Got a Really Weird Hard Drive Problem

[Code of Honor]

Ok, so I did a fresh install of XP on a new HDD, but nothing else on my computer changed. I have a WD Elements 2TB external HDD that worked perfectly fine before the fresh install, now this is where it gets weird when I plugged the drive in after the install, the files don't show up, it does have a drive letter, even the properties shows that space is used on the drive, I plugged the HDD into a laptop and everything works great, files show up. I really am at a loss for why this is happening, any one have any ideas as to why I can't see files when they are there?

[pandaprime]

is the Windows XP fully updated? is the drive connected via USB? USB 2.0?

[Code of Honor]

Fully updated and usb 2.0

[TwinTwistR]

Which OS is running on the laptop you are using? I'm assuming you are trying to view the files in Windows Explorer? If the files were created in programs under a later verstion of Windows than XP, especially Windows 7, then it sometimes doesn't like to play nice/backwards compatible. OR did you set up any special "share" permissions/exclusions on the external HD regarding other computers or your network? Did you set up the HD for FAT, because the XP computer will usually default to NTSC... There are a lot of possible variables.

[Code of Honor]

The laptop is xp as well and it's formatted NTFS, the files even show up on a macbook pro. I've changed the drive letter, I've disabled and re-enabled the drive in device manager, as well as the usb drivers.

There's no programs on it just media and photos and documents.

[TwinTwistR]

Is the ever so helpful windows firewall blocking you from viewing because it views the new data source as a "possible threat"? Also, don't laugh at me, but an IT buddy of mine once told me when in doubt, first reboot. Try that with the comp and the HD.

[Code of Honor]

I didn't think about the windows firewall, and I've tried rebooting so many times now.

[strag]

I can't see why the firewall would be blocking access to local media. The only guess I can think of is when you have the hard drive connected manually eject it it, ie. use the safely remove hardware thing in the system tray to safely eject the drive before unplugging it and plugging it back in again. I've had it happen once or twice when I've just pulled the usb cable out and then had systems not able to read the device but they suddenly work again after a manual eject. Aside from that my best guess would be to make sure you've got the latest drivers for the usb chipset on your mobo, whether it's a seperate chip or part of the northbridge/southbridge or whatever.

[Code of Honor]

It can't be the USB drivers either cause my iPhone works just fine.

[strag]

Then I'd try doing the eject thing both on the PC and the laptop. That's about all I can think of off the top of my head.