Dear friends, I really need your help asap. I have been using an external hard disk (WD-My Book Essential) for two years now without any problem. Until last week... One day, I switched my PC on and I discovered (!) that my HD did not operate. My OS (Windows XP-SP2) did not recognised it. I disconnected the HD (USB 2.0) and connected it again (with reboots or not) but then again the problem insisted. I changed cables, ports etc. The OS still did not recognise it. After many tries during the last week, I finally managed my HD be recognised by the OS. But still there is problem. The most times it recognises it as an unknown device and a few ones as non-readable disk. :-k The whole matter has made me very upset because I have got many files in this disk. Apart from files like mp3, photos and other sort of personal files (which I am incapable of finding again), I also had my complete diploma project. I had a backup of it but it is not complete. I am on fire, mates! Please help. At least, I 'd like to know if I have lost all for sure...
If the computer is unable to recognise the hard drive, it does sound like its probably/nearly dead! Unfortunately if you want to recover your files its going to be expensive, try and locate an local data recovery service to see how much they charge.
I cannot truly say that you made me happy or even you gave me a hope but then again at least you gave me an answer to get prepared myself for the already done disaster... Thanks a lot anyway and hope I will find such a store near me and get my files back somehow (you see - no matter what I say - still I can't lost everything). (If someone else has an idea about my problem, please be my guest)
Have you tried any HD recovery software to see if it can detect the hard drive? Try using TestDisk - CGSecurity how-to here TestDisk Step By Step - CGSecurity assuming its a software related issue it should help you recover your files. I've lost important files in the past too, just have remember to backup in the future or even better use a online service to backup your important files e.g. Dropbox - Home - Online backup, file sync and sharing made easy. (referral) CrashPlan - Automatic Online Backup for Home, Business and Enterprise I use DropBox and daily local backup...
I do not really have a civil word to say about myself and for not having taken backup of my files but I have to face this right now. To be honest, I have tried a couple of recovery programs without any success. The first program (I am sorry I cannnot recall the name) did nothing at all. The second one did recognise my HD but unfortunately it 's showd up as non-readable HD and therefore, as inaccessible. I will give a shot with the program you have mentioned and if interested, I 'll be back to report the result. Hope you won't get tired by my problem and keep on advicing me. Really thankful
Last report: I used TestDisk - CGSecurity but my HD did not appear at all. Happily, my PC recognised my HD when attached to it and it appears as either USB Composite Device or USB Mass Storage Device (on Device Manager Windows). Unfortunately, it does not appear in Disk Management (Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Computer Management --> Storage) But then again, on My Computer window, something seems to try to be loaded (I mean my HD drive). What is happening? My HD tells me "goodbye" while dying or asks me for help? Any suggestion?
