Solved Unable to read my external HDD WD 1TB, need help please

[lexie017]

Hi,
i've been using my WD HDD for 8months but today got an error 'do you want to format the disk now?'. i've tried doing the DLDIAG from WD and getting fail. i've done the testdisk,reboot the machine but still it can't read the drive. under dskmgmt, the drive can be seen from there,also changed the drive letter but still the same problem.

 

[jumanji]

Hi lexie017,

Welcome onboard.

Please post a screenshot of Windows Disk Management with only the WD 1TB external HDD connected. ( Please remove all other USB storage devices. )

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

 

[lexie017]

thanks for your response Jumanji, everytime i plugged in the WD 1TB HDD the Disk Management window just froze up and 'not responding'. that's why i can't take a screenshot. should this happen when a hard drive was used to another machine?

 

[jumanji]

Can you check what happens when you connect the external drive to another working PC?

If Windows Disk Management shows your drive, take a screenshot and post.

 

[lexie017]

you know what, after doing a lot of reboot and test disk for i guess 5x? it works. i want thank you for this http://www.sevenforums.com/software/190430-regain-lost-drive-using-test-disk-illustrated-guide.html.

 

[jumanji]

Thank you lexie017. I am indeed happy that my ranting on Test Disk helped you.

As a matter of fact I was a little apprehensive when you indicated you had run TestDisk. While it is a very potent utility one little mistake or unwanted click can lead to a disaster in the hands of a first timer. You are perhaps a more knowledgeable user.

Now if what you have on that external drive is only data and not a backup, you should back up that data. ( Backup means that you have data on more than one location.)

After you have ensured you have backed up your data( if not backed up already) run the Datalifeguard Diagnostic, run the extended test with repair option ( if you are required to opt) and complete the test.

Since it has given some problem already, keep a check periodically with that utility. ( For periodical checks a quick test will do. Only if it fails a long test should be done)

I do not know why you did not run the extended test earlier, but since data recovery was what you attempted I didn't ask you to run the long test and tax your drive.)

Now, yes, after backing up run the extended test with repair.

 

[lexie017]

thanks! i'm actually working at Siemens so i was able to follow your very helpful guide. you're such a ! honestly, most of the files in my drive are just movies, Lol. i think it's in 200 plus, most are 1080p. I'm planning to buy another drive. Also,i run the extended test, and it failed too. but for now, i don't want to run those tests yet not until i have a new drive. :roflmao: