FreeAgent Products

[Foxx]

I bought the FreeGate 500gb Pro for the advantages of eSATA.  My own internal is a paltry 30gb, so I needed something that I could reliably run programs from.  When I was running XP with the world's oldest motherboard, I used a RAID controller to use the eSATA port.  Although I couldn't boot my comp while the FreeGate HD was in, it worked perfectly.  Windows Explorer could easily recognize it when I plugged it back in. 

After that motherboard died, I rebuilt my computer entirely.  A newer ASUS motherboard, an Intel Quadcore processor, etc.  This motherboard, unlike my older one, has SATA ports inside, and came with a SATA-eSATA insert that can be mounted just like my old RAID controller.  I was able to use this setup for some time, but recently Vista refuses to recognize the drive.  My MB detects it during startup, and I have access to it for about 10 minutes after Vista starts when it mysteriously disappears.  This problem persists with both the eSATA and the USB setups. 

Any ideas?

[papadenadia]

weird

does that happen when its connected to another computer?  like via usb?

right-click on computer - manage - event viewer.

look for events, warnings, errors, etc in the event viewer when the drive disappears and report back here

also, 32 bit or 64 bit?

[Foxx]

It works fine when i connect it to other computers via USB (none of my others have eSATA).  I'm running Vista 32 bit, since my school offered it for $25.  ASUS P5Q motherboard.  I have a converter on my internal hard drive from IDE to SATA because Vista hates IDE drives. 

[papadenadia]

ide-sata converters arent the best idea....

makes me wonder whether that could have sthg to do with it because of drivers.

ok...triple check that the drivers for the sata motherboard/controller that you have are up to date

then triple check the drivers for your esata card

thats the best option right now id say, or at least its where i would start