Can't access the data on my WD Passport Elements SE

[Yolei]

Hello,
I have a 2 years old WD Passport Elements Se 1GB.
Yesterday my computer suddenly was not able to access it.
After 3 minutes the pc does recognize the drive letter, but when I try to open the drive, Explorer tries to load it but nothing happens, and eventually explorer get's stuck.
If I try to load the computer with the drive plugged in, it doesn't load unless I unplug it (can't even go past bios loading).

I tried this on 2 different computer, both with WIN 7 64bit, and on several usb ports (both usb2 and 3)

I tried several recovery programs, but 3 were not even able to load the drives list!, and last one was able to recognize that there are 930gb of info, but after 4 hours of work it only recognized 500 files...

I tried to open the case to see if there's a sata connector, but nope. The usb port is welded into the electronic board...

Please help, I really need the data inside

 

[hang-the-9]

Not much you can do aside from sending the drive in for professional restoration.

Did you try a new cable? The only thing I can see you trying yourself without major risk of more damage is to unsolder the connections and try another case.

 

[Yolei]

Not much you can do aside from sending the drive in for professional restoration.

Did you try a new cable? The only thing I can see you trying yourself without major risk of more damage is to unsolder the connections and try another case.

I tried another cable and unfortunately it didn't work.
I searched for a professional restoration, but it'll cost me 170$-570$ I'm not that desperate, yet...

So... Regarding the last solution, could you please give me more info on what I have to do? I never really messed up with electronics, but if it's something that is not that complicated, I believe I would manage..

Thanks again!

 

[hang-the-9]

I've never worked on those so can't tell you exactly the procedure to get the connectors off and into a new case. You may not even be able to get a new case for it.

And yes, getting the data out of a dead drive can be pretty pricy.

There is a bit of info about getting data off one of those drives here http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/281510-32-damaged-micro-soldered-elements-external

 

[CompGee]

Have you tried the drive in a new SATA enclosure?

 

[hang-the-9]

Have you tried the drive in a new SATA enclosure?

Those model drives are actually not setup with a regular SATA connection, the USB connection is right on the system board of the drive.

 

[CompGee]

Okay. Is it E-Sata?

 

[hang-the-9]

Okay. Is it E-Sata?

It's this http://www.legitreviews.com/wd-my-passport-2tb-usb-3-0-portable-hard-drive-review_1951

Not external sata. Aside from the USB3 connection, it's some custom connection from the drive to the case.

 

[CompGee]

Okay. Try Recuva. Plug the drive into the computer and wait for the drive letter to turn up. After that, KEEP THE DRIVE RUNNING!!!! Run Recuva and let it scan for files. Once it turns up files, select the GOOD ones, NOT THE BAD ONES and let it recover TO YOUR COMPUTER! DO NOT RECOVER TO THE EXTERNAL DRIVE UNDER ANY RISK!!! Don't forget to post the result and select a best answer!