Failing drive; best way to transfer off data?

Thanks Brink.

I should have mentioned I am looking to transfer off 1TB of data. Since you suggested using a basic Windows function (vs. 3rd party software), would using Robocopy be as safe an option? As it's stated to be a better option for transferring such a large amount of data.

MarkC0 said:

Hi,
I have a WD1002FAEX (WD Black 1TB) that has started to show signs of failure. A few months ago it would load larger files slowly and buffer sometimes when watching videos. As of this week though, it's loading everything slowly and even SD video buffers every few seconds. It does not appear any data is corrupted, as I haven't had any files that did not play/work (despite freezing/buffering all the time).

What is my absolute safest option to get my data copied to elsewhere? **** the drive itself, I can RMA it, I just need my data safe and sound.

I had to RMA a WD Black 1TB a few months ago. It was replaced, but I'm keeping a watch on another WD Black 1TB I bought at the same time (bought 2). How long have you had your drive?

A year and 3 months more or less. First signs of failure at around the 10 month mark. Been using it mostly for storage though (WD Black for storage?? I know...) so hadn't really noticed it as a drive failure till it got worse.

MarkC0 said:

A year and 3 months more or less. First signs of failure at around the 10 month mark. Been using it mostly for storage though (WD Black for storage?? I know...) so hadn't really noticed it as a drive failure till it got worse.

Thanks for the info. I'm using my 2 1TB WD Blacks for storage also. I'm using Perfect Disk 12.5 to keep my drives healthy, but I've noticed that the performance rating for the older WD Black is rated as "Fair", while all my other drives have an "Excellent" rating.

When my RMA'd drive failed, I got a warning from SMART telling me to back up the drive, as it was failing. No SMART warning yet from the other WD Black, but the fair performance rating is causing me concern.