computer freezes when transferring to external HDD

[BustedS13]

i've had this problem in the past. the solution then was to toss the external and get a bigger internal drive. but i want this thing to work, so please help me.
i just bought a 500gb external. i'm trying to transfer my mp3 collection to it. i can transfer a handful of folders no problem. but if i transfer more than just a handful, say, several gigs, it will hard lock my computer. what's the deal? anybody ever experience this?


details.
WD Mybook Essential 500gb
AMD Athlon64x2 4200+
1gb ram
Biostar T Series mobo, using onboard usb2.0
XP pro, SP2 integrated
shit locks

[SW20Racer]

if it only locks when you try to transfer several gigs @ once, just take your time and do a little each time. sounds like you're just freaking your comp out moving so much data at once.

if its a situation where you are only transferring a little at a time and it only lets you get so far then freezes, it could be a corrupt file sending up a red flag

im not schooled on all the technical terms but ive worded it the best i could, i hope this helps.