I've had this 320GB external hard drive for quite some time, and last night it was still working fine. I turned it off, and the next morning, I found out that it didn't show up on My Computer, despite the fact that the yellow box appeared on the right bottom, which I think indicates that it's still connected to the computer. I tried changing plugs, checking the wires, restarting Windows (I use XP by the way) but nothing worked. When I checked the device manager, I saw a little exclamation point and a note that said 'This device cannot start Error Code 10'. I don't know what to do. I store about 150GB worth of data there, and I have never backed it up. The thought of losing any portions of my data scares me to death. Please, someone, tell me what to do, it's just driving me crazy. Thanks so much in advance.

Hi zeon and welcome to PCHF!

The easiest way to solve a USB error code 10 in Windows XP is to follow the steps below to remove and reinstall all USB controllers.

A. Click on Start
B. Right Click on My Computer, click on Properties
C.Click on the Hardware tab
D. Click the Device Manager button.
E. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
F. Right-click every device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers node, and then click Uninstall to remove them one at a time.
G. Restart the computer, and allow the computer to reinstall the USB controllers.
H. Plug in the removable USB storage device, and then test to make sure that the issue is resolved.

Give this a try and get back to us if it works or doesnt

D

Okay, I tried it twice. But then the message 'A problem occured during this hardware installation' popped up. Sorry but it seems it doesn't work for me.

Try rolling back the driver or go to pc manufacturers website and download there chipset to update USB.Have you got another PC or laptop to test the HDD in?

I tried it on my laptop. Just the same.

Oh dear then I think your HDD has failed,If you realy need the data off it it will cost you?