Recommendations for fixing a WD portable HD?

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MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#242551 3-Nov-2018 11:04

Hi,

I've got this quite old WD external HD (I can't remember how old it is, but it has both a USB and and DCin port) that's not working properly.

When first turned on it makes a clicking noise for about a minute, then it doesn't show up in Finder, then after about another couple of minutes I get the "Disk Not Ejected Properly" sign.

Is it worth taking it to a data recovery place or does anyone know how to fix this at home? Can you recommend any good and reasonably-priced data recovery services please?

I'm using OSX 10.14 Mojave on an iMac.

TIA :)

andrewNZ

2487 posts

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Inactive user

#2118899 3-Nov-2018 11:13

If the data is important, don't turn it on again.

What to do depends on what's on it. If it's important enough to warrant hundreds of dollars in recovery, call a real data recovery place. They will probably get good results.

If the data isn't that important, try a new power supply. I wouldn't hold my breath though, clicking normally means the disk is buggered.

MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#2118927 3-Nov-2018 12:00

Damn, I thought so :( It is important so I'll fork out for the repair. Can you recommend anywhere?

andrewNZ

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#2119026 3-Nov-2018 15:27

I believe there is a professional recovery place in Wellington. Don't know who it is though sorry.

dan

1134 posts

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#2119066 3-Nov-2018 15:31

seagate is one, they do any brand not just seagate, you have to send it to them overseas however.

https://www.seagaterescue.com/in-lab-recovery

Rickles

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#2119141 3-Nov-2018 16:35

"Sometimes" it is worth just trying it with another computer/Operating System … a friend using a Mac had similar problems (wouldn't run up or disk not recognised), yet the thing worked fine when cabled to my Windows desktop.

We saved the data and completely reformatted/repaired the drive, and it's been OK ever since

Also, firstly try a new USB cable because the old one may have deteriorated over time.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#2119297 3-Nov-2018 22:50

If it clicks, its the click of deather. I literally bash some of theose drives to bring them back to life temporaRILY . Apologies for typing, I may have been out drinking.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Rickles

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#2119300 3-Nov-2018 22:58

>Apologies for typing, I may have been out drinking.<

You don't know?

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#2119381 4-Nov-2018 12:23

Umm.. yes. I had been.

Back on topic..... :D

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Kraven

729 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2119384 4-Nov-2018 12:27

I recommend Datalab.

MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#2119385 4-Nov-2018 12:28

Cool thanks everyone for your suggestions.

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2119984 5-Nov-2018 10:08

The MOST IMPORTANT thing is DO NOT plug it in again, despite what some recommend trying.

Everytime its plugged in , you risk scratching up the platters making recovery much harder (if not near impossible).
I know of drives made unrecoverable buy the owner trying this that & the other to try get the data
Also, dont take it to a PC shop, only go to a HD Recovery specialist (eg Datalab)

MacGraphics

51 posts

Master Geek

#2120131 5-Nov-2018 12:44

1101 yeah I haven't tried turning it on again, even though it's tempting "just to check"... I will take it to a $pecialist ;)

Thanks!