External Hard Drive not recognised in Windows 7

[mitchell65]

I noticed that my PC suddenly took a long time to boot up and close down. After some testing I found that if my external HD was plugged in that was the cause. I thought it might be an indexing delay so didn't worry as all I needed to do was plug the HD in when needed it and make sure I "Safely" unplugged it before shutting down. But now I can't get access to it at all. I hear the usual bleep when I plug it in and it appears in the task bar "Can I safely remove etc" but it doesn't appear in Disk Management or Explorer. I fear the HD has died although I can detect the normal very slight murmer of the drive when it is switched on. I did find the disk using a command prompt but can't remember how I got there! Is there any way I can save the data on it? I have tried all the usual tests like a different USB port (not a hub) and a different Windows 7 machine but to no avail.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
You might try this,
http://www.sevenforums.com/software...-files-non-bootable-computer.html#post1669991

 

[mitchell65]

Many thanks for the suggestion but I have no trouble booting up the machine. I did however complete the exercise but still can only get as far as this:

If I rt click on "actions" and try to initialise the disk I get "Can't find sector"
I have come to the conclusion that if I try more invasive techniques I might do more damage o at the moment the HD is being looked at by a commercial data retrieval company. Hopefully they will be able to retrieve my data at a reasonable cost. We will see

 

[CKWD]

Hello mitchell65!

The idea is that you boot into a Linux-based OS like Ubuntu or Lucid Puppy through a Live CD. Linux based OS-es are more simpler than Windows thus it's easier for them to access and view drives that are having issues. Test this with yours.

What's the make and model of the drive?

I see it has most probably suffered a file system error, as per the indication from Disk Management. Try changing the cable, as well.

Post back to say what happens.

CK_WD

 

[mitchell65]

Thanks for your response CKWD. I had already tried the Ubuntu method to no avail. As I said in my last post the disc was in the hands of a commercial data retrieval complany and I had it returned today. Delighted to report that they retrieved all of my files and i cannot find one that is even corrupted so all is well.

 

[jumanji]

@mitchell65, I have only one question to ask.

Why are you not backing up your data if such data is important?

 

[CKWD]

I would agree with @Jumanji on 100%. Important data should be backed up, may be not all the files from a healthy/doubtful drive, but the most irreplaceable should be backed up.

Otherwise, if you've gotten your data back, I'm glad to hear it! Make sure you now make at least two copies of it on two different physical drives.

If you can, contact the manufacturer to RMA the old drive.

CK_WD

 

[mitchell65]

I fully appreciate your comments and agree with you 100% but there is much more than just an iffy HD here. There is a very personal distressing situation surrounding this Hard Drive that I shan't go into here. Suffice to say it was worth twice the cost of the retrieval to alleviate the distress of a very close friend. I was just trying to help and was delighted to be able to do so!!!

 

[CKWD]

I am glad for the outcome and your efforts too!

We just wanted to stress it's a must to keep back ups as drives are replaceable, data – isn't.

Hope you don't get any more problems with any information lost!

CK_WD