Windows 7 - random external hard drive failure

Okay, i didnt think i'd be back to the forums so soon with a problem, but such is my luck!

Anyways, i have this Western Digital 1TB external hard drive that i bought [maybe] 2 years ago from overstock, refurbished. I know, stupid to buy refurbished electronics. Well, it's been working just fine, up until a few days ago. I was attempting to upload a video clip to my blog, and it was slow and froze up - i even had to close Firefox. Now, during this time, i was watching a tv show from the same drive, with no problems. I tried to upload it again, and it once again froze. Firefox didnt seem to have any issues. So, i cancelled the upload, and closed out of the folder/hard drive. Then, i go to re-open it, and it no longer comes up with My Book or the icon - only says Local Disc (H:). And if i click on that, first it tells me i need to format the disk before i can use it - no way - i know that'll wipe all my files gone. So, if i click Cancel or the red X, it tells me H:\ is not accessible. Data error (cyclic redundancy check).

This has really got me confused. I mean, i was just using it, and it randomly "crashes" without warning?? I figure the data must be there, since i was accessing it right up to the time of the problem. I figure I probly need a new hard drive, but i wanna be able to get my things off this one first. Am i just screwed??

i'm not positive, can only offer what i did... mine got flaky as well, different brand, but would randomly do things that arent kosher

only way i got it reading and going again was to cool it down (never tried the ziplock/fridge or freezer trick but heard thats a decent last resort) and run a fan right on it... then i would have short episodes were i could drag files back off it normally, until i repeated the insanity enough times that i had all my backup stuff.. uhh.. re-backed up

anyways, it asked to be RMA'ed when queryed.. thats a big hint in my book, when the stupid thing comes with a "am i FUBAR'ed button" and gives you RMA instructions

good luck dude

Open an elevated command prompt. Type in chkdsk H:

Hello Ryan.


Have you used the WD diagnostics to test/repair (if possible) the HDD?


WD Support / Downloads / Select Product

Oh. I didnt think i could use their Support, since i bought it refurbished. Ill give it a shot, tho - thanks.

I hope all goes well for you, be sure to post back here with updates.