[beninbb]

So my external hard drive has decided to stop working today, and of course i have important data i need to retrieve. When i plug it in it does not click, just starts like normal. WD SMartWare starts like usual but never mounts the drive. I have tried to repair and verify the disk with disk utility, but says it can't be repaired. I can see the disk in disk utility but its fainter than the other tabs. I have tried using other programs to try and fix this drive and have searched the internet pretty thoroughly, but i need more help. I have used the following programs but with no luck Data Rescue 3, DiskWarrior, and Disk Drill. Any advice?

 

[Networks]

The passports have notoriously bad USB connector issues at the drive itself. I will assume you tried a new cable. Have you downloaded the WD diagnostics and ran it against the drive ? please post the results back here. Also provide the exact make and model numbers. I can tell you the outcome on this one may not be good doing the DIY route and Pro recovery for these isn't cheap because of the USB only interface and no sata plus encryption built onto the drive. very bad design bad WD!

 

[beninbb]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Okay so i just tried a new cable but that didn't help. I also just downloaded WD diagnostics on my PC and am running an extended test at the moment. I tried to run a quick test at first but it failed. I'm a little nervous, because i read that if it fails any of the tests the drive is junk, is this true?

The model # is WDBAAA3200ANV

All i know is that the extended test is still working and hopefully it will finish in a few hours. If it fails like the quick test did, whats my next option? I have to recover some of the data thats on the drive, how expensive would the pro route be?

 

[Networks]

If the quick failed the extended will as well. You will have to send to Pro to get a quote I can't say for certain what the cost would be depends on the root cause. What was the error code WD diags gave you ?

 

[beninbb]

The error i got reads, "Quick Test on drive 2 did not complete! Status Code=04 (Unknown failed test element), Failure Checkpoint=96 (Unknown Text) SMART Self-Test did not complete on Drive 2

Any more ideas?

 

[Networks]

Is the reallocated sector count the only one flagged red or are there others further down. Yes sign the drive is in trouble could just be bad sectors or weak heads Pro Gear may be able to get an image of the drive and be able to recover the data. Try not to run the drive any further it may make matters worse.

 

[beninbb]

thats the only sector flagged red, is looking possible to recover some data? Whats my next step? Is Pro Gear a software to recover the drive? Thanks

 

[Networks]

If you want to try DIY download r-studio run in demo scan drive see if data is there pro can get the data but I can't guarantee it. Sorry its late been working on a rush recovery job all night. When I say pro gear I mean Pro Data Recovery hardware imagers like DeepSpar and PC3000 from Ace labs the stuff we use to fix and recover data off bad drives. Its not a program.

 

[beninbb]

okay so i scanned that drive all weekend with two different programs and i got nothing. So my question now is, where would you recommend i send in my drive so it can get recovered.

I'm in college so the most affordable would be preferable.
Thanks

 

[beninbb]

I've been reading online about the freezer trick? would you guys suggest this? i don't wanna damage the drive more though. I really only need one file off my drive, i have a pdf saved that has all my artwork from the last four years of college.

 

[Networks]

No don't do the freezer this is not an issue that will help with. Check with Jon at Drivesavers LLC in Atlanta Ga most reasonable rates I know if and does good work.
www.[B]datasavers[/B]llc.com

 

[beninbb]

thanks they seem very reasonable. From what i've told you do you think the drive is going to require a level a or level b? the drive just stated clicking too.......not a good sign

 

[Networks]

You don't have anything to loose but your cost to ship the drive to Jon to check out. I would do this for certain so he can diagnose it for you. That is what I would do but I am not here to "self promote"

I cant say A or B the passports are a bear due to the USB interface. Jon is a WD authorized facility he has dealt with a lot of them. I want to point out for future reference as others may read this and learn something. The drive was failing from the time you started having issues the more you attempt DIY the less likely recovery is which not the degradation is down to the drive clicking which you are correct not good. If platter damage has occurred then recovery may not be possible at all. The fact you only need 1 file if true may have a better outcome I hope it does. Of course we all know having backups will keep this from happening in the future. Please keep us posted on the outcome.