screw to open. Remove cover, plug Harddrive in, replace cover.
Plug USB cable into a USB port, on a working computer.

This is one example that will work with your Harddrive,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3195233&CatId=2783

[Harddrives are measured across their width.
A laptop harddrive is 2.5 inches across in Width. 2-1/2 inches.
A desktop harddrive is 3.5 inches across in Width.

Three technology styles of Harddrive, are presently being used;
1) IDE (PATA),

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_ATA

2) SATA,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_ATA

These two types of Harddrives use mechanical parts. For example a Spindle, Spindle Motor, and Platters,

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/hard-disk.htm

3) SSD,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSD

No mechanical parts. Just electronic components. (Solid State)

Your laptop uses a 2.5 SATA harddrive ]

Going on..................

I haven't had any direct dealings with this laptop. Or the Aspire V5-171 version.
I see no Service Manual listed.

Searching the internet for Harddrive replacement info though, I ran into that there is a large panel on the Bottom of the Netbook; which has a single Philips head screw in the middle.

Remove the screw, remove the large panel.
This is supposed to be in the User's Guide, but cannot seem to download it right now to see.

It will be in replace the Memory. Ram Memory.

The Harddrive should sit in a compartment area all it's own.
The Harddrive itself will be in a sheet metal Caddy. Harddrive Caddy.
Remove a screw, or screws; to remove Harddrive, and Harddrive Caddy.

Once screw/s are removed, L@@K at the Harddrive.
There should be a piece of 'silk strap', to pull on.

Keeping Harddrive flat, and down in Netbook, pull on the strap; and pull the Harddrive across towards the OUTSIDE of the Netbook.

You are unplugging it.

You DO NOT want to lift straight up on the strap, as you will bend contact pins.
Once the Harddrive is slid over, then lift at an angle; and remove.
Lift up on the Back of the Harddrive.
This is the opposite side of the one that plugs in.

Open the external enclosure case, slide the harddrive in; then close the external enclosure case. (Referring to Tigerdirect example. Other external enclosures will be different)

Plug the USB cable into any working computer's open USB port.
Look in My Computer/Computer. (WinXP/WinVista - Win 7)
The external harddrive will be shown.
DOUBLE-click on the drive letter it is next to.

Have problems with that post back in a Comment.

Your Netbook, is supposed to be just an ACER Aspire V5-171 series of Notebook PC; with a Chrome logo on it.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

Would need the actual Model Number to be much help but you can try hooking it up and then running a freeware program like Belarc Advisor and see if it lists the RPM of the drive. http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

If it is a new hard drive then it needs to be formatted. You can do this by going into your start menu - control panel - administrative tools - computer management - disc manager. I could be a little off on the wording as I don't have my computer handy, but in the disc management you should be able to right click on the drive in here and choose format. This will format the drive to be used. I hope this helps.

You could try using another USB port on your computer. Perhaps that USB port you have the IOmega external harddrive plugged into is bad.

More than likely not, though.

The problem is usually inside the IOmega's case. (External enclosure)

Inside that IOmega external harddrive's case is a regular harddrive as used in a desktop, or laptop computer.
To explain;

Harddrives are physically rated in width, as well as type, and size.
A laptop harddrive is 2.5 inches across in width. (2 and a half inches)
A desktop harddrive is 3.5 inches.

The larger desktop harddrives are usually used in external harddrives that are 500GB, and larger.
(Not always the case when it comes to the 500GB size)

Harddrives have two technologies, or types.
IDE (PATA) or SATA.

You didn't state the Model Number so I can't even hazard a guess at this point.

The harddrive inside the case plugs into an Interface.
The Interface may be separate, and connected via a cable to a small circuit board, or the Interface may be soldered directly to the small circuit board.

It is this Interface, and circuit board which go bad.
The solution is to remove the harddrive inside, purchase an inexpensive external enclosure, and install the harddrive into it.

The external enclosure has a USB cable just like the IOmega external harddrive did.

As stated the harddrive inside is just a normal harddrive. Made by a harddrive manufacturer.
Could be a Western Digital, or Seagate, or Hitachi, or Maxtor, or Fujitsu, or IBM, just to name a few.
(Seagate bought out Maxtor)

On the harddrive will be a decal with it's specifications.
You will also be able to physically measure the width.

