Vaio SVE1713M1E​B doesn't start

[siegmund10]

Recently I bought a WD My Book 2 TB external HDD which I connect to my Vaio SVE1713M1EB through USB 3.0

However when I shut down the computer with the drive connected and then start manually, it doesn't start. It shows only the Vaio logo without loading Windows 8.

I need to shut down again (manually) then remove the drive to make it start. The curious thing is that the computer reboots normally even when the drive is connected. The afore-mentioned issue occurs only when shut down.

Any ideas?

Many thanks in advance!

[siegmund10]

The only options available in my computer's BIOS are only the Boot configuration and priority. Nothing more.

I spoke already by phone with Sony support and they recommended to restore my system to the factory settings which was finally proved none helpful. I've informed them about that and they replied that they were going to call me back but they still haven't.

By the way do you believe that I shouldn't use at all the USB 3 port on my machine as it may cause further issues? Or perhaps the WD drive which is still on warranty and I may ask to replace ?

Please let me know !

[rich912]

Hi siegmund10,

I doubt that any harm will come to your computer by using the USB 3 port. As for returning the WD drive they may argue that the device is working correctly and that it is your computer that is at fault. However if there is a clause that it can be returned within 30 days no questions asked, and you are within that period, then it may be the best course of action if Sony are unable or unwilling to provide a BIOS update. The problem would seem to be that the advanced settings that you need to change have been locked down by Sony!

Good luck with whatever you decide but please let us known the outcome.

Rich

[siegmund10]

Thanks, and I definitely will as I'm going to call tomorrow again myself Sony support asking about.

Keeping you informed !

[rich912]

Thinking about it this must be something unique to the WD drive as there must be numbers members of this forum that have USB 3 drives attached running Win 8 and as far as I am aware you are the first to report a problem. If it is just this particular device that causes the problem then Sony are unlikely to help. It may be prudent to return the drive.

Rich

[rich912]

Just a thought, but is the WD drive marked as ‘Active’ by any chance? You should be able to check this in Device Manager > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management. If the drive is marked as active this will cause the problems you are experiencing but why it should just occur with USB 3 only I’m not sure so I’m really grasping at straws!

Rich 

[kee-lo_]

I have a Dell running Windows 8 

I have had no problem with any of my WD drives running USB 3 on actual USB3 sockets.  One thing though, I don't usually boot with them plugged in, as I just use it as a backup device to restore / backup information.  

Was going to get an AIO from Sony but the screen wasn't the size I wanted 

[siegmund10]

@ Rich912

There's no indication or mark in Disk Management whether the drive is active or not, it only indicates the following:

Disk 1 Basic Online My Book E NTFS Healthy (Primary Partition)

And how about the link you gave me before with the person experiencing the same issue and as you see on WD support site they insist it's computer BIOS problem? Even if I ask to return they'll definitely reply that the drive works fine.

@ kee-lo_

Would it be too much to ask you try shut down and start (not reboot) with the USB 3 drive plugged in?

[rich912]

Hi siegmund10,

If it doesn’t say ‘Active’ then it is not and this was expected. The only drive that should ‘Active’ is the drive with the OS, so this is not the cause of your problem.

Yes, WD may very well argue that it is the computer BIOS that is causing the problem but I have never encountered an external drive, or any other device for that matter, that requires changes to the BIOS settings. The fact that you are unable to make the necessary changes as suggested by WD makes the device unusable (as it should be used) and therefore unfit for purpose – I assume WD made no reference to this BIOS problem, either on the web site or the instructions that came with it? Plus you may still be within a time period that you can return the product because you have simply changed your mind.

Rich

[siegmund10]

Hi Rich,

The news is that I contacted Sony and they accepted that the problem is actually in BIOS and they'll definitely do something about it sooner or later.
Regarding WD, if you read the link you provided more carefully you'll see that it does provide a solution ! In a few words, if you can't configure your BIOS simply don't boot the computer with device plugged in !

[rich912]

Hi siegmund10,

Whilst I appreciate that WD provide a solution of sorts, having to disconnect the drive before booting your machine is not ideal and therefore not a solution I personally would accept, manly as my computers reside on my desk for the majority of the time and the less unplugging/plugging in the better.

If you intend to keep the WD drive let’s hope that Sony issue a BIOS update sooner rather than later!

Rich