All of a sudden, My Computer not recognising F: drive

[Ken]

Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive
to store data and transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports,
Windows recognises it as constituting what it calls the F: drive (the E:
drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether I'd like Windows Explorer
to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it
when I insert it. Not even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove
Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive
to store data and transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports,
Windows recognises it as constituting what it calls the F: drive (the E:
drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether I'd like Windows Explorer
to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it
when I insert it. Not even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove
Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken

Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my Apacer
handy drive when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, and
says that 'this device is working properly'. It also says that the
device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it
and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no
problem with the Apacer handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the
same information as above. PLUS both My Computer and Windows Explorer
recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by
double-clicking on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive is
called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as it
did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive
to store data and transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports,
Windows recognises it as constituting what it calls the F: drive (the
E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether I'd like Windows
Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it
when I insert it. Not even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove
Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken

Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my Apacer
handy drive when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, and
says that 'this device is working properly'. It also says that the
device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it
and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no
problem with the Apacer handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the
same information as above. PLUS both My Computer and Windows Explorer
recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by
double-clicking on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive is
called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as it
did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken

P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but
that didn't solve the problem. Ken

 

[Ken]

Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy
drive to store data and transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports,
Windows recognises it as constituting what it calls the F: drive (the
E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether I'd like Windows
Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it
when I insert it. Not even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove
Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken

Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my
Apacer handy drive when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0
ports, and says that 'this device is working properly'. It also says
that the device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it
and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no
problem with the Apacer handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the
same information as above. PLUS both My Computer and Windows Explorer
recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by
double-clicking on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive
is called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as
it did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken

P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but
that didn't solve the problem. Ken

Ken again. (Am I the only person here?!) A further piece of information
.... When I plug into one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports a DIFFERENT
external drive (i.e., not the Apacer handy drive but my Maxtor external
hard drive) a window immediately opens suggesting that I use Windows
Explorer to open/explore the drive. And My Computer likewise shows the
Maxtor external hard drive.

So why doesn't the computer respond in similar fashion to the insertion
of the Apacer handy drive?

Thanks - Ken

 

[Richard in AZ]

Ken wrote:

Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive to store data and
transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, Windows recognises it as
constituting what it calls the F: drive (the E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether
I'd like Windows Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it when I insert it. Not
even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken

Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my Apacer handy drive when I
insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, and says that 'this device is working
properly'. It also says that the device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no problem with the Apacer
handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the same information as above. PLUS both My Computer
and Windows Explorer recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by double-clicking
on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive is called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as it did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken

P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but that didn't solve the
problem. Ken

Ken again. (Am I the only person here?!) A further piece of information ... When I plug into one
of my computer's USB 2.0 ports a DIFFERENT external drive (i.e., not the Apacer handy drive but my
Maxtor external hard drive) a window immediately opens suggesting that I use Windows Explorer to
open/explore the drive. And My Computer likewise shows the Maxtor external hard drive.

So why doesn't the computer respond in similar fashion to the insertion of the Apacer handy drive?

Thanks - Ken

Have you tried the Apacer Handy Drive in another computer? The drive, or the connector on the
drive, could be faulty.
Try the drive in another computer and then post back the results.

 

[Guest]

Ken, you are not the only one here.
I have a similar problem too: with both a 1GB flash memory drive and a 250GB
external hard drive. Both recognised on my Dell Dimension 2400 desktop.
Neither will install properly on my Gateway 4532GB laptop - ignored by My
Computer.
So I'm watching with interest!
[I'll create a new thread]
myenglishtutor

Ken wrote:

Ken wrote:

Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive to store data and
transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, Windows recognises it as
constituting what it calls the F: drive (the E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether
I'd like Windows Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it when I insert it. Not
even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken

Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my Apacer handy drive when I
insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, and says that 'this device is working
properly'. It also says that the device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no problem with the Apacer
handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the same information as above. PLUS both My Computer
and Windows Explorer recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by double-clicking
on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive is called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as it did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken


P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but that didn't solve the
problem. Ken

Ken again. (Am I the only person here?!) A further piece of information ... When I plug into one
of my computer's USB 2.0 ports a DIFFERENT external drive (i.e., not the Apacer handy drive but my
Maxtor external hard drive) a window immediately opens suggesting that I use Windows Explorer to
open/explore the drive. And My Computer likewise shows the Maxtor external hard drive.

