I have a WD 500 GB disk which I have partitioned as FAT 32 ..I plan to use this for using live CD of different distros..

I have installed MULTISYSTEM and have stuffed in some distros.. I am able to boot from the WD external in 2 of my computers by pressing the appropriate key at boot and choosing the boot media...

In one of my desktops however , the entire drive is not at all recognized not only at boot time but also otherwise ..I have checked in WIN 7 , the device does nt seem to appear in "My computer" or Device Manager..In Linux nautilius / Dolphin doesnt seem to reconize this...

The USB seems to function as the light is lit up on connecting and there is some slight noise and vibration felt when I hold it in my hand

Can an external drive be functional in some computers and not in others?!

Hi,

First thing would be to check & compare the BIOS setting for USB on each computer. On some 'legacy USB' settings for some BIOS will not recognize external drives for boot or storage.

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Thx Onebuck

I do not know the reason but when I connect the WD to my cabinet's rear USB slot, it works!

But the front 2 USB slots are fully functional! When I insert a 2,4 or 8GB boot stick, it boots and is recognized also!

Anyway , as long as its ok , its fine..

Hi,

Great! It could be the power available for the rear hub.