External hard drive is broken and I need to recover files

laura16_2

It is acknowledging that its plugged in but won't open up so that I can veiw the files. I've rang the manufacturer who said to use some data recovery software of the internet to recover the data. I don't know where to start can anyone recommend any that's easy to use?

Stompa

The usual recommendation is:

http://www.piriform.com/recuva

scheming_gypsy

if you can't open the drive then you're probably not going to be able to use file recovery software. Your first step is to plug it into another computer to make sure the drive is definitely goosed rather than it being your machine

free4440273

try using another usb/ e-sata lead too; and ensure the power adapter is functioning okay /.

googler

Your external HD plugs into a USB port; therefore what you have is a hard drive in a case, where the USB adaptor is part of the case.

First task is to remove the Hard Drive itself from the case and establish, with the aid of another working USB caddy, or a secondary drive location, whether or not its the Hard Drive itself or the USB adaptor that's faulty.

Could you list all the equipment you have available - PCs, Laptops, etc.

Trollburger

When you plug the drive in, what does it say in disk management?

This could be an easy fix.

Hammyman

googler wrote: »

Your external HD plugs into a USB port; therefore what you have is a hard drive in a case, where the USB adaptor is part of the case.

First task is to remove the Hard Drive itself from the case and establish, with the aid of another working USB caddy, or a secondary drive location, whether or not its the Hard Drive itself or the USB adaptor that's faulty.

Could you list all the equipment you have available - PCs, Laptops, etc.

As above. Usually when these external drives pack up, its not the actual hard drive but the internal USB to SATA or USB to IDE converter. Taking the case apart, removing the drive and putting it in another caddy or directly into the desktop allows it to be accessed.

laura16_2

I've tried a different wire and I've tried a different computer. None of those made any difference.

I've downloaded the program Stompa suggested and it is scanning with that now to find any files. But I don't think it will find them as they haven't actually been deleted.

When I plug it into my computer theres a little icon in the bottom right which is a usb with a green tick. When I left click that and open devices and printers it comes up as one of the devices in the list but it won't let me open it.

Does that help at all?

Trollburger

what does it say when you try to open it? any error messages at all?

laura16_2

No it just comes up with the properties

esuhl

laura16 wrote: »

I've tried a different wire and I've tried a different computer. None of those made any difference.

I've downloaded the program Stompa suggested and it is scanning with that now to find any files. But I don't think it will find them as they haven't actually been deleted.

When I plug it into my computer theres a little icon in the bottom right which is a usb with a green tick. When I left click that and open devices and printers it comes up as one of the devices in the list but it won't let me open it.

Does that help at all?

I'd give googler and Hammyman's suggestion a go...