So why doesn't the computer respond in similar fashion to the insertion of the Apacer handy drive?

Thanks - Ken

Have you tried the Apacer Handy Drive in another computer? The drive, or the connector on the
drive, could be faulty.
Try the drive in another computer and then post back the results.

 

[Ken]

Ken wrote:


Ken wrote:


Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive to store data and
transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, Windows recognises it as
constituting what it calls the F: drive (the E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether
I'd like Windows Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it when I insert it. Not
even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken


Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my Apacer handy drive when I
insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, and says that 'this device is working
properly'. It also says that the device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no problem with the Apacer
handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the same information as above. PLUS both My Computer
and Windows Explorer recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by double-clicking
on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive is called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as it did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken


P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but that didn't solve the
problem. Ken

Ken again. (Am I the only person here?!) A further piece of information ... When I plug into one
of my computer's USB 2.0 ports a DIFFERENT external drive (i.e., not the Apacer handy drive but my
Maxtor external hard drive) a window immediately opens suggesting that I use Windows Explorer to
open/explore the drive. And My Computer likewise shows the Maxtor external hard drive.

So why doesn't the computer respond in similar fashion to the insertion of the Apacer handy drive?

Thanks - Ken

Have you tried the Apacer Handy Drive in another computer? The drive, or the connector on the
drive, could be faulty.
Try the drive in another computer and then post back the results.

Hi Richard. I think our posts must have overlapped. I've already posted
that the Apacer handy drive work fine in my other (H-P Pavilion
Notebook) computer!

I thought I had the problem licked. I found this:
http://www.rm.com/Support/TechnicalArticle.asp?cref=TEC591242

I implemented the following 'Procedure' (with the Apacer handy drive
inserted in one of the computer's USB 2.0 ports):

1. Click Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools,
Computer Management.
2. Click on the Storage item in the right-hand panel.
3. Click on the Disk Management item.
4. Right-click on the storage volume that you wish to assign a drive
letter to from within the lower right-hand window pane.
5. Click on Change Drive Letter and Paths....
6. Use the Add, Change or Remove buttons as appropriate
7. Click on OK to save the settings.

I assigned F: to the entry for HANDYDRIVE (which was shown as healthy,
but was without a letter), clicked on OK, and exited.

But still the drive did not show in My Computer or Windows Explorer. I
re-booted. Still it didn't show. Moreover, when I went back into
Computer Mangement, the letter (F was now missing again.

Heeeeelp, please!

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Ken wrote:

Ken wrote:


Ken wrote:


Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy
drive to store data and transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports,
Windows recognises it as constituting what it calls the F: drive
(the E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether I'd like
Windows Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it
there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising
it when I insert it. Not even after a re-boot. (However, Safely
Remove Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken


Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my
Apacer handy drive when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0
ports, and says that 'this device is working properly'. It also
says that the device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise
it and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no
problem with the Apacer handy drive. There, Device Manager gives
the same information as above. PLUS both My Computer and Windows
Explorer recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it
by double-clicking on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the
drive is called HANDYDRIVE (E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F
as it did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken



P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but
that didn't solve the problem. Ken


Ken again. (Am I the only person here?!) A further piece of
information ... When I plug into one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports
a DIFFERENT external drive (i.e., not the Apacer handy drive but my
Maxtor external hard drive) a window immediately opens suggesting
that I use Windows Explorer to open/explore the drive. And My
Computer likewise shows the Maxtor external hard drive.

So why doesn't the computer respond in similar fashion to the
insertion of the Apacer handy drive?

Thanks - Ken

Have you tried the Apacer Handy Drive in another computer? The drive,
or the connector on the drive, could be faulty.
Try the drive in another computer and then post back the results.

Hi Richard. I think our posts must have overlapped. I've already posted
that the Apacer handy drive work fine in my other (H-P Pavilion
Notebook) computer!

I thought I had the problem licked. I found this:
http://www.rm.com/Support/TechnicalArticle.asp?cref=TEC591242

I implemented the following 'Procedure' (with the Apacer handy drive
inserted in one of the computer's USB 2.0 ports):

1. Click Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools,
Computer Management.
2. Click on the Storage item in the right-hand panel.
3. Click on the Disk Management item.
4. Right-click on the storage volume that you wish to assign a drive
letter to from within the lower right-hand window pane.
5. Click on Change Drive Letter and Paths....
6. Use the Add, Change or Remove buttons as appropriate
7. Click on OK to save the settings.

