External WD hard drive (almost) not detected

Question

Hello everyone!

First of all, I must clarify that I am clearly not the only one facing such a problem, especially with a WD (Western Digital) external hard drive. I have researched as much as possible online and on this forum, I have read and tried numerous "solutions" in vain. That’s why I’m reaching out for help, thank you in advance to everyone who is willing to assist me.

So, in short, my 500 GB WD external hard drive is no longer functioning. This happened once before; it was no longer visible in My Computer, but I managed to retrieve it via the chkdsk command in the command prompt (CheckDisk). I had to type chkdsk followed by the drive letter of the disk. Unfortunately, this time it’s more serious, it’s not working, probably because my drive no longer has a letter assigned in Windows.

I’ve tried various data recovery programs, all possible re-plugging, restarts, etc. The problem persists.

Is there anyone willing to help me? I have essential data on this drive, and I cannot believe I have lost everything.

To help you solve the problem, here are some important indications:

- the drive no longer appears in My Computer
- the drive makes a strange noise when turned on
- basically, it is no longer visible anywhere as a drive in Windows
- the only place I still see it is in Device Manager
- it is still detected by Windows, as when I plug it in, I see "USB mass storage device" appear under the little green icon in the taskbar (which lists all drives and allows safe removal); it is visible there, but under this generic name, and not with its name or a drive letter, as is the case for other devices
- in some data recovery programs, I still see my drive, in the form of a PHYSICAL disk only, and not OPTICAL
- in Disk Management (right-click on My Computer), my hard drive no longer appears; I therefore cannot assign a drive letter this way

I deduce from all this that Windows can still see my drive, that it detects it as a physical drive (it can even tell me the size in GB of the disk), but I can’t do anything with it, no way to recover the data so far.

Here are some possible avenues, in my opinion:

- try to install Linux and read the contents of the disk under Linux instead of Windows??? (I read that someone managed to recover their data this way, which was invisible under Windows); but installing Linux is not a decision to make lightly, and are the data written under Windows usable/transferrable under Linux?
- try to uninstall/reinstall/disable my disk via Device Manager, where it still appears (there we can still see its name, at least I see something like WD 500, which suggests it is still visible as a 500 GB WD disk)
- ideally, I would like to use a software to create an image of my disk and recover all its content

Otherwise, I’m left with despair and the prospect of losing all my precious data. I’m furious. I’ve read that several people have similar issues with WD drives. I should note that mine fell from 20 cm a few days ago (a friend who caught the cable with his foot... great!), but it had been working fine since; suddenly yesterday while working, it just stopped functioning.

As a last resort, contacting a company specialized in data recovery remains an option, but I believe there’s no guarantee of results, and it costs hundreds of euros.

I am already grateful to anyone who would help me. In summary: disk almost invisible under Windows, still recognized as hardware/physical disk, but without the possibility of assigning a drive letter and even less to recover its data.

A thousand thanks
Hakku

Configuration: Windows XP Firefox 3.0.1

the_froggy · Accepted Answer

UPDATE on the problem!
I tested my hard drive again with the enclosure that the seller made me buy... and after a long detection process (on Windows), it asks me if I want to format the disk (noooooo!!!!) which is definitely not my goal at all...
Well, apparently, it still works, but I can't access it anymore...
I saw that there are software programs for recovering deleted data. If I decide to format it, will I be able to recover everything with the software??

I'm desperate lol...

incaout · Answer

Hi,  If you can, try taking it out of the casing and plugging it directly into the computer. If it works, you'll still be able to recover your data.  IC

Hakku · Answer

Hello Incaout

First of all, thank you for taking the time to respond to me. In these moments of great solitude, it always feels good, especially after spending hours trying everything in vain. I'm starting to despair, especially hearing the little noise the disk keeps making (like it's starting, then tic tic tic tic, then pause, then it restarts).

I was kind of expecting an answer like yours. I should have clarified from the start: I'm (relatively) comfortable with computers, software-wise, understanding how it works, etc., but I don't see myself as a tinkerer. What I mean is that the solution of disassembling the external casing to try an internal connection scares me a bit. I've already looked at my casing, I see neither screws nor an easy way to open it. Then we end up with a disk to handle, probably with the greatest caution?

