External hard disk not initialized (case 2: unknown/)


  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
       #1

    External hard disk not initialized (case 2: unknown/)


    Hello,

    I'm a doctor, I have some idea about these things but I don't wanto loose my data, so help needed.

    Got a case of bad hard disk, disk status: unknown/not initialized/not migrated/asking to do GPT or MBR to initialize et al.
    It's getting detected in 'Computer Management' but not as a hard drive.
    I've checked quite many forums and this case is the case 2 where drive is unknown, can't read but can only get detected.


    OPTIONS:
    1. Can I encase it and use it as internal HD to recover all the data?
    2. Partition and recover what's possible off it? If Y, then GPT or MBR? Any free software good enough for the purpose or recommendation to buy (only if all purposes are served)?
    3. It's f'd completely, get it replaced cos it's under warranty (last few months remaining), but NO data recovery at all?

    I WANTO recover the data, got my cases and journals and other random trip pictures and beautiful f'n memories with the ex and all, ****!

    Appreciate any input.
    Thanks.
    Cheers.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails External hard disk not initialized (case 2: unknown/)-clipboard01.jpg  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #2

    From my readings of DR specialists posting in various forums, I gathered this advice:
    If affordable, if possible, usb or dvd boot Macrium Reflect or anything similar, do a one-pass, sector by sector clone of the source HD as-is onto any trusted external HD. Put the clone target HD away in a safe place, in case more drastic DR is needed.
    At this point, there is a fork in the road: Either send the HD to a Data Recovery company/specialist, or if you want to attempt DIY DR -- follow carefully the advice of any DR specialist or data restoration specialist in any forum you trust. Here in sevenforums, Jumanji is one of those. Me? I'm not there yet, have lots more reading and experience to get under my belt.
    Remember, DIY attempts, if un-successful, can lead to DR operations much more difficult, much less success possibility, and much more expensive.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks Roland!
    I'd like to know whether creating a partition would help? I'd loose some data OR there'll be an unsuccessful attempt if I, myself do GPT or MBR?

    The DR guy told me it would take time and $ to recover, with no guarantee!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,055
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
       #4

    drhmeal said:
    Hello,........OPTIONS:
    1. Can I encase it and use it as internal HD to recover all the data?
    2. Partition and recover what's possible off it? If Y, then GPT or MBR? Any free software good enough for the purpose or recommendation to buy (only if all purposes are served)?
    3. It's f'd completely, get it replaced cos it's under warranty (last few months remaining), but NO data recovery at all?

    I WANTO recover the data, got my cases and journals and other random trip pictures and beautiful f'n memories with the ex and all, ****!

    Appreciate any input.
    Thanks.
    Cheers.
    1. Can I encase it and use it as internal HD to recover all the data?

    This question can be answered only if you provide complete details of the external HDD. manufacturer/ Model No/Name, capacity. Whether a portable external or Desktop variety?

    Also past history of the HDD may help.1. For how long was it being used? 2. When was it working as it should, last? 3. Do you leave the external HDD always plugged in? 4.Can you relate any event that lead to the present failure condition? For example a sudden power failure when the PC was on with the external HDD plugged in 4. Did you get any clue/notification of an impending failure or it happened all of a sudden?

    Do you not take the past history of a patient when he comes up with some major complaint? :)

    By the way, what is f'd and f'n?!!!!!! There are many dumbheads like me here who can't understand even such simple things .
    Last edited by jumanji; 27 Apr 2017 at 22:34.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #5

    From post #4
    By the way, what is f'd and f'n?!!!!!! There are many dumbheads like me here who can't understand even such simple things .
    I'm also one of those dumb heads. I have no idea what they mean.

    Jack
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    jumanji said:
    1. Can I encase it and use it as internal HD to recover all the data?

    This question can be answered only if you provide complete details of the external HDD. manufacturer/ Model No/Name, capacity. Whether a portable external or Desktop variety?

    Also past history of the HDD may help.1. For how long was it being used? 2. When was it working as it should, last? 3. Do you leave the external HDD always plugged in? 4.Can you relate any event that lead to the present failure condition? For example a sudden power failure when the PC was on with the external HDD plugged in 4. Did you get any clue/notification of an impending failure or it happened all of a sudden?

    Do you not take the past history of a patient when he comes up with some major complaint? :)

    By the way, what is f'd and f'n?!!!!!! There are many dumbheads like me here who can't understand even such simple things .
    Sirs,
    I am attaching the HDD details as given on the box sticker. I don't know technically what all input is required.

    1. Had bought it almost 3 years back, the warranty is going to end in 3-4 months.
    But that will be replacement warranty, excluding any data recovery.
    So attempting DR myself or I'll give to specialist. In attempting myself, I have a huge problem because the hard disk ain't recognized in those softwares like Minitool or Yodot Recovery, then how can I retrieve data! I'll give to a specialist only. Your suggestions for DIY would be valuable!

    2. It was working well last month! In frustration, I hit it once or twice. :'(

    3. Nop, I never keep it plugged in!

    4. No power failure or anything, it just gave up, no trauma!

    5. No clue at all.



    Everyone is a dumbhead with respect to something or other I am too.

    Apologies for those terms, f'd = ****ed and f'n = ****ing.
    I'm too stressed with this! This is happening second time, I had lost all my dental journals and cases and articles and what not then AND my beloved music collection AND all those pics with family +friends, so the frustration cos I'll have to build up everything from scratch! Some which might get lost.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails External hard disk not initialized (case 2: unknown/)-20170425_142234-1-.jpg  
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,055
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
       #7

    OK Doc, It is a Western Digital portable Elements 1TB drive. Model no: WDBUZG0010BBK -BESN Model Name: Elements

    Unfortunately the SATA to USB Bridge Electronics is integrated into the HDD inside and therefore you cannot separate the HDD from the electronics board to try it as an internal drive.( the HDD does not have a SATA connector. The electronics is directly soldered to the HDD). So no DIY data recovery is possible.

    In all probability it is the SATA to USB Bridge electronics failure ( the HDD itself may be good).For the abovesaid reason, you may need to seek Professional data recovery only, who may be able to replace the board - if they can manage to get one- and try to recover the data.

    As a first stop you may avail the free consultation of the WD Data Recovery partners. http://support.wdc.com/warranty/data...n=apac&lang=en
    External hard disk not initialized (case 2: unknown/)-28-04-2017-11-24-52.jpg







    http://support.wdc.com/warranty/data...n=apac&lang=en
    Last edited by jumanji; 28 Apr 2017 at 08:50.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Thank you Sir _/\_
    I'll give it to professional DR man, after trying that WD link.


    P.S.: You can ask if any Qs regarding dental health and treatment! I'll be much obliged.
    Got my clinic 'SereneSmiles Dental Care' in Vashi, New Bombay.

    Good day.
      My Computer


 

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