External Harddrive Failure, Can I recover my files?

[Lynac]

I have a Seagate 500GB External HDD that will light up when plugged in, but it will not allow me to view any of the files on it. When trying to tinker with settings it says to reformat. Well, I don't mind reformatting it as long as I have the files back. My OS is Windows 8 but I have tried it on 7 also. In the properties it said that it is functioning properly.

 

[jnkweaver]

I would not format it. I would use a program like Recuva first. It has worked well for me.

I am assuming that it is attatching with a drive letter.

 

[itpro]

My experience has been that what most often fails on external drives is the SATA to USB interface, not the drive itself. You might want to try removing the drive from the case and hook it up internally in a desktop computer to see of your data is still there.

 

[Lynac]

I got an "Unable to Open Drive" error from Recuva. I'd really hate to take the drive itself out of the casing. Actually, it really isn't an option to be honest. I just hope I'll be able to recover the files. Hopefully something will be discovered. Thanks so far.

 

[BillyDataGuy]

This sounds like a mechanical drive failure. If Recuva reports that error, then it's almost a guarantee. Continuing to spin up the drive will potentially cause more damage to the drive. If you need an affordable professional recovery service try SERT Data Recovery. http://www.sertdatarecovery.com/hard-drive-data-recovery