Then there's a new problem: I work on a laptop. I do have an old old desktop PC, still running Windows ME (yuck), which I hardly use anymore. I'm willing to try it if that's really the only solution. Just to be clear, I don't dismiss your answer, but if I could first be sure I've tried everything software-wise, before resorting to manipulating a disk without really knowing how to connect it somewhere in an old PC that hasn't been used for ages.

Does the fact that the computer still detects it in certain places as a physical disk allow me to create a disk image one way or another? I've tried various programs, some see it as a physical disk, others do not. But no program detects a partition or a logical disk anymore.

I should point out that I've already tried connecting it to another computer running Windows XP, with the same result.

I'm starting to believe that external disk storage is far from the safest solution. I thought I was being wise using this disk first as a backup, and then lately, due to lack of space on my laptop, as my main storage disk...

I'm really starting to despair. If there are any other good ideas, or if you have other suggestions, Incaout, considering that I don't feel skilled enough to try to disassemble/reassemble everything... Thank you very much!!!!!!

Hakku

Hakku · Answer

PS: very slight progress: I disabled the drive in the device manager, restarted Windows, then reactivated the drive.
So now it appears as a physical drive in the PC Inspector program, which gives the option to recover/recreate a logical disk from the physical drive. But the operation seems to fail; for each sector it tells me "error", I have to ignore it and move on to the next block, and it keeps saying "error" etc.

I'm starting to think there is really something broken on the hard drive, on the read head or I don't know what.

Any responses, if there could be any, would really help me... Thank you!
Hakku

incaout · Answer

Hello.

I understand you, it's not fun to mount and dismount hard drives. I did it for a while, but it's true that now if I can avoid it, I gladly do.

If you really have a recurring clicking sound when powering on the drive, I think it indeed has an issue with its reading head. Unfortunately, I don't believe there are any possible solutions to recover your data, except reaching out to a specialized company.

I'm sorry I can't help you more.

IC

BOUBBBA · Answer

I have exactly the same problem with my WD... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
I removed it from my PC and transferred everything to the hard drive to avoid losing data in case my PC surprises me one day "JUST IN CASE"...
10,000 photos over more than 7 years... all my computerized schooling, projects, files, my life, YOU KNOW!!
It makes a weird noise, undetectable by Vista, and it sounds like there are grains in the casing when you shake it!

WHAT'S THE SOLUTION??

pierrot5.9 · Answer

Hello everyone. Well, I also had a problem with my external hard drive. I connected it to my PS3 and a few months later it stopped working. I exchanged it. I have a question: do you know if it's possible to format or use a program so that the hard drive is visible on the PS3 after formatting in NTFS and FAT?
Otherwise, I learned that to read videos, music, and photos on the PS3, you need a hard drive with a power supply. Otherwise, the drive gets damaged.
So I'm taking this opportunity to ask if it's possible to reformat or anything else for my PS3 to recognize an external hard drive with a power supply?

Thank you in advance.

Bastien.49 · Answer

Hello,

I also have a 500GB external Western Digital hard drive (the WD5000) that is no longer detected by Windows. Unlike your case, it didn't happen all at once; the hard drive presented some I/O errors a few days before its failure, it was sometimes detected as RAW instead of NTFS, and responded relatively poorly. I had a hunch and managed to back up quite a bit of the data it contained.
It is now detected under Windows as "USB mass storage device."
Being quite handy, I didn't hesitate to disassemble the device, which contains a small USB/SATA interface with an Initio IRIC 160SL chipset and a SATA WD Caviar SE16 "WD5000AAKS" hard drive. I am convinced by the noise it makes that the HDD is dead.
Therefore, I only bought a 500GB internal WD SATA hard drive to replace the one in the enclosure.
I will receive it within a week. If after the replacement the external hard drive works wonderfully, it means the old internal HDD was dead.
If it doesn't work, it means the interface is dead (which I would doubt), and in that case, I would have to buy an enclosure to recover all my old data. (My PC is IDE, so I can't test it on it).
I'll confirm this as soon as I receive it.

Best regards

Bastien.49

Neiim · Answer

Hi everyone, I also have the same problem with the same external hard drive (WD 500GB) that makes a weird noise five times when I plug it in and it's really bothering me a lot if I have to lose all the data that I left inside....
If someone could help me that would be really cool.

Thank you in advance.

lecisco · Answer

I have a 1TB WD internal drive and it's the second time it's broken, and it makes this noise too. Personally, I think the 1TB Green drives from WD are too fragile and fail easily.
Both hard drives died within two months...