I assigned F: to the entry for HANDYDRIVE (which was shown as healthy,
but was without a letter), clicked on OK, and exited.

But still the drive did not show in My Computer or Windows Explorer. I
re-booted. Still it didn't show. Moreover, when I went back into
Computer Mangement, the letter (F was now missing again.

Heeeeelp, please!

Thanks - Ken

Ken again. My latest. In Disk Management (in Control Panel - see above
for path), I notice that my 60 GB hard drive has, besides the C: and D:
drives, a 3.13 GB section called PQSERVICE (EISA Configuration). It
isn't assigned a letter (e.g., B. What is it, please? Could it be
the cause of the problem I've been describing?

Hi to 'Myenglishtutor'. Hope we both get our similar problems solved soon!

- Ken

 

[Richard in AZ]

Ken wrote:

Ken wrote:


Ken wrote:


Have an Acer laptop and Windows HP Home.

I use a small (VERY small - a mere 16 MB capacity!) Apacer handy drive to store data and
transfer it between two computers.

Normally, when I insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, Windows recognises it as
constituting what it calls the F: drive (the E: drive is the CD/DVD drawer) and asks whether
I'd like Windows Explorer to open it. (Or I go to My Computer and open it there.)

But today, neither Windows Explorer nor My Computer is recognising it when I insert it. Not
even after a re-boot. (However, Safely Remove Hardware DOES recognise it as usual.)

What to do, please?

Thanks - Ken


Ken here again. If it's of any help, Device Manager recognises my Apacer handy drive when I
insert it in one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports, and says that 'this device is working
properly'. It also says that the device is located at 'Location 0'.

But I still can't get My Computer or Windows Explorer to recognise it and open it.

For the record, my other computer (an H-P Pavilion Notebook) has no problem with the Apacer
handy drive. There, Device Manager gives the same information as above. PLUS both My
Computer and Windows Explorer recognise the Apacer handy drive and allow me to open it by
double-clicking on its drive symbol. [On the H-P computer, the drive is called HANDYDRIVE
(E.]

So why isn't is showing up on my Acer computer as HANDYDRIVE (F as it did until today?

Please, somebody?!

Thanks - Ken



P.S. Actually I tried going back one Restore Point to yesterday, but that didn't solve the
problem. Ken


Ken again. (Am I the only person here?!) A further piece of information ... When I plug into
one of my computer's USB 2.0 ports a DIFFERENT external drive (i.e., not the Apacer handy drive
but my Maxtor external hard drive) a window immediately opens suggesting that I use Windows
Explorer to open/explore the drive. And My Computer likewise shows the Maxtor external hard
drive.

So why doesn't the computer respond in similar fashion to the insertion of the Apacer handy
drive?

Thanks - Ken



Have you tried the Apacer Handy Drive in another computer? The drive, or the connector on the
drive, could be faulty.
Try the drive in another computer and then post back the results.

Hi Richard. I think our posts must have overlapped. I've already posted that the Apacer handy
drive work fine in my other (H-P Pavilion Notebook) computer!

I thought I had the problem licked. I found this:
http://www.rm.com/Support/TechnicalArticle.asp?cref=TEC591242

I implemented the following 'Procedure' (with the Apacer handy drive inserted in one of the
computer's USB 2.0 ports):

1. Click Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management.
2. Click on the Storage item in the right-hand panel.
3. Click on the Disk Management item.
4. Right-click on the storage volume that you wish to assign a drive letter to from within the
lower right-hand window pane.
5. Click on Change Drive Letter and Paths....
6. Use the Add, Change or Remove buttons as appropriate
7. Click on OK to save the settings.

I assigned F: to the entry for HANDYDRIVE (which was shown as healthy, but was without a letter),
clicked on OK, and exited.

But still the drive did not show in My Computer or Windows Explorer. I re-booted. Still it
didn't show. Moreover, when I went back into Computer Mangement, the letter (F was now missing
again.

Heeeeelp, please!

Thanks - Ken

Ken again. My latest. In Disk Management (in Control Panel - see above for path), I notice that
my 60 GB hard drive has, besides the C: and D: drives, a 3.13 GB section called PQSERVICE (EISA
Configuration). It isn't assigned a letter (e.g., B. What is it, please? Could it be the
cause of the problem I've been describing?

