My Passport 500 GB (WD5000ME) clicks..... but only when plugged into desktop

WD External and Portable SSD Portable SSD
1

Hey guys,

I’ve got a little problem. I’ve own a 500 GB Passport for over a year now and it’s been nice to me.  Lately, when I plug the drive into my desktop it starts clicking (I know  that means the drive is about to die), but oddly enough whenever I plug it into my laptop it works like a charm. It transfers at a high rate, and doesn’t show any signs of problems. I ran HDD Regen, and Spinrite and it didn’t came up with any problems.

Why would it click on my desktop, and not my laptop?

Also, is there a way to update the firmware? I have the My Passport Essential that is listed under Products without WD SmartWare.

I was just wondering if you can still update the firmware even though WD Smartware doesn’t recognize the drive (I’ve tried).

Thanks

2

Is this a USB powered drive? It could be a power issue. Try different ports on the desktop and a different cable. They make a power boost cable. If you have added USB devices in the last year temporarily remove them and see if that helps. A lot of PCs use barely adequet power supplies and now there tons of things using USB for charging Ipod, cell phones etc.

Joe

1 Like
3

I thought that was the problem as well, glad you had the same idea. Will try it next week, and let you know.