Personally, I'm done with WD, I won't even exchange it because each time there are data losses!

Good luck to everyone, I know it's hard to lose your data, I'm fed up!

fabalex · Answer

A hard drive that makes a tick tick tick noise at startup is 99.99% broken, sorry for the news. The shock from a week ago probably knocked it off balance =(. The arm holding the read heads likely took a hit. When it makes that tick tick tick noise, it's definitely broken. But check with a computer store to get their opinion on the noise.

I think it's time to buy a new hard drive =(, bye

--
Vista ultimate 64bit

fabalex · Answer

lol, no way the people who bring up a 6-month-old post "super" -- Vista ultimate 64bit

philboos · Answer

Hello everyone, this is the first time I'm posting on this forum and I want to share my experience.
I bought an external hard drive of 320 GB, the WD Passport, because I also got a WD TV to play my movies and photos on my 1080p LCD.
I had problems connecting it to my desktop PC; it wouldn’t work, so I thought it was dead. I tested it on my daughter's recent HP laptop and miraculously, it worked perfectly.
So, I plugged it into my PC using a powered USB hub, and to my surprise, it connected without any problem. Moreover, with my Freebox HD, there was no connection; it made a clicking noise and the LED was blinking. While searching online, I found that there are Y-shaped USB cables to increase the power supply.
What’s strange is that my desktop PC has a 500-watt power supply.
There you go, I hope my analysis can be of help.

tartiflette09 · Answer

Hello,
I also have a WD HDD of 320 GB, it was working fine until recently on my PC, and for the past week when I connect it, I see USB Device appearing followed by the installation window, and then it's impossible to install it. I then tested it on a laptop, same issue... I thought my HDD was dead, especially since I was hearing this clicking sound... on the laptop, but surprisingly when I plugged it into a regular CPU at work, it worked without any problems, and the same at a friend's on his personal PC. So now I don't understand anymore. Is it my PC and the laptop or the HDD??? Just to say, you should test your HDD on several machines before declaring it dead...

philboos · Answer

If the HDD works on any PC, it means it is okay.
The problem with this type of bus-powered HDD is that it needs a good power supply; otherwise, it may not initialize. I think it's a power consumption issue.
Also, I noticed that it sometimes disconnects by itself.
There you go, hoping to have helped you.

titeuf44 · Answer

Hello everyone,

I too just got caught by a black Western Digital passport for my MacBook Pro.

Impossible to mount it on the desktop.

I find it particularly abnormal that the box of the drive indicated compatibility with Mac OS Leopard when that is not the case.

Good luck to you.

the_froggy · Answer

I hope this topic continues to be consulted... I have a problem (well, it's easy to guess, otherwise I wouldn't come here :D)

I myself acquired a WD Passport 320GB in November 2008. It has already fallen once, but it has always worked well since then and now my problem is that it no longer wants to open my files...
I am using a Mac, when I plug it in, the LED lights up as usual and normally the icon appears on the desktop. However, after a while, the LED stops blinking and nothing happens...

I also tested it on Windows, it detects it as a new device, it opens the execution window (the thing that scrolls with a flashlight..), but it doesn't open automatically. So I go to My Computer, the external hard drive is displayed as a removable disk, so I click on it, but it crashes without opening anything...

I want to emphasize that there are no strange "tick-tick" noises and the disk is still spinning... I went to see a computer seller, he made me buy a SATA hard drive enclosure, but the problem is the same...
My goal is to recover the data that is on it... WHAT SHOULD I DO??

Thank you in advance for your responses!

JLB29 · Answer

Do not format! Otherwise, only a specialist will be able to recover your data (and even then)
There is a particularly effective software (not 100%) that allowed me to recover 5 HDDs at 95%
guetdataback.
However, you must absolutely have another sufficiently large disk connected beforehand to recover all the data from the problematic one!
On my 320 GB external HDD that was no longer recognized by Windows or Runtime, I recovered EVERYTHING.
Slight disadvantage: some directories are not renamed identically but with alphanumeric identifiers (probably those that were deleted).
When you finish analyzing the disk (it can take 2 to 48 hours), do not forget to copy the results of the scan to the destination support, otherwise, you worked for nothing!
Also, be careful not to have a trial version, as it allows you to view everything that can be recovered, but when it comes time to copy, nada!
Good luck...

titeuf · Answer

Hello,

I was finally able to mount the drive on my MacBook Pro desktop using a double USB cable.

