Cannot see WD via Windows 11 PC and ethernet connection

WD External and Portable SSD External SSD for Windows
1

I have an old (~8-10 years?) WD External Drive P/N WDBACG0020HCH-00. I used to have it set up via a router on a network organised by an IT guy. I am now needing to access data on the drive from home, and whilst I can see the drive if I plug it directly into my router (one floor up), all I can access are the WD drive Settings/Users/Shares etc via the IP address. I cannot see it on File Explorer, nor any files. So not sure what to do now.

If I plug the WD drive directly into my PC via an ethernet cable, I cannot see it at all. The WD hard drive does not have USB access, only an ethernet socket. I have plugged it into my PC, then restarted the PC, and light is flashing green on the drive, but it is not listed on Device Manager, File Explorer, or even the network. I have Googled, and looked on WD support, but have drawn a blank so far. Please can someone advise me what I should do. Thank you.

2

Hi @JanR1,

Please refer to the article:Windows or macOS Cannot Find My Drive Cannot Find My USB Flash or External Drive on Windows or macOS

Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the WD Technical Support team for the best assistance and troubleshooting:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/ask

3

Thank you!