Fixing a defective backup HD

[czglory]

I have a defective backup HDD (WD My Book) that is not eligible for replacement because I threw away the box it came in, or misplaced it.

It shows up in testing:
Test Option: *EXTENDED TEST*
Model Number: WD My Book 25DA
Unit Serial Number: WCC4E6ZHV1ZX
Firmware Number: 3002
Capacity: 4000.79 GB
SMART Status: Not Available
Test Result: *FAIL*
Test Error Code: 08-Too many bad sectors detected.
Test Time: 21:17:17, January 17, 2017

In disk management; it shows up as 'not initialized' and is write-protected, so cannot be reformatted and there is nothing in properties to take over.

In WD software, it says please insert a compatible WD drive, not detected.

In diskpart, the drive does not show.

It is essentially an unwritable, partially detectable, write-protected drive. Is there any way to salvage it? I do not need the data, just the drive.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey, @czglory!

I'm sorry to hear about your WD My Book not being eligible for replacement! 🙁 Always stay away from tampering with the external drives' enclosures as it voids their warranty. Moreover this external specifically incorporates a hardware-based encryption that basically prevents you from accessing the HDD's content without the original WD My Book enclosure.

I believe that since the drive fails the Extended tests from our DLG tool is definitely not to be trusted with your files. Keeping any sort of data onto it won't keep your peace of mind as it's highly unlikely to last long. I'd recommend you to consider replacing this external altogether and not trust the hard drive that's inside. Having too many bad sectors means that they CANNOT be repaired because of the corrupted sectors (that usually store data) onto it.

Better safe than sorry, right? Always make sure you back up your files to multiple locations (on-site as well as off-site). Having duplicates of your files is what will prevent any future data-loss headaches.

Hope this helps you. Keep me posted if you have more questions!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[mostic]

Hey, @czglory!

I'm sorry to hear about your WD My Book not being eligible for replacement! 🙁 Always stay away from tampering with the external drives' enclosures as it voids their warranty. Moreover this external specifically incorporates a hardware-based encryption that basically prevents you from accessing the HDD's content without the original WD My Book enclosure.

I believe that since the drive fails the Extended tests from our DLG tool is definitely not to be trusted with your files. Keeping any sort of data onto it won't keep your peace of mind as it's highly unlikely to last long. I'd recommend you to consider replacing this external altogether and not trust the hard drive that's inside. Having too many bad sectors means that they CANNOT be repaired because of the corrupted sectors (that usually store data) onto it.

Better safe than sorry, right? Always make sure you back up your files to multiple locations (on-site as well as off-site). Having duplicates of your files is what will prevent any future data-loss headaches.

Hope this helps you. Keep me posted if you have more questions!
SuperSoph_WD

Hi I have the same issue exactly but the MAIN POINT is that I need the data on it, I have years of data stored on it and I can't lose it for any reason.
What shall I do?

Test Option: QUICK TEST
Model Number: WD My Passport 0820
Unit Serial Number: WX41AA3Y0683
Firmware Number: 1007
Capacity: 2000.37 GB
SMART Status: Not Available
Test Result: FAIL
Test Error Code: 08-Too many bad sectors detected.
Test Time: 09:05:03, February 27, 2017