Hi to 'Myenglishtutor'. Hope we both get our similar problems solved soon!

- Ken

The 3.13 GB partition is most likely an Acer service section that would hold recovery and/or
diagnostic tools. Check your Acer manual, or web site, for instructions on using that partition.
Normally you would access that feature during bootup.

You might download and install Windows Power Tools http://snipurl.com/7r9b. The Power Tools will
let you see if drive F is blocked or hidden.

 

[Ken]

Richard in AZ wrote:
[snip]

You might download and install Windows Power Tools http://snipurl.com/7r9b. The Power Tools will
let you see if drive F is blocked or hidden.

I think you mean Power TOYS, Richard? I have them on my computer, Can
you point me to which one, and how? At a quick look just now, I
couldn't see what you were referring to,

Thanks - Ken

 

[Richard in AZ]

You were right, it should have been power toys.
TweakUI is the program you want.
Then go to MY COMPUTER then DRIVE and make sure that all the drive letters have a check mark in
them.

Richard in AZ wrote:
[snip]

You might download and install Windows Power Tools http://snipurl.com/7r9b. The Power Tools will
let you see if drive F is blocked or hidden.

I think you mean Power TOYS, Richard? I have them on my computer, Can you point me to which one,
and how? At a quick look just now, I couldn't see what you were referring to,

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

You were right, it should have been power toys.
TweakUI is the program you want.
Then go to MY COMPUTER then DRIVE and make sure that all the drive letters have a check mark in
them.

Richard in AZ wrote:
[snip]

You might download and install Windows Power Tools http://snipurl.com/7r9b. The Power Tools will
let you see if drive F is blocked or hidden.

I think you mean Power TOYS, Richard? I have them on my computer, Can you point me to which one,
and how? At a quick look just now, I couldn't see what you were referring to,

Thanks - Ken

Yes, in TweakUI's My Computer, all of the drives ARE ticked.

So, can anyone reading this see any light at the end of the tunnel,
i.e., how I can get my Apacer handy drive to be recognised by my (Acer)
computer's My Computer and Windows Explorer, so that I can open it and
use it?

If I bought a different product, might that solve the problem? Recall
that my Maxtor external hard drive (and the F: drive) shows up when I
plug IT into one of my computer's UHS 2.0 ports.

Or if I contacted a top computer technology firm (Invizage Technology,
which has a Microsoft Gold licence) here in Melbourne, might they be
able to fix the problem? They charge $10 per 5 minutes (or $150 per
hour if they have to come to your house), so I hoped to avoid them. But
if they do the job and save me any further mucking-around ...

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Ken here again. I found the following on the Web (coming after a lot of
talk in a thread about how the problem was caused by a newly added
drive, or something like that - which doesn't seem to fit my case,
although my computer HAS had a new hard drive and a new motherboard put
into it in recent weeks). Bear with the poster here ('Jano') who
perhaps isn't a native English-speaker ...

Hi all.

I was having the asme problem, and now is solved.

The problem become because I was installed DAEMON TOOLS, and later I was
reinstalled the Windows XP because a mainboard upgrade.

You must delete the file "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\SPTD.SYS"

To do that you must start the Windows XP in safe mode command line.

During the boot, there is a message at the bottom of the screen, saying
something like: "Press Esc to disable SPTD". Ok press Esc when you see
this message.

In the DAMEON TOOLS web page, there exist a utility called
"sptdinst_x86.exe". Download it to a simple folder, like "C:\TMP", and
then execute "C:\TMP\sptdinst_x86.exe add". Then reboot the machine and
the problem is solved.

Kind regards.

Jano.


My question is: does Jano's post give me a pointer? If so, I might have
to ask a professional to carry out the procedure, as I don't trust
myself to follow Jano's less than 100% clear instructions. But first,
in any case, I'd like to hear from someone here about what they think of
the above.

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Ken again. I have downloaded from Daemon Tools the tool that 'Jano'
referred to in the post I quoted last time.

