External HD = I/O Device Error

Hey Gang,

I've search for this problem and can't seem to find any solid answer.

I have several Western Digital External HDs that all work great.
Tonight my main one with important data, photos, etc will show up
in my Windows Explorer, however when I try to access some folders,
I get an "I/O device Error". I've tried the external drive on my laptop AND changed the cord. Still get the same error. I've also tried to do and error check, but it can't access it.

What are some options, cause I really want what's on the drive?
I've read trying a Data recovery Program, but there are so many.
And there were options of placing the drive inside my main computer,
which is whole other obsticle. But I wanted to check with you guys
first to see what's the best place to start. I'll keep this topic updated after
each step, since this seems to have been discussed in MANY places with no real solution.

Thanks in advance for any suggestion and help.
J

 

Thanks SO much for these. I will start with step 1, and if that doesn't work, move on to step 2. I'll be sure to post my progress as I work on this over the weekend.

Thanks again!!!

Joey

 

Okay, I have came across a list of LiveCD.
What one do I use? There are so many and I don't
see anything listed as Linus LiveCD.

Then I'll have to figure out how to use it and merge my files. I hope it's easy to use/understand.

So what one should I use?

Thanks again.

 

Okay, I did the LiveCD. No luck in transferring files to another drive.
However, I was able to see the files that weren't showing up before.
So they are there. I got the same I/O Device Error in this process.

Does anyone know if this will continue happening, even if I do step 2
with the IDE/SATA to USB adapter? I'm not sure if it's a different approach
that may work or not.

Sould I continue on with step 2? Or a different suggestion?