Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Hello,
So I have a WD My Passport Essential SE 1 TB hard drive that all of a sudden tells me it needs to be formatted.
So basically, when it is plugged in, every 10 seconds or so it disappears and then reappears with this pop-up message:
"You need to format the disk in drive E: before you can use it.
Do you want to format it?"
Obviously I don't want to format it as that means I lose all my data.
I have tried the "chkdsk" thing but it is stuck at 76.
I'm using windows 7.
By the way, I'm not really good at these, so if you have a technical solution, please give me as many detail as possible. Thank you!
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Well,that doesn't sound too good.
I would check the SMART (With HDDcheck) and try to take the HDD out if the case and connect directly to the PC in order to preform a full disc backup (the USB bridge could be the culprit of the sudden misbehaviour, or the USB cable).
So try:
Replace USB cable
Test for SMART
Take out of enclosure and connect directly to preform testing or full disc backup.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
I had one of these die on me - took it a part and found it doesn't have a SATA connection so couldn't plug it into my PC.
I bought a second drive, tried it's cable which still didn't work.
Mine would also connect intermittently after about 5 minutes of trying. I recommend trying to get as much off it as you can and send it back if it still under warranty.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bonebreaker777
Well,that doesn't sound too good.
I would check the SMART (With HDDcheck) and try to take the HDD out if the case and connect directly to the PC in order to preform a full disc backup (the USB bridge could be the culprit of the sudden misbehaviour, or the USB cable).
So try:
Replace USB cable
Test for SMART
Take out of enclosure and connect directly to preform testing or full disc backup.
Thanks for replying,
I did change the USB cable but nothing changed.
I'm not sure what's SMART test for but I did it and everything had a green light, I guess it is a good thing?
Anyways I looked over youtube and some guy said to go to the disk management to fix it, but it doesn't show up!
So is this it? Is it gone? please tell me I can fix it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gronich26
I had one of these die on me - took it a part and found it doesn't have a SATA connection so couldn't plug it into my PC.
I bought a second drive, tried it's cable which still didn't work.
Mine would also connect intermittently after about 5 minutes of trying. I recommend trying to get as much off it as you can and send it back if it still under warranty.
Thanks for replying!
I don't think this would work, it obviously has problems, wouldn't just work like this.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Ok, have you tried it on another PC - maybe your motherboard is having problems supply enough voltage.
Try downloading a program like Recuva and see what you can see with that.
I think I had the same thing with SMART giving GOOD through CrystalDiskInfo.
Are you still under warranty?
Try over at the WD Community http://community.wd.com/t5/WD-Portab.../BoardExample2
this may help.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Gronich26,
thanks again for replying.
I did try on another PC -also on my TV- but doesn't show up.
And no, I'm not under warranty.
I really want this hard drive to work guys, please help!
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Copy all your files off the drive now.
Then worry about fixing it.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Phage
Copy all your files off the drive now.
Then worry about fixing it.
how?
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
Do a full disc back up or image. Can suggest Macrium Reflect Free.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
it doesn't show up at all. When it's plugged in, the sound of electrocardiogram comes out of it but nothing shows up.
Re: Hard drive doesn't work -- asks to format
You have exactly the same symptoms as mine. I would suggest getting in touch with WD, if you have data you MUST retrieve, they maybe able to point you in the direction of a repair or data recovery service.
Unfortunately, the lesson I learned was to keep back ups. I have a 1TB & 2TB drive which I back up on two PCs regularly - nearly came a cropper when I mislaid the 2TB, which I hadn't back up for while, but I found it safe and sound.
Let us know if you resolve this - I may be able to resurrect my own 1TB drive!