Here is what the site says about it:


Download: SPTDinst X86

Description: NEW VERSION 1.25 - CHANGELOG:

incompatibilities with McAfee fixed
several glitches fixed


this is the standalone-package of the SPTD-driver. To remove the
SPTD-driver, simple download it and via command-console, execute it
"sptdinst_x86.exe remove" and SPTD will remove itself from your windows
installation. If you want to add it, execute in command console
"sptdinst_x86.exe add". SPTD is also used (besides DaemonTools) in some
proprietary security, antivirus and monitoring applications which are
not disclosed to wide public.

Size: 895 KB

Release Date and Time: Tuesday, January 10 2006, 00:30

Download Count: 107743


Again I'm thrown by some of the jargon used. I don't understand how one
apparently uses the same tool to either REMOVE or ADD something called
SPTD. I guess the referred-to 'command console' is built into the tool?

But anyway, I'm hoping that someone here will comment on the
possibilities of using the tool in this case (my problem, which this
thread is about), and maybe clarify.

Hoping (as I say) - Ken

 

[GhostWrtr]

Ken,

I would do more research before doing anything with SPTD from Daemon
tools. Read here
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/uninstall/240/Daemon-Tools.html

It looks suspicous to me. I have not had time to dig beyond this. I
don't know why you would need any CD emulation to fix the situation
you describe.

Regards

Ken again. I have downloaded from Daemon Tools the tool that 'Jano'
referred to in the post I quoted last time.

Here is what the site says about it:


Download: SPTDinst X86

Description: NEW VERSION 1.25 - CHANGELOG:

incompatibilities with McAfee fixed
several glitches fixed


this is the standalone-package of the SPTD-driver. To remove the
SPTD-driver, simple download it and via command-console, execute it
"sptdinst_x86.exe remove" and SPTD will remove itself from your windows
installation. If you want to add it, execute in command console
"sptdinst_x86.exe add". SPTD is also used (besides DaemonTools) in some
proprietary security, antivirus and monitoring applications which are
not disclosed to wide public.

Size: 895 KB

Release Date and Time: Tuesday, January 10 2006, 00:30

Download Count: 107743


Again I'm thrown by some of the jargon used. I don't understand how one
apparently uses the same tool to either REMOVE or ADD something called
SPTD. I guess the referred-to 'command console' is built into the tool?

But anyway, I'm hoping that someone here will comment on the
possibilities of using the tool in this case (my problem, which this
thread is about), and maybe clarify.

Hoping (as I say) - Ken

< "Old age ain't for sissies" ;-) >

 

[Ken]

Ken,

I would do more research before doing anything with SPTD from Daemon
tools. Read here
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/uninstall/240/Daemon-Tools.html

It looks suspicous to me. I have not had time to dig beyond this. I
don't know why you would need any CD emulation to fix the situation
you describe.

Regards

That page (the URL above, and what it says) doesn't look too frightening
to me, 'GhostWrtr'.

And here's what someone who used the fix recommended by 'Jano' posted back:


Jason [sic], You are a HERO! - I have tried everything and then some,
googled myself silly, and then I hit on your advice, tried it - and that
was it.
Thanks a million! Zillion!

All the best - much luck - health - happiness!


Any other comments, pointers, etc., guys, before I move? (Hell, I don't
even know what SPTD is. So I'm nervous - but also hopeful - as can be!
Of course, I'll look further into this myself, too, before I leap.

Incidentally, I was using my Nvu Web-publishing tool a few minutes ago,
and had occasion to open its browse function (functionally, looks just
like Windows Explorer) to insert an image. It clearly showed the handy
drive on the F: drive.

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Ken again. Well, I found something on SPTD:

Comment from LCM Man on 03/30/06:

Here is some additional info about SPTD:
SPTD is a new method of access to storage devices that was developed by
Duplex Secure Ltd.

Basically SPTD is similar to other access layers used by other programs
(eg. ASPI from Adaptec, or standard SPTI from Microsoft) who provide
access to storage devices but it has a lot more features that make this
interface unique.

The key feature of SPTD is its ability to provide direct control of
devices without risk of compromising it by some malicious 3rd party
filter drivers or other "rootkit" applications that are common today -
this is the main goal of SPTD development for organizations and
applications where it currently used.


I should make clear that I've never used Daemon Tools (whatever they
are). But I do have sptd.sys on my system (I just checked). So is the
fix suggested by 'Jano' a possible goer for me? I don't know. Anyone?

Thanks - Ken

 

[Guest]

Hi Ken..

As you know, I'm having what looks like a similar problem with my Gateway
laptop, i.e. installing an external hard drive [Western Digital 250GB].

