It works better if you plug it in.

[edible_hat]

A few weeks ago I bought a new computer. I have the data drive from my old computer in an external case that connects by USB.

Just a minute ago I was trying to find a file on that disk, but it wasn't showing up in Windows Explorer. I checked that the power was on and everything, but it just wasn't showing up.

Then I realised that the USB cable wasn't connected. D'oh!

[Ironclad Alibi]

Basic Troubleshooting 101: "When all else fails, make sure it's plugged in."

[Chanlin]

Basic Troubleshooting 101: "When all else fails, make sure it's plugged in."

Um, actually shouldn't this be: Basic Troubleshooting 101: "Before trying anything else, make sure it's plugged in and turned on."

[crazylegs]

Um, actually shouldn't this be: Basic Troubleshooting 101: "Before trying anything else, make sure it's plugged in and turned on."

I would politely suggest they are steps 1 + 2 respectively, we all know that the majority of users wouldn't do that step in the correct order (no point trying to turn it on if it isn't plugged in!)

[edible_hat]

The power was plugged in, but the USB cable wasn't. (I thought it was but it somehow got unplugged in the last 3-4 days)