Solved Need to Recover Data from WD Passport External HD

[torre]

One of the options was to partition the drive. Someone stated above probably not good idea at this time. Not sure if there was another option.

Not sure where drives came from. Probably automatically downloaded by Windows. One driver was for the Mass storage device (Passport) However, when this prob began, I checked and double checked drivers. Windows indicated they were current and no signs in Device Manager.

Are you familiar with the Wizard Data Recovery ? If I use it and recover the files on the Passport, can the files be transferred to the C drive even though the Passport is not working correctly ?

Signing off for the evening. Thanks !

 

[F5ing]

One of the options was to partition the drive. Someone stated above probably not good idea at this time. Not sure if there was another option.

That was me recommending not to create a new partition. What Testdisk might've been telling you was that it found the partition that was deleted/missing. Then it should give you the option write the found partition to disk (and therefore correct the corrupted partition info currently on the disk). BUT...

Before you actually write the corrected partition info to disk, it gives you a chance to see what it thinks is in that partition (use the up/down arrow keys to move the highlighted entries and the left/right keys to dig into the file structure and then move back out (it may also allow you to copy them somewhere else while you're in there -- watch how the menu changes when you get into the file structure). You can write the corrected partition info to disk after you've confirmed that the file structure looks correct.

Are you familiar with the Wizard Data Recovery ? If I use it and recover the files on the Passport, can the files be transferred to the C drive even though the Passport is not working correctly ?

No I'm not familiar with it. Is that from Western Digital? Or is that Partition Wizard Data Recovery? I think that has same 1GB limit mentioned earlier.

 

[gregrocker]

This is what the wizard looks like on my computer. I can find no options to change the drive letter ?

I can't capture the right click, but as prev stated, assign a letter and check disk are grayed out.

In that case click on Disk 2 to highlight it, run Partition Recovery Wizard from Wizards tab at top of page as shown in this video tutorial: http://partitionwizard.com/video-help/partition-recovery-wizard/partition-recovery-wizard.html

See if it finds the partition intact to Recovery it in place.

If not run File Recovery Wizard from same tab.

 

[torre]

Thanks, greg.

For some unknown reason, after I ran Disk Check, Disk 2 is no longer recognized by the Partition Wizard. I intend on "exploring" more options later today and will update.

Also, Passport is no longer recognized in Windows Disk Management.

 

[gregrocker]

You ran PW Surface Scan which is a weak HD diagnostics scan without much repair function. I was optimistic that you could actually run Check File System which you said you were running but apparently weren't - this can repair an external's file system if that is the problem.

To try physically repairing the HD - as opposed to the File System which resides upon it - to where you can then Check File System use Test Disk, or install it with IDE or SATA cable to run maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan.

Keep trying to get PW Home edition to recognize it to run Partition Recovery Wizard. Then try burning Partition Wizard bootable CD using Windows Image Burner or ImgBurn, boot it to try Recovery Wizard.

Please pay closer attention to the actual instructions we're giving and ask questions if you don't understsand.

 

[torre]

Thanks, will do. Will be a few hours before I have time, but will report results.

 

[torre]

I aborted the surface scan because of previous comments that surface scan prob not best route and length of time to run (5hrs)

I downloaded and did run Disk Check without having a drive letter assigned. However, Disk Check reported nothing. Perhaps there was an error in running it.

I burned a bootable CD from the HD Diagnostic site, but again the Passport is not recognized, just the C drive is recognized. Also, on the HD site the author states he has trouble running WD diagnostics and to try Seagate which I did, but still would not recognize.

It seems I need to find a way for the computer to recognize the Passport before I can run diagnostic tools. It is no longer listed anywhere on my computer, Disk Management, etc.

 

[gregrocker]

A HD must be the only one plugged in internally to run the maker's HD diagnostics CD scan on it. Since you'd have to remove it from case I would instead try running Test Disk instead which can run on externals.

What exactly did you download to run Disk Check? It is not known to run without a drive letter. This is important because if it did complete with no errors then your data should be intact, but PW shows Unallocated Space which will not Disk Check.

I would confirm the HD using PW bootable CD which is often the final authority when Disk Management or the Home Version conflict.

 

[torre]

What exactly did you download to run Disk Check? It is not known to run without a drive letter. This is important because if it did complete with no errors then your data should be intact, but PW shows Unallocated Space which will not Disk Check.

.

I downloaded Disk Check from their site and it ran, took about 1 hour. May have ran in error, but it did run

In process of downloading PW bootable CD. Will report back this afternoon.

 

[gregrocker]

There is no Disk Check download.

Click this link to see how Disk Check is run from within Windows or from the Command Line in System Recovery Options on Win7 DVD or System Repair Disk. It requires a drive letter.

Check that the cables are plugged in tight as externals are notorious for having loose connections to their case. Is there a power light that lets you know it's truly powered up?

 

[torre]

Disk Checker - Download.com


This is the disk check I ran. A closer look reveals it does not support Windows 7.

I have checked and tried a new cable to no avail.

The problem is the external drive is not recognized by Windows and thus does not show in the Win 7 Check Disk to be evaluated. I have tried on 3 diff computers with same result - no recognition.

My final alternative may be to remove the case and try to boot directly to the laptop with an adaptor cable which I will have to order.

 

[torre]

As the OP I would like to end this thread. I thank all who have replied and I have gained much better understanding/knowledge. I have given rep to those I can who I have not previously repped. Thanks much !

I will continue to explore and report any new findings.

 

[F5ing]

Wish you luck!

 

[torre]

Just wanted to post final result. Called Western Digital Support and they are replacing my hard drive. I have2 options

- Return this hard drive

- Keep this hard drive and be charged $60 for replacement.

- If I can find a way to delete this hard drive, I probably will return

- Thanks to all who posted.

 

[gregrocker]

If WD Data Lifeguard HD Diagnostic CD scan won't see it to attempt repairs or Wipe it,

and Partition Wizard bootable CD wont' see it to attempt Partiiton Recovery Wizard or Data Recovery,

then I don't think it will be recoverable by WD if you RMA it, although you can ask them to try.