1TWD external hard disk unknown,not initialized,unallocated,i/o error

Nizah · 29 Dec 2014

Hi whs, I already try to initialize the disk, but the error come out as snapshot below.

whs · 30 Dec 2014

Try Partition Wizard: Free Partition Manager for Window PC | MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition

Nizah · 30 Dec 2014

I've tried before the Minitool Partition Magic, it's run well , then nothing happened, I still can't explore the file as prescribed earlier by Jumanji in another thread. Then I try again to run the Minitool Partition Magic, it won't detect anymore my HDD.

jumanji · 30 Dec 2014

Hi Nizah,

If your HDD is still under warranty, get an RMA from Western Digital for a replacement.

If your HDD is not under warranty, you may take the HDD out from the case ( carefully pry it open) connect it as an internal drive on a desktop and see whether you can access it.

(Note: In some WD externals the Sata to USB bridge interface card is integrated with the HDD and the HDD cannot be separated.. If that is the case you are out of luck and can't do that.)

Nizah · 30 Dec 2014

Hi Jumanji, thanks for your reply. I will try the last option to send it to WD. It's really make me feels so sad having lost this precious data here..

jumanji · 30 Dec 2014

Back up, Back up, Back up . All data you consider important and would regret losing, should always be available on two physical drives.

whs · 30 Dec 2014

Nizah said:

I've tried before the Minitool Partition Magic, it's run well , then nothing happened, I still can't explore the file as prescribed earlier by Jumanji in another thread. Then I try again to run the Minitool Partition Magic, it won't detect anymore my HDD.

Did you click on 'APPLY" (top left). If nothing else, try the bootable CD of PW.

Bootable Partition Manger | MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition

Nizah · 30 Dec 2014

Jumanji : I did backup.. but not the latest photos.. so busy to do some housekeeping on my precious photos.. bad me!

Whs : ok , I will try this one..

mjf · 30 Dec 2014

Except for WD elements HDD externals you are likely to have problems even when they have an internal sata connection. WD for some ridiculous reason apply hardware encryption so if you plug it into a sata connection (internal or Docking station) it may be impossible to read the data. WD sata drives are ok but they are best used with a third party external case or a docking station IMO. Also, I'd always have at least 2 backups of special things like photos and certain documents. For photos I tend to keep the old SD cards when they fill up and buy new ones.

jumanji · 31 Dec 2014

Do those encrypt even if you don't use that pesky Smartware? Even if one does not password protect?

External Portable Hard Drives Overview