I disconnected my external HD and now it can't be detected

xxxDarkAssassin · May 23, 2016

A week ago I connected a 1TB hard drive to my Xbox One and set it up for game storage. I transferred an existing game onto it and installed some new ones. I used it with no issues, installing, accessing, and playing these games.

Today I wondered if the HD might be able to be used to store files from my PC as well (I now know that it cannot). So I unplugged it from the xbox, plugged it into my laptop, and saw it appear in Devices but not Computer. Long story short, I realized I couldn't
use it for dual storage. I did NOT reformat it or make any changes whatsoever while connected to my laptop.

When I reconnected it to my Xbox One, it gave me the same prompt as when I first connected it last week. It gave me 2 options, reformat for game storage or use for media. I chose the media option because I'll be damned if I lose my Fallout 4 save. Now I
can't find it at all. It doesn't appear when I look in the Media Player App or when I look in My Games and Apps. I've tried disconnecting it and plugging it into all 4 USBs on the Xbox, rebooting, full rebooting by holding the power button. I also tried unplugging
and powering back up via the controller.

Now I can't detect the device at all. How do I fix this without losing my data?

:)

kkomaromy · May 23, 2016

External hard drive suddenly undetected overnight

downloaded and installed borderlands handsome collection last night on my external hd. Checked it this am, shows the notification of install complete but now my external hard drive isnt detected.

Tried full reboot, unplugging replugging. The HD seems to be functioning properly, light is on, and I can hear it fire up.

No error codes, just all of my games and saves are simply absent, and the HD doesbt show up under my storage options

I noticed there was an update yesterday as well could this have something to do with it??

WD Passport Ultra external hdd

Guzax · May 23, 2016

Error Awakening DLC

I changed my game and DLC from my console hd to a external HD and now I can't install the dlc again.

Neither in console HD nor external

xxxDarkAssassin · May 23, 2016

Update: I connected a random thumb drive to my Xbox and it detects it. Also, the HD in question is a "G-Technology G Drive."

xxxDarkAssassin

Update: I connected a random thumb drive to my Xbox and it detects it. Also, the HD in question is a "G-Technology G Drive."

FrankTabarez

Hello Frank,

Please take the time to review this article. It goes over troubleshooting steps to help the console read the external storage as well as the requirements :

Troubleshoot external storage detection on Xbox One

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the time and response. The xbox 1 x now sees the 5TB HD, however, it does not read the information on HD(movie files-MP4\NTFS). This only happens with a HD larger than 2TB. what am I missing? Thanks for the time. Frank

XBF Crystal P

Hi there kylizzie,

Thanks for reaching out here in Xbox Forums. I understand there is an issue with the Xbox One S detecting the External HD.

I recommend to try the following article:
Troubleshoot external storage detection on Xbox One.

If the issue persists, try doing a
power cycle of the console (Disconnect and reconnect your console's power cable).

Try this out and let us know the results.

Qwertei

Can you provide what type of external HDD you are attempting to use EX: Seagate 2TB external HDD.

And also please let me know is the console detecting the HDD but it only uses it as media instead of formatting it to save games & apps.

MisterSnow81

Ok, tried with a different external HD. Same problem. The moment i connect it to the console it disconnects from the internet. Connection can't be restored until i unplug the external device and restart the system. It doesn't matter whether the hd is formated
as xbox one storage device or ntfs media device. Result is the same. Has anybody else experienced this problem?

I disconnected my external HD and now it can't be detected