Cannot Add Removable Drive

[William Kuns]

I cannot get Locate32 to add a 256 GB USB drive to the database, and adding it under Advanced options, while it doesn't generate any sort of error message (suggesting a successful operation), it refuses to add that drive or any directory on it to the database. I use that drive for my Music library, and no other application on my computer¹ has any problem whatsoever accessing that drive.

Does Locate32 index files on fixed drives only? Some other applications I have treat large USB drives as fixed or internal drives.

¹Locate32 is the only application I employ for file searches, as I have not [literally] found any other application that does as good a job. Windows Explorer is terrible, and Google Desktop isn't much better; neither has sufficiently accurate indices.

[jmj]

Hi,

You should add the drive of the removable storage in the previous dialog (the dialog in the middle in your screenshot). You can just check the checkbox for the drive in the Drives and Directories list.

The mapping feature you were trying is used for another purpose: if you want to access the database with another computer trough a network share, you can change the drive letters to correspond to your local drive letter in the another computer..

You could also consider to use another database for the removable drive, or otherwise the files will disappear from database when you the drive is removed and database will be updated. There is a page in the help for that.

[William Kuns]

It doesn't wok. I check the drive in the dialogue, the application accepts it…and fails to actually add it to the database…precisely as I stated.

[jmj]

Sorry, referring to Advanced options made me to think mapping feature in Advanced options.

Does the drive or checkbox disappear if you close the settings dialog for the database? Is this removable drive somehow special, or can you add, for example, a directory of your local drive (such a local drive which is not already included)

[William Kuns]

The drive is plugged into a USB 3.0 port. I specify the drive in the dialogue, but when I view drives in the dialogue AFTER it is added, it is neither checked nor interactable (cannot be added again; cannot be selected).

[Ken Loh]

Hi William,

What happens if you don't click on the Advanced button and just add your G: drive? Does it add the G: drive?

I have been able to add portable drives connected to USB 3.x for a long while without any problem. Please elaborate further on the problems that you faced.

[William Kuns]

The concerned drive appears in the drives list…however, the box is unchecked, and refuses to be checked. That's why I had to use the Advanced button, and that's where it OSTENSIBLY accepts the addition of the drive that already appears in the list…but refuses to add it with a chewck, nor does it check the drive already listed. So…I'm astounded you can do this while I cannot.

I've been studying computers since 1984, and have a degreee in Computer Science, but I'll be darned if I can figure out how you managed this seemingly simple task. This is NOT a complicated program, yet it defies elementary analysis. I believe the image I posted illustrates my predicament quite clearly.

[jmj]

You should use similar setup as in the screenshot. There I have selected CD-ROM (D:) as there is no USB connected to the system. More precisely, click "Custom" first and then check the drive. If this does not work, there is some kind of problem which prevents to proceed, but I do not know what to do remotely.

But do NOT even try to use Advanced here, there is nothing which can help in this case. It just creates confusion.

[William Kuns]

I really appreciate your help [even though I can't find the interface your PNG shows], but I stumbled on a fix through experimentation, possible only by using Advanced properties: Change "Do not add directories (except local drives) to the list" to "Add drives and directories of enabled databases," then go to Databases tab: Select default database, Edit, add desired drives. NOW it works, and scans the indicated removable drives.

Before I had done this, when I attempted to add removable drives, it acted like my command was accepted, but the specified drives remained unchecked…a problem that I no longer have.

Thanks! You guys have been great! This is the most efficient AND proficient file location application I have ever encountered, having a lower system footprint RE: resources than other "competing" (they don't!) products. It's fast, almost instant, and it's always correct, especially when I specify case, extension, and class (Files & Folders, Folders, or Files Only). I've been a computer user since 1984, and have known almost all that time how terrible Windows Explorer is at file searches.

[jmj]

Good that it is working now. There some clarifications:

.. possible only by using Advanced properties: Change "Do not add directories (except local drives) to the list" to "Add drives and directories of enabled databases,"
This only have effect to the UI element, i.e. what drives are shwon in the dropdown list. "AddAdd drives and directories of enabled databases," is probable useful but in some cases it can cause hanging of the dialog if the USB drive is present (when Windows is trying to find it). But you can keep it as it if you do not have such problems.

then go to Databases tab: Select default database, Edit, add desired drives. NOW it works, and scans the indicated removable drives.
This is what the PNG was trying to show to do.

But sometimes it is better to have own database for removable drives, for example, if you want to search content of the USB drive when it's not connected (if you include it to default, it content will be removed during the next update if the USB drive is not connected). So instead of choosing default and clicking Edit, you can click New and specify a database as shown in my PNG. Remember to check "Stop if root unavailable" (which is quite bad name, but basisally means that the database will not be updated if a drive or a directory is not present).