How do I identify the disk referred to in an Event Viewer message?

I think Disk management uses the same disk numbers [harddisk5] so take a look at that.

C:\Windows\System32\diskmgmt.msc

Its connection with its cabling might be the cause of the problem & your external disk itself might be fine. The connection or its cable might be alright when the connector's weight is distributed in a certain way & this could give rise to the inconsistent symptoms you are seeing.

If it's any encouragement, I recently had problems projecting to my TV. I replaced it with another HDMI cable that I had sitting around and the problem remained. But I found that pressing down on the replacement 2 inches from its end fixed the problem [until I moved my fingers].
- I might otherwise have started to blame my computer's signal or my TV's circuitry.
- I bought a new cable and have not had any problems since.
- So I just happened to have had two existing cables that had started to break down inside.

Best of luck,
Denis

You need to double click on the error.

I would like to know if the problem is in my computer or in the USB drive.

Hi, my view is that you won't be able to determine that by looking at reports.
The only way to determine that is by substitution of the individual parts.
For example , if you remove the suspect disk (you mention you have others) and the problem never occurs, and it also never occurs if the same port is connected to a different drive, then probably the problem lies with the drive you have removed.

However, there are other factors, for example, differences in power consumption, the interface type (USB3? USB2?) and even the detailed mechanical connection.

If you were to connect the same suspect drive to a different PC and you observed the same problem, that really leaves you with one conclusion.

If you did that and you didn't see a problem, that doesn't lead to the absolute conclusion that the disk is ok. Either there may be some marginal difference or the problem simply didn't occur during the period you were observing.

One thing you can do that might give some information is to use Hard Disk Sentinel (trial) - download and install (portable version available too) - remains highly functional beyond the trial period.

This program does a check on the integrity of communication with the disk.

It gives an instant report right on its GUI.

perkinw said:

I didn't know about Disk Management.

It can be useful. Just for future reference, people will often recommend an alternative - MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition It is more capable and less likely to mislead you if you are carrying out complex operations with disks/partitions.

perkinw said:

Disk Management apparently doesn't use the same numbering system [harddisk5\DR5]. It refers to the drive in question as "Disk 3"

But it did not display any problems there?


Denis

If you were to use a program called USB Safely Remove, for example, it gives notifications of connection and removal identifying the device.