The fact that your drive is making a weird noise doesn't bode well.

I suggest you return it quickly to customer service.

Best regards./.

the_froggy · Answer

Well, I wanted to do this at work to save time, but there aren't enough USB ports...
At least I found the manual, I'll study it. However, it says that we have to obtain the license key once the files are ready to be copied, which means that without this key I won't be able to go any further? :'(

Symouss · Answer

Personally, I just had almost the same problem: not visible except in the device manager where it had location 0, tested on 2 PCs, same result, appeared in both cases in USB management and apparently for me it was a simple power issue, I plugged it into another socket and it worked sorry it was so simple for me if it can reassure some good luck to the others in any case I stressed out, I'm going to back up right away!!!

Symouss · Answer

I forgot to mention that I didn't have the little click click click at startup that changes everything, the thing just started up quietly, the light came on and then nothing...

thefroggy · Answer

UPDATE ...  So here's what's happening now. My hard drive is still visible on the desktop (Windows, but nothing on MAC) but when I click on it, it asks me if I want to format it ... I've tried recovery software: GETDATABACK and PC INSPECTOR ... I encountered several issues: - either it crashes during the analysis (for both software) - or it finds no files to analyze (for GETDATABACK) - or it finds my files (photos) that I want to recover and when I back them up to another hard drive, it only copies 2GB and I still can't read most of them, however I can see all the files I had created before, but empty ... (for PC INSPECTOR)  So ... I thought I’d scan it to see if there's a virus lurking ... and Avast responds: "Unable to scan: the volume does not contain a known file system. Please check if all system drivers (and I don’t have the rest ...)"  So ... what should I do now? To clarify, the hard drive isn’t making any weird noises, it seems normal at first glance ..

thefroggy · Answer

Ah and then... for GETDATABACK, there are 2 types NTFS and FAT... how do I know which one meets my expectations?

thefroggy · Answer

Well, another failed test... I tried GETDATABACK for FAT (the previous tests were with for NTFS and it yielded nothing at the 3rd step). The 3rd step (after analyzing the lost files) at the moment of recovering the data it found. It offers me the possibility to copy them... except I need a registration key... but that's not all, it tells me I have the opportunity to see directly if the recovered data is of quality... and here is the message it shows when I try to open: 'I/O error 'unknown error (23) reading sector xxxxx on HDxxx. do you want to continue?' > yes > it opens the photo gallery > cannot read this image, the format is not supported (and yet it's a .jpg) ????

rollmops · Answer

I just had exactly the same problem with a WD 250G. I've been using it as a backup for my Mac for a while, and it’s no longer recognized and makes that infamous clicking sound. I plug it into another Mac and it works there. I have another hard drive that works perfectly on both. Any ideas?

thefroggy · Answer

Hello everyone! Well, here it is, I decided to go to a shop to tinker with my hard drive. They told me they saw no faults, that the hard drive was detected immediately upon connection... So I asked them to back up my data to my new hard drive, 197GB for €70... Anyway, the issue is resolved, but I still don't know why my hard drive was not being detected... Because after the data backup, I had it formatted and I was able to recognize it immediately on my Mac and PC... Mystery and peanuts! In any case, thank you for your attempts to help, it might help someone else ;) Have a good day and all the best!

gibbs · Answer

Hello, thank you for all your comments. Thanks to you, I was able to recover my data from a WD, exactly the same problem as you, the disk appears (but no longer under the name I had given it) and it is unusable; it keeps asking me if I want to format it. Thanks to PC INSPECTOR, I was able to recover all my data (a bit long, but it's worth it!) Thanks again.

BanZaiii · Answer

Hello everyone,  I have read a good number of your messages that have helped me quite a bit. Thank you!  I just have another question:  I downloaded GetDataBack for NTFS, but how can I recover my data if my Western Digital is not recognized by my PC? How do I tell the software to recover data from THIS external hard drive and not another one?  Can you please help me?  Thank you,  BanZaiii

BanZaiii · Answer

Thank you for your response, I'll do my best not to lose my 500GB.. Ouch..

