Seatools failing everything connected to USB docking station

BaJohn wrote:

mdgm wrote: Using USB may be hit or miss. It may/may not work. Whereas using internal SATA connectors you should be confident that good disks should be detected properly. Not quite clear where the problem lies here. Is it that USB contacts wear, or some USB's do not have all the connections or what? The ReadyNAS has a USB connection for backup of the NAS box. Are you saying that for the USB on the NAS box "It may/may not work." as well? :?

I think mdgm's comment is specific to diagnostics.

Sometimes the USB controller in the enclosure will confuse the diagnostic, and it might not properly identify the drive model. Also, some functions (particularly the ATA erase command) won't work (as it usually is limited to SATA). Even in those cases you should be able to run most tests.

I haven't downloaded Seatools in a while, so I can't confirm the OP's report that the newest version is less reliable over USB than the older ones.

An alternative to a USB enclosure is to install an eSata card in the PC. You still need to provide drive power (which you can get via a USB adapter kit like Sabrent's). SATA to eSATA cables are readily available.