Pro tools will not play or record. Please HELP

[digiuser007]

Hi, I'm new here and I've got an mbox 2 pro setup with protools le 7.3 running on windows xp home edition. Ok, so I've been having this problem with my pro tools. when I start it up and load up a file it's all normal, but when I try to play or record it says "DAE error 3" and it wont work.

Now I think my problem is my external harddrive (and I dont see why) because every time it's not connected protools works and when it is it says the "DAE error 3" message and wont play or record anything. I thought I had the problem fixed because I kept switching usb ports and it finally worked in only ONE of them, but now that's not working either. Can someone please help. I've looked all on the internet and cant find anything about a "DAE Error 3". This is really frustrating...

[albee1952]

We really need lots more info to help. Start with the threads up top named "troubleshooting" and "Help us help you". Your external drive should be a firewire drive with the Oxford chipset as USB drives are not supported or recommended. Also, the firewire port chipset needs to be an approved one or it may not function.

[digiuser007]

thanks. so what your saying is NO usb external harddrives will work? because that's what mine is. It worked when I first got it but now it's messing up with protools