BenWest · Answer

Hello everyone,  I've been reading the forums a lot, and now I have to share my experience as well. Yesterday, my WD500Go gave me quite a scare!!! Slow computer, inaccessible HDD, etc. I unplugged it, and when connecting via USB, the "cling-cling" of Windows worked, then the HDD flashed and nothing showed up in My Computer. I attempted the manufacturer's diagnostic but without success. After reading several responses on this topic, I booted into Linux (in dual boot) and there I had access as if nothing was wrong. So my solution is to recover as much data as possible and I'm going to buy a new 1TB HDD. I will finally install the HDD internally to see if the issue is with the drive or the power supply.  Try installing (Linux) Ubuntu for example to recover your data!!! (possibly Knoppix which is a LiveCD or UbuntuLiveCD)  @+ (I'll keep you updated)  BenWest

Seb · Answer

Good evening  I also have no luck with my WD 500 since I mistakenly uninstalled a program! Because I wanted to remove DVD Play, which has a logo of an arrow in a circle. I accidentally uninstalled a program with almost the same rounded arrow logo, it looks like an arrow making a circle. Anyway, I reconnected my WD 500 to the USB port, the blue light is on, I go to my desktop, I go to My Computer, Local Disk G: with a blue bar indicating that I'm 3/4 full, and when I click on it to see my movies, videos, music clips, etc., there's nothing there, so I don't understand, but I believe I uninstalled a program related to the WD 500!!!! If you have an explanation or help, please reply. I had so much stuff on it, please respond.

domain · Answer

You simply need to add a letter to the concerned device in disk management, and everything will fall into place, but for what reason?????

arthur · Answer

I have the same problem as you, I retrieved the Ubuntu Linux CD, we booted from it and installed it in memory (not on the HD). After a miracle, no conflict, Ubuntu sees the USB disk partition! All that's left is to copy it. However, I don't have the solution to reformat the USB disk.

PuckCrew · Answer

Hello everyone,  I just wanted to add my little comment about WD external hard drives. I have three at home, and they all have practically the same problem. The proprietary USB connector from WD does not hold up. Every time it disconnects for no reason, with the slightest movement!!  For a hard drive that is supposed to be portable, I find this frankly unacceptable. But moving on, the fact that this connector keeps disconnecting inevitably leads to the hard drive crashing. Out of the 3 WD hard drives I have, two have already failed!! In the end, I think I'm going to eliminate WD hard drives from my purchases because I just lost practically over 1TB of data due to those constant USB cable disconnections.  So, to future buyers of WD who might be passing by, know that WD drives really have a problem, as even the brand new models use the same proprietary USB cable, and it's the same issue. -- Computing is a perpetual learning process. Nothing is guaranteed in advance!! Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, Intel Core2 Duo CPU T5450 @ 1.66GHz, 4.0 Gb

Mr_choco972 · Answer

I have a little problem. It's been about a year since I bought my 1TB WD external hard drive, and for some time now (about a month), it keeps turning off and on repeatedly. I've practically filled the 1TB, so I don't need to tell you that there are a lot of things on it^^. But it's annoying because it's impossible to watch a movie properly or make copies since it cuts out sometimes. I've run a scan with my antivirus, which detected 2-3 Trojans, but nothing dangerous. Yet my external hard drive continues to have issues. I just read above about a connector that needs to be replugged, but I don't really understand it, and I'm a little afraid to open the case for no reason. But if I need to open it, I will; I just need someone to explain what needs fixing.  Oh yes, this happens not only on my PC. On several friends' computers, my external hard drive is acting the same, and they have Vista, Seven... I thought I was the only one. Thanks ^^

Manune · Answer

I have the same problem with the same hard drive. Mine causes all windows to lag as soon as I go to "Computer." How can I get it to work again? (It fell from a low height and not hard). Thank you for helping me.

BillieClean · Answer

No one knows of an external hard drive brand that doesn't have problems? Because Western Digital, hello anxiety! This is starting to get expensive...

Slyder · Answer

I want to buy an external hard drive and I'm hesitating between these two models:  Western Digital My Passport Essential SE 750 GB http://www.ldlc.com/fiche/PB00091960.html  or  Samsung S2 portable 640 GB https://www.clubic.com/  The WD has more capacity but the Samsung has better ratings.  Which one do you think wins the match?  And yes, we are in the middle of the World Cup and I couldn't help but make a little connection.

can · Answer

same for me

JLB29 · Answer

You can have a version of Linux on a bootable CD without installing it on the disk. See also my comment  JLB29 August 21, 2009 at 10:41

Princessedu3605 · Answer

I feel the same way and I can't find a solution, I'm feeling stuck.

