WD Elements not connecting

[Todo43]

Hi all,


I have a WD Elements 3TB hard drive which I have all my data saved on from the last 3.5 years. So as you can imagine, I don't really want to lose it.

When I connected it to my computer this morning, it significantly slowed the speed of the computer down, to a point that I couldn't open a web browser. As soon as I unplugged it, the computer returned to its normal speed.

When I managed to get file explore open on the computer and plugged in the hard drive again, it showed in the left side of file explorer as (D) instead of (E) which it normally is. The name also stayed as Local Disk rather than Elements.

Has anyone had a similar issue with a hard drive? I really don't want to lose this data so if anyone knows where I can take it to to get the data recovered, that would also be amazing.

Thank you all in advance.

[RAJAH235]

Hi Lachlan,
May I suggest that you purchase a copy of "spinrite" from Steve Gibson
at grc.com.

Info on it > https://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm

Buy it (version 6 at the moment but v6.1 will be out shortly & will be a free upgrade) > https://www.grc.com/cs/prepurch.htm

Cheap as for what it does.

HTH.

[AstroViking]

Hi Lachlan,

Before you go rushing out to buy SpinRite, the usual trouble-shooting rules apply here. Try a different computer to access the WD drive. Try a different USB cable and/or port on your computer. Is it externally powered? Try a different power supply if you can. Can you hear the drive(s) in the enclosure spin up when the power is turned on?

I have a lot of respect for Steve Gibson, and SpinRite is an excellent tool. However, it make sense to check the basics first.

Data loss sucks. We've all been there and we've all lost data.

Regards,
V

[Todo43]

Hi Steve,



Thanks for that. I have never actually heard of SpinRite. I have done the usual trying for a different computer, different cable, same result. It isn't externally powered so that shouldn't be an issue. When I plug the hard drive it, it the drives starts up mechanically that I can hear.



I'll have a look at SpinRite. I might go to the IT department at school as it does have school data on that so I might be able to get their help.


Thanks both Steve and Rajah

[Leo.G]

Are there any audible ticking noises?
Sadly drives die and the old adage is to back up yet even with 30+ years experience building and repairing Pc's and qualifications in electronics and IT I still fail to back anything up and just go into rant mode every time I lose a drive.
Portable drives are a great idea but you need to protect them against drops, even slight bumps when using them can cause the heads to go out of alignment.
I'm not familiar with Spinrite so I can't make reference to it but most manufacturers have their own diagnostic software which if you can get the drive recognised could be of assistance.

https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/12452/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNjg3NzUxNjQ4L2dlbi8 xNjg3NzUxNjQ4L3NpZC9mVXpHWURPUTAwRE R2ekRoZDNJMG5nTmUxUzhwNkpqN2lERl9WN 3VOcHlDNjJwekIxWTlDSVJ2WFhUQ0NPcnpt WEZreFVhR2RicE5kbHhBajA3WThBMlB6cDV maktjQ20zS09HbTJObEd5bDl0SlptRW43Tl NmREElMjElMjE%3D#subject3


Not sure if the WD link may help but the Easeus link has some good information:


https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/wd-external-hard-drive-not-working.html




One mention, if you're plugging the drive in via any form of USB hub it may not have enough power to spin the drive up properly if it's not a powered hub and I've known a lot of people to have that problem.
Also, if its USB3 compatible I believe the USB 3 ports may have better power regulation than the older USB 2 ports.
Drives are power hungry and some USB ports utilise a power share system where there's a maximum of X power available to active ports. you could always try unplugging other items which may be connected to the USB ports and see if that makes any difference. Though trying another computer somewhat rules this out.



USB is one thing that despite standards in the industry there's often discrepancies in the products.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB#USB_Power_Delivery