This external hookup will support harddrives that are 2.5, or 3.5 inches in width, (And 5.25), plus will support both IDE (PATA) or SATA harddrives,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7220658&CatId=3770

This external enclosure is for a desktop sized harddrive, 3.5 inches, and will support either IDE (PATA) or SATA harddrives,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1951866&CatId=2780

This external enclosure example is for laptop sized harddrives, 2.5 inches, and will support either IDE, (PATA), or SATA harddrives,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7041055&CatId=2783

Just one example of how to disassemble an IOmega Select Portable harddrive,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvUvz5Qb4vw

Other styles are listed in the Suggestions column down on the right.
Not a good source for information on disassembling an IOmega external harddrive, but there is very little info available.

(It isn't that tough for any external harddrive enclosure. The screws are usually hidden under labels, and the case pops apart in two halves. Just a little different design here, and there)

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

What is the operating system of the computer? Do you have the same issue on another computer? Thanks

first things you have to do is that test the external drive with another system if it works then reload your system i.e format your harddisk and reload it with your operating system.

i guess its tym for u to buy a new passport!!!!!

The problem that has been inherent with all LaCie external harddrives, is the interface in the case itself.

Interface:
All external harddrives have a Style of harddrive that is used in a laptop, or one that is used in a desktop computer.
Laptop harddrives are 2-1/2 inches across in width.
Desktops are 3-1/2 inches across.
Your LaCie will have a 3.5, (3-1/2) inch desktop style harddrive, inside the case.

There are two main Types of harddrives.
IDE and SATA. (There is also a newcomer. SSD. SSD isn't being used in LaCie external harddrives at the moment, to my knowledge)

Your LaCie will use a SATA harddrive inside it.
This is an example of an average SATA harddrive,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hdd.jpg
The photo of this harddrive is tilted at an angle, that doesn't readily show the interface connection, but it helps to explain.

At the bottom of this harddrive in the photo, and to the left, is the interface area.

Viewing the harddrive, look at the four metal pins on the extreme right of the harddrive. To the left of these pins is the Jumper pin area. (Has a white jumper on two of those pins)

To the left of the Jumper area is an opening, and to the left of that, is a long slot. The first small slot area is for the 7-pin Interface cable.
(Data cable) The next slot to the left, is for the 15-pin power cable.

This 7-pin Interface mates up to socket holes in a connector, of the case of the LaCie external harddrive.

It is this interface connector, inside the LaCie external harddrive case, that is the problem.
Solution?
Buy a quality, in-expensive External Enclosure, take the harddrive out of the LaCie, and install it in this enclosure.

Examples of 3.5 Sata External Enclosures,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=2780&name=3.5-eSATA-enclosure&Nav=|c:2778|&Sort=0&Recs=10
(From $15 to $35, is a good range for a decent external enclosure)

There have been problems plaguing the LaCie external harddrives, for quite some time now.

The issue directly relates to the interface, inside the external enclosure. I don't know if you are acquainted with harddrive designs, or the interface that they plug into. If you are, disregard the following.

This is an average example of an IDE harddrive, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hard_drive-en.svg
Looking at this illustration, note where it points to -> IDE Connector. The illustration isn't very good, but those dots are metal pins.
The connection inside your external harddrive,
that connects to the harddrive itself, is called an Interface. This is a plug that has socket holes, to match those metal pins.

Now we go a little deeper. There are two types of harddrives. One is an IDE harddrive, the other type is a SATA harddrive. Your LaCie
will have a SATA harddrive inside.
Instead of the 40 pins that an IDE harddrive has, the interface for a SATA harddrive has 7.
(It has 15 pins for the power connection)

Now my solution:
Should you wish to save data that is on your LaCie external harddrive right now, I suggest you buy an external enclosure, (SATA), take out the hardrdive thats in your LaCie, and install it in the enclosure.

Since, the dimensions of the, LaCie design by Porsche 160GB external harddrive are:
Height -> 1.4 inches, (About 1-1/2 inches)
Width -> 4.4 inches, (About 4-1/2 inches)
Length -> 7.4 inches, (About 7-1/2 inches),
I'm willing to bet the harddrive inside is a desktop harddrive size. (3.5 inches across in width)
http://www.lacie.com/download/datasheet/porsche_hd_en.pdf

These are examples of 3.5 inch SATA external enclosures,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=2780&name=3.5-eSATA-enclosure&Nav=|c:2778|&Sort=0&Recs=10
(A $25 or $35 unit will work just fine)