External Hard Drive Not Recognised

I have got a similar problem with my Verbatim Hard Drive (750GB Model 53022) and my Acer Laptop sometimes sees it and then it either tells me that it is not recognised or that I need to reformat it... which I don't fully accept. Then sometimes when I plug it in NOTHING happens not even an acknowledgement of it....although after a short while the blue light will come on!! Not sure how to fix it, and I need some of the contents!! ANYONE please help!!

 

The first step is to try hooking it up to a different PC. If it works on the other PC, I would immediately transfer all your files to a new external drive or USB stick while it's connected. If the drive is on its last legs, this may be your last chance to easily recover them.

If it won't read on the second PC it's likely some type of hard drive failure. In a worst possible case, you may need to purchase data recovery software, such as http://www.majorgeeks.com/news/stor...t_your_pc_from_crashes_ransomware_57_off.html. I've recovered a drive using this. Unfortunately it takes a very long time to run (possibly a few days straight) and may rename the files as numbers (1.jpg, 2.jpg, etc.) requiring you to open each file to see what it is.

This is why the "3-2-1" rule of backing up files is critical. At least three copies of each file. At least two of them not stored on the PC, and at least one stored on a cloud service such as Micosoft One Drive or Carbonite.

Good luck on the project. Hope this helps.

 

There is also a chance that the usb enclosure itself is having issues. If the enclosure is outside of warranty, you can open it and either connect the drive to another enclosure or to a computer directly. Then you can transfer the information off before investigating if the drive itself is bad or not.

 

I'd also try a different USB cord. I have one that occasionally I have to jiggle the cord a few times then it starts working.

 

Ah very good point! I actually had two seagate enclosures that were acting like they were failing, but it was due to bad cords and nothing else was wrong with them.

 

And because of how ubiquitous and cheap the cables have become.