donalduck · Answer

Maybe there's a solution here, it worked for me https://www.pcastuces.com/logitheque/ultimatebootcd.htm  Just be patient and you'll get there!!! lol  It took me three days, pffffffff

Crush.e · Answer

A response that may reassure some (I personally completely panicked when reading this topic...) :  The connection issues between my WD hard drive and my Mac mini were numerous (recognition problems, disconnection, etc)... But this morning, a big scare, I plugged in my hard drive and it started making "click... click... click..." and spun aimlessly without being recognized by the computer. Several attempts, always the same result. Finally, after reading this topic, I decided to use a different USB cable than the one from the hard drive, plug it directly into the computer instead of the USB extension, and there it was, a miracle, my hard drive stopped clicking, and it was recognized. I then saved my important data just in case...  I don’t know what made it work again, but anyway, don’t panic too quickly, try multiple attempts and even try things that seem unlikely to you... Apparently, WD hard drives can be a bit temperamental: one moment it works, and the next it doesn’t...

Lana · Answer

Hello everyone. I hope someone can help me. I had the wonderful idea of investing in a 2 terabyte WD hard drive. In the end, after 2 months of use, my computer no longer detects it at all. I connected it to other computers, which gave me the same result. I don't understand because it has never fallen. You can hear, upon connection, the hard drive starting up, then it makes 3 clicking sounds in a row and then nothing. It keeps blinking endlessly, and the computer does not recognize it even in File Explorer. Do you have any idea what the problem might be please? Thank you.

Pany · Answer

Hello everyone who has ever experienced the anxiety of a "dead" hard drive. For most of you, my remark may come too late, I know, but always keep this in mind; it will be useful one day:  there's a range of truly extraordinary FREE software for managing and recovering partitions and data, even on drives that are deemed dead or unreadable by all other software, and those are the Minitool programs.  Check this address: http://www.minitool-partitionrecovery.com/ and also this one: http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html  You'll discover some little wonders that can even read dynamic disks!  I would add that a trick has often helped me revive drives considered dead, just long enough to recover data: you need to FREEZE the drive for at least three hours (slip it into a well-sealed plastic bag, and when connecting it, make sure to lay it flat because any condensation that will inevitably form must not drip onto the circuit boards. If you place it on a paper towel, ensure that it does not come into contact with the electronics.  You will then have about fifteen minutes of normal functioning of your drive to recover as much data as possible before it returns to its normal operating temperature and starts acting up again.  You can of course repeat the operation as many times as necessary to recover everything that is possible.  Good luck and let us know how it goes!

abeille · Answer

Hello everyone, having had problems with a 1TB WD external drive, which was not visible on the PC except in the device manager, I followed numerous pieces of advice, wise or not, without finding a solution. In the end, I performed a system restore of my computer (Vista) by specifying a date after the problem. As a result, everything works perfectly, my multimedia is recognized, and all I had left to do was to redo my updates. I hope this can help many of you.

jamy33 · Answer

To try to recover a faulty disk, there is the software HDD Regenerator, which checks the good or defective sectors and then repairs them... It allowed me to recover all my data from a disk that did the same thing as yours.. It just needs to be recognized by the workstation, even if it doesn't have a letter assigned. However, I did this on 250GB, 3 days of repairs... So good luck to those who are going to deal with 1000GB....

JLB29P · Answer

In response to Hakku first, it is not necessary to change Windows for Linux, we can run Linux from a CD or a USB stick. These operating systems are compatible and can read each other's data. Next, has anyone ever disassembled this type of external drive? Can it be powered like an internal drive? External drives are probably fragile, but their power supplies are too. If you have another power supply, try using it.

remoula31 · Answer

Good evening Hakku,   I have exactly the same problem as you (my hard drive crashed / "to date when I plug it in, it is recognized by Windows XP but no longer appears in My Computer, only in Device Manager as "USB Mass Storage Device").  And I just lost all the photos and videos of my children since their birth...  I would therefore like to know if you found a solution to recover the data from your hard drive even though it has been some time...  Thank you in advance...

kahl · Answer

Hello everyone,  I haven't taken the time to read everything, but I'll add my two cents: be careful, if you feel that your drive is spinning correctly inside, all is not lost.  Sometimes, all it takes is to change the USB controller (which manages the data transfer between the external drive and the PC) for your external disk to be recognized again. This just happened to me with a 2TB drive. By changing the removable case, the PC detected it again.  Happy to help.

External WD hard drive (almost) not detected

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