My case is the same as yours up to the Daemon Tools episode.

In trying to find out what is wrong, I have noticed the following:

a) Having connected the external hard drive, if I then attempt to install
it using Control Panel/Add Hardware, I receive the following message: "You
can only install one device at a time. Another device installation is
underway, when it is finished you can try this wizard again." From this I
infer that the installation process has not been completed - and part of the
computer knows this [but isn't letting on]!

b) If I click Disk Management/Computer Management, and then right click on
the added disc [i.e. the Western Digital external hard drive], and then click
Explore, I receive the following message: "The folder 'E:\' does not exist -
although I have allocated the letter 'E' to the external hard drive using
'Change Drive Letter and Paths'.

c) If I go to Disk Management/Computer Managaement/View/Drive Paths, I can
see that the box is empty: there are no drive paths or volumes displayed.

Finally

d) I also received a message somewhere [I forget where] saying that the
external hard drive was not listed by Volume Manager [whatever that is].

The reason I write this is because it might help you in diagnosing your
fault. It is possible that your fault resembles mine, but is in fact very
different.

I know from scouring the forums over the last day that the problem of
installing USB devices is not uncommon - but there seems to be no precise
common rationale - only a common set of possibilities - about the problem and
its solution.

It's probably good therapy for me to write this down too!!

Best wishes
myenglishtutor

 

[Guest]

Ken, I just thought I would share my joy with you.

I followed the advice I was given by Gateway and elsewhere on this forum by
Pegasus.

I re-installed everything.

And it's up and running - or so it seems at the moment!

Best of luck with your search, Ken!

myenglishtutor

Hi Ken..

As you know, I'm having what looks like a similar problem with my Gateway
laptop, i.e. installing an external hard drive [Western Digital 250GB].

My case is the same as yours up to the Daemon Tools episode.

In trying to find out what is wrong, I have noticed the following:

a) Having connected the external hard drive, if I then attempt to install
it using Control Panel/Add Hardware, I receive the following message: "You
can only install one device at a time. Another device installation is
underway, when it is finished you can try this wizard again." From this I
infer that the installation process has not been completed - and part of the
computer knows this [but isn't letting on]!

b) If I click Disk Management/Computer Management, and then right click on
the added disc [i.e. the Western Digital external hard drive], and then click
Explore, I receive the following message: "The folder 'E:\' does not exist -
although I have allocated the letter 'E' to the external hard drive using
'Change Drive Letter and Paths'.

c) If I go to Disk Management/Computer Managaement/View/Drive Paths, I can
see that the box is empty: there are no drive paths or volumes displayed.

Finally

d) I also received a message somewhere [I forget where] saying that the
external hard drive was not listed by Volume Manager [whatever that is].

The reason I write this is because it might help you in diagnosing your
fault. It is possible that your fault resembles mine, but is in fact very
different.

I know from scouring the forums over the last day that the problem of
installing USB devices is not uncommon - but there seems to be no precise
common rationale - only a common set of possibilities - about the problem and
its solution.

It's probably good therapy for me to write this down too!!

Best wishes
myenglishtutor

Ken again. Well, I found something on SPTD:


Here is some additional info about SPTD:
SPTD is a new method of access to storage devices that was developed by
Duplex Secure Ltd.

Basically SPTD is similar to other access layers used by other programs
(eg. ASPI from Adaptec, or standard SPTI from Microsoft) who provide
access to storage devices but it has a lot more features that make this
interface unique.

The key feature of SPTD is its ability to provide direct control of
devices without risk of compromising it by some malicious 3rd party
filter drivers or other "rootkit" applications that are common today -
this is the main goal of SPTD development for organizations and
applications where it currently used.


I should make clear that I've never used Daemon Tools (whatever they
are). But I do have sptd.sys on my system (I just checked). So is the
fix suggested by 'Jano' a possible goer for me? I don't know. Anyone?

Thanks - Ken

 

[Ken]

Ken, I just thought I would share my joy with you.

I followed the advice I was given by Gateway and elsewhere on this forum by
Pegasus.

I re-installed everything.

And it's up and running - or so it seems at the moment!

Best of luck with your search, Ken!

myenglishtutor

Well done, 'myenglishtutor'. We live in hope here, trying to avoid the
drastic re-install of everything!

Good cheer - Ken