Disk unknown, not initialized, and not showing partition


  1. glecerb
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
       New #1

    Disk unknown, not initialized, and not showing partition


    I am experiencing the same issue as with jenny123 but with an additional problem. I am troubleshooting a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB external hard drive for my buddy. It is previously working but one day, it is not detected anymore by any device. It is found in the Disk Management however, it is listed as Unknown, Not Initialized, and not showing the partition as shown in the screenshot.
    Disk unknown, not initialized, and not showing partition-computer-mgt.png

    When I try to change it from Offline to Online, I am encountering the error:
    "Virtual Disk Manager: The system cannot find the file specified"

    I also used the DISKPART in cmd but it is not showing Disk 1 as shown below.
    Disk unknown, not initialized, and not showing partition-diskpartlist.png

    The external hard drive is found in disk drives but it is not showing it's model name.
    Disk unknown, not initialized, and not showing partition-diskdrives.png

    I tried all the recommended software (partition wizard, testdisk, icare) but still no luck. I also tried searching online for an answer but there's no closure to their issues as well. Hope someone can help on this as he need a) the drive and b) recover the files in the external drive. Thanks!

    EDIT: The drive can be seen in the Devices and Printers as shown below.
    Disk unknown, not initialized, and not showing partition-dnp.png
    Last edited by glecerb; 21 Jun 2014 at 11:48. Reason: moved to new thread
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  3. Anshad Edavana
    Posts : 562
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #2

    Hi

    For any serious troubleshooting, diagnostics or recovery attempt, you should always connect an HDD to a direct SATA port. Usually you can easily remove the header of any Seagate Golex drive and then connect it to an internal SATA port.



    Let us know what "Disk Management" reports when you connect the drive directly.
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  4. glecerb
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Hi Anshad,

    Thanks for that but are there other troubleshooting I need to perform before resorting to opening the hard drive?
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  6. Anshad Edavana
    Posts : 562
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #4

    Thanks for that but are there other troubleshooting I need to perform before resorting to opening the hard drive?
    Since the disk is not even detected in DISKPART, there is only three possibilities.

    1. A faulty data cable.

    Try another cable if one available.

    2. Faulty interface electronics.

    If the SATA to USB conversion electronics failed, the disk won't be detected. Directly connecting to a SATA port will let us know whether it is the case.

    3. HDD is failed.

    This is the worst case scenario. Only professional data recovery can help. Directly connecting to an internal port will let us using various diagnostic tools against the disk in question.
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  7. glecerb
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Enterprise 64bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    I've already tried #1 and still the same issue.

    For option 2 and 3, I'll try to seek a seagate's customer service as I don't have an extra system (desktop/laptop) to play but hopefully, #2 will solve the issue.

    I will get back with an update.
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