External hard drive problem

[oldchemist]

I use a Maxtor external hard drive for file backup. PC is running XP. When I select the external drive from "My Computer" I get a message telling me that the external drive is not formatted with an option to "format now". I guess that If I do format the drive I will lose all data on it. I have tried a PC restart but the problem remains. Any ideas?

[dx100uk]

you've probably written something to the drive an powered down without finally saving it.##cache error. see if you can run [right click properties/tools/checknow/tick all boxes/then reboot]on it

[oldchemist]

Thanks. Turning power off/on to the drive seems to have fixed it.

[dx100uk]

i'd still do as post 2...dx

[oldchemist]

Done as post 2 - thanks again for the advice.