External usb HD freezes pc

[hammoud_x]

I am using Win xp sp3
I have an external WD 320GB usb hard disk
every time i attach it to any usb port , the explorer freezes and I have to shut down , but when I connect the hard disk before starting up , it work properly

I have scanned it and its virus free and tried it on other pcs and it is Ok

can you help me

[Raymond]

Can you advice what kind of security software are you running on your computer?

[hal9000]

Can you boot into safe mode and see if it does the same thing. This will at least rule in or out any 3rd party software which starts with your PC.

[hammoud_x]

Can you advice what kind of security software are you running on your computer?

Eset 5 + Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware + Kingsoft PC Doctor

---------- Post added at 05:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:54 PM ----------

Can you boot into safe mode and see if it does the same thing. This will at least rule in or out any 3rd party software which starts with your PC.

I tries in safe mode on my pc and it is OK

[hal9000]

As it's OK in safe mode and when already plugged in, it looks like one of your startup apps is the cause. All you have to do now is try to find the culprit by a process of elimination.
Using Msconfig, CCleaner or any app that can disable startup items, untick everything in the startup tab, reboot and plug in the drive. If it works, retick 1 or 2 items, reboot and retry. Sooner or later you should be able to pin down the offending program.
If the problem was still there even after unticking all startup items, using Msconfig select 'Diagnostic startup' from the general tab. This will also disable non Microsoft services as well as startup programs.

[Raymond]

Agree with hal9000.

[A Guy]

+1 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/331796

A Guy