I am trying to install a Maxtor Basics 500GB External Desktop Hard Drive and cannot see the drive on my PC. I'm assuming it is not installed. I operate a Windowss XP Platform. Help!

Restore ur system setting and try if it not working agian then install some gud antivirus and also use reginout to make ur pc free from registry errors!

I devised these simple steps that tend to remedy quite a few issues with most USB portable / external hard drives and OTHER devices (though not always)

A few things to check but assumes USB and Windows for other interfaces / operating systems (mac/ Linux) similar steps may be adapted to suit.

1. Ensure it is connected directly to the computer to a USB 2.0 port not a USB 1.0 port as this can have effects on performance and reliability

2. Use only the cables that came with it NOT one that fits that may have been lying around or is longer. Not all USB cables are equal even though they should be)

3. Do not connect through an external USB HUB unless that hub is USB 2.0 AND has its own power supply.

4. Use ONLY the power supply that came with it if it has an external power supply Don’t use any other unless you know it has both the same voltage and current rating e.g. 12V 500mA anything rated below that would not work properly.

5. Always use the same port for connecting your devices. Some devices do not like being switched about. If switched they may want to install software / drivers again. This can be especially true if you move a HUB to another port

If you checked and fixed anything there and still have issues then check your hardware from CONTROL PANEL / SYSTEM / HARDWARE.
Any exclamation marks by hardware need fixing before you investigate any further

USB flash drives can fail for no apparent reason.
Sandisk Cruzers are especially bad for this.

USB hard drives should be treated with extreme care.
This is a real hard drive ! and knocks and bumps can quite literally kill them.

It is possible to remove drives from the enclosures in most cases and connect directly inside a PC to fully check it.

Note that if you hear a drive clicking or pinging this could be the worst thing you would hear.
Known as "The Click Of Death"

If none of the above steps help look at updating the drivers from the manufacturers web site in the support section.
　
　
　

If you don't know how to use the disk management tool let me know and I can give you direct instructions.

it may be like the one i have which is a maxtor basics 1.5tb drive. There is only one screw behind the sticker. The rest is clips. This is the guide i used when opening the case.

http://www.computer-aid.com.au/blog/2009/02/17/how-to-take-apart-a-maxtor-basics-external-35-usb-drive/

See this link:

http://www.computer-aid.com.au/blog/2009/02/17/how-to-take-apart-a-maxtor-basics-external-35-usb-drive/

its the drivers not installed on vista.. ur drive is fine

In XP and Vista no need to install.
They will detect automatically.
To know, goto Windows explorer.
Find drive letter other than your local drive.
Usually called "removable disk".

Is 12VDC 2,0A the inner pin is + and the outer pin is -

A few basics.. are you sure you've hooked it up right? meaning usb cable plugged into both the laptop and the hard drive? Does that particular model hardrive require a power pack to operate? If so, is that plugged in and operational? Assuming that is all OK.. does your system recognise that new hardware has been added when you turn it ( the hard drive on) and it is plugged in? It should but if not.. you may have to use the control panel and choose the ADD NEW HARDWARE feature.. At some point during all this. your system shoud acknowledge that new hardware has been recognized and it should ask for a cd with drivers on it to be installed or it may already have drivers that are compatible with it and self load.. If you fail to get any kind of new hardware acknowledgement, you may have a bad USB cable, a bad USB port or your new hard drive is not operating correctly.. I'll check back periodiaclly to see if any of these suggestions got you going or if you need any more help.. Good luck

What OS are you using? Windows 98SE does not always recognize exterrnal hard drives. Try the external HD on a computer running Windows XP and see if that works. If it works on WinXP and not Win98SE or possibly WinME the External HD is good.