External HDD showing full but it is impossible

Sshh, naked baby pictures! the whole package

CKWD said:

Thanks again Jumanji!

Yes, as I commented on the previous post, #40, it does seem the WD Unlocker software has nothing to do with the drive's problem, which rather has a file system/partition table damage that could be alongside a minor mechanical error, taking into account the lags that OP is experiencing.....
CK_WD

Ok I missed your post#40 as I was composing my post and hit submit . Thank you CKWD.

On data recovery since the OP's drive shows with a drive letter, I would first check the file system with TestDisk and see what it finds and if it can correct.

@ 7leagueboot, install Testdisk (latest stable version 7.0) for Windows on the same machine but do not do anything with it. I shall take a break now and then come back with instructions on what you should do. Please wait till then. TestDisk - Partition Recovery and File Undelete

Bernardus said:

External hard drive RAW to NTFS, change external hard drive RAW to NTFS

Before I fully give up on a home data recovery, Bernardus posted this link on the 2nd page of this thread. It seems to be an ad for software that claims to convert a RAW drive to NTFS while recovering data prior to the conversion. It is not expensive either.

Would I be playing with fire to try it?

jumanji said:

@ 7leagueboot, install Testdisk (latest stable version 7.0) for Windows on the same machine but do not do anything with it. I shall take a break now and then come back with instructions on what you should do. Please wait till then. TestDisk - Partition Recovery and File Undelete

TestDisk x64 is loaded. I have executed it but done nothing more. Currently it is offering me the choice of Create, Append, or No log.

Just click on the X at top right and close Test Disk.

Have you read CKWD's post #45? More than what jumanji thinks of it, what you think is more important before we proceed any further.

What is your take on it?

The second point: If at all you want to try data recovery I can only suggest proven software. Free: Test Disk Paid: Getdataback simple.

As CKWD feels subjecting the disk to home data recovery may result in some more loss of data if your hDD is creating more and more bad sectors when run.. It may not also if your HDD had become RAW due to a glitch - like the frequent power interruptions you faced.

So decide and tell us.

You have lots of time to think about it and decide.I am retiring for the day and won't return for the next 10 hours.

Yesterday, I phoned 2 of WD's data recovery partners, Recovery Labs and Datex.

Recovery Labs told me that as the drive was not making any noise it was unlikely to be caused by physical damage. Due to the placement of the drive, directly under my cooling pad, he felt it had become too hot which could lead to its conversion to RAW format. He also felt data recovery should not be difficult. With WD's 40% discount, the recovery would cost me 769 euros. They also guarantee that I pay nothing unless they recover my data.

Datex says no discounts are offered and sent me an estimate for well over 2000 euros. In addition, they want several other fees added to the bill. 2 that hit me hard were 180 euros for testing the drive and 360 euros for providing a list of recoverable data found however, it appears they may waive the 360 euros if I accept the 2000+ euros for physical recovery. I could go on and on about all the points why one would not want to use them but I believe the first offer says it all.

CKWD makes valid points but I can't help but feel his loyalty is to his company's partners. After all, his profile says he works for WD. You on the other hand jumanji, bear the label 'Seven Guru'. With over 5000 posts to your credit, I find it very difficult not to take you seriously.

When you asked me to get TestDisk, I did as you said. When you told me NOT to purchase OnTrack's Easy Data Recovery, I heard you. Now you are saying TestDisk is free while GetDataBack is paid so, if you believe the paid option is effective and easier to operate I'm willing to try it.

A word about the data itself...
My lifetime music collection which includes all my LP's converted to mp3's is on this drive. I do not have a backup list of it so it would be impossible for me to recreate.
All my software, including purchase receipts and activation info is also on there. If I lose that I may have trouble getting duplicates.
My image collection is on it. This includes textures and backgrounds for use in the Flash movies I create. Ditto all my sound bytes.
The sensitive data is all my passwords. This is just a backup so its loss would not be critical however, I would not want any of these to get into the wrong hands.

The bottom line is that I would go to 769 euros, if necessary, to recover ALL that data. If I could only recover a part of it then it would not be worth it. If the bill was over 1000 euros I would rather lose the lot and merely reformat the drive.

So now, allow me to throw the ball once again into your court. Should I make a final attempt to recover the data myself or just go with the offer from Recovery Labs?