Solaris

In my book, rmformat -l should always work to list usb devices.

So, yes, this looks like a USB interface or USB power issue.

I assume that the ext-HDD is seen if you plug it into another (Windows) server?

---------- Post updated at 04:17 PM ---------- Previous update was at 03:54 PM ----------

So isn't that "usb-storage" device listed in your post#1 the DVD drive?

If so, the ext-HDD isn't seen there either.

Yeah, whereever I looked, rmformat should list everything... That's why this is such a puzzle...

The DVD drive that is listed in the output of rmformat (that is the server's DVD drive) and I am not sure is it detected as "usb-storage" in the cfgadm output.

Unplug the ext-HDD and run cfgadm.

Plug in ext-HDD and run cfgadm again.

Compare outputs to see if they're different.

Also try another USB port/cable.

@hicksd8
I have tried and the outputs are different. When the exHDD is plugged in, it can be seen at which port it is plugged in (exp. port usb1.4) and when it is unplugged, there is nothing at that port.

@achenele
I have tried 4 ports on the back side of the server and, in addition, the exHDD can be seen in Windows (so the cable is ok).

(thank you all for trying to help )

Right, so the USB drive is seen by the system. Proved!!

Can you take this system down? Or is it a production system?

If I was in that position the next thing that I would probably do is to boot from a Debian LIVE DVD and see if that can see the USB drive. If so, try and format it, mount it, and exercise it. Just to check out and hardware, USB power, USB interface issues. If that works then it's a Solaris (driver?) issue or something like that.

What was the longest time the drive was connected to the system without trying anything to mount/format the device?