Greetings to the Group - While copying files from the pc to the external hd, the power went out.  Since then, the pc won't recognize the USB external hd, even though the USB works other applications fine.  And it doesn't make any difference which port I use for the external hd, the pc won't find it.  I ran the diskmgmt.msc program and it doesn't find the hd either.  All I GET is the little icon by the clock to "safely remove hardware".  When the hd is on, the system won't run other applications, like a brower, the RUN program, Control Panel etc.  What happened and how can I fix this?  All help is appreciated.

FrogWhen this happens, it is the same as just "pulling the plug" rather than proper shutting down of the external drive.

Try the drive on another computer and see if can be accessed and then post back with your findings.
I already did that, as I also use the hd with my laptop.  The same problem with either computer.  Just not recognized at all.  If I remember right, the laptop locked up when trying to access the hd, COMPARED to with the pc some of the applications will not open up.If the drive is not recognized by more than one computer it indicates the drive itself has been damaged. Is it still under warranty by chance?No on the waranty.  Then see above. Sorry.The last hope for data retrieval on that HDD would be to remove it from the enclosure and hook it up on an IDE cable as a slave...

I'll keep my FINGERS crossed.I need some help in your explanation on hooking up the hd as a slave,  Are you just saying to take it out of the case, but then what?  How do I hook it up as a slave?  I didn't understand the process from Patio.  IDE slave, what and how?  Sorry guys, but I'm not very adept at the hardware level, any level for that matter.

No problem...
Hook it up to one of the ribbon cables inside your PC.
The jumper settings should be printed on the HDD if not visit the manuf. website for details.
It involves moving  a little 2 prong pin on the HDD.
Let us KNOW if you need further assistance...OK Patio, tell me about the jumper settings.  What are they for and what do I need to do with them?  I already hooked up the hd as a slave (I guess) with the extra hd plug I have for a second hd but not using.  I hooked up a ribbon cable and the power plug but the system wouldn't finish booting up.  Is this a working machine ? ?
Don't pull out the existing HDD as you will have nothing to boot to.Yes, this is a working pc.  I am only trying to hook up the hd from my external case as a slave to the regular hd, as SUGGESTED by this groupto check it out as it's not recognized through the USB.  It's the jumper setting I don't know what to do.  I already hooked it up but the pc wouldn't boot probably due to the jumper setting, I guess.  But the pc works fine. Quote

Yes, this is a working pc.  I am only trying to hook up the hd from my external case as a slave to the regular hd, as suggested by this groupto check it out as it's not recognized through the USB.  It's the jumper setting I don't know what to do.  I already hooked it up but the pc wouldn't boot probably due to the jumper setting, I guess.  But the pc works fine.