Help with Dead (?) Verbatim External Drive

[abrogard]

I just read an old thread 'vertabim 500 GB Portable HDD won't turn on' which is the problem I've got.
He apparently got it fixed by replacing ' a part' where the usb cable fits.
Is that right? Do they fail to show power light even though hooked up to a working power supply if there's a cable problem?
This is a JHA116 model 47512. I don't even remember how big it is - 1T I think. I've had it about two years I guess. Anyone know how long their warranties? Any use searching my chaotic records for the sale view warranty?
And any advice how to get my data off it?

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, @abrogard!

Can you please share exactly what are the issues you have encountered with your external drive? It would be really helpful to share the troubleshooting steps you have taken so far. I'd definitely not advise you to tamper with the HDD physically as mechanical hard drives are pretty sensitive and you'd most probably do more harm than good. Moreover, if the HDD is still within the warranty period, corrupting the enclosure would void it. You can check this on the HDD manufacturer's official website or get in touch with their customer support for assistance with this.

I'd recommend you try connecting the external drive using a different USB cable and even try another computer to see how it would get recognized there. If you gain access to your files, make sure you back them up elsewhere immediately. Having a copy of the data will prevent the potential data loss.

I'd also recommend checking the HDD's health and SMART status by running the HDD's brand-specific diagnostic tool or a third-party alternative.

Keep me posted with the details & troubleshooting!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[abrogard]

Hey there, @abrogard!

Can you please share exactly what are the issues you have encountered with your external drive? It would be really helpful to share the troubleshooting steps you have taken so far. I'd definitely not advise you to tamper with the HDD physically as mechanical hard drives are pretty sensitive and you'd most probably do more harm than good. Moreover, if the HDD is still within the warranty period, corrupting the enclosure would void it. You can check this on the HDD manufacturer's official website or get in touch with their customer support for assistance with this.

I'd recommend you try connecting the external drive using a different USB cable and even try another computer to see how it would get recognized there. If you gain access to your files, make sure you back them up elsewhere immediately. Having a copy of the data will prevent the potential data loss.

I'd also recommend checking the HDD's health and SMART status by running the HDD's brand-specific diagnostic tool or a third-party alternative.

Keep me posted with the details & troubleshooting!
SuperSoph_WD

It won't switch on. The computer doesn't see it. Which is fair enough because it effectively isn't there.

This model has a power switch at the back - just a recessed push button. And a green led at front when it is powered on. It never powers on. Of course since it never powers up you're never sure if you've switched it 'on' or 'off' with a simple push button. so you try a thousand times. And no response.

So it's either the switch - accessible from inside only - or this 'part' near the usb cable port mentioned in that other thread - or the circuitry. I reckon.

I've metered the power supply and it's putting out 12v.

I've switched data cables and got the same result.

Nowhere to go now but inside.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Keep in mind that opening the enclosure would void the warranty though, @abrogard! So you won't be able to RMA it if it's still covered by it.
However, plugging the HDD internally via SATA might actually help you access the data. Just make sure you don't tamper physically with the hard drive itself! If it's the enclosure of the external drive that failed, the data should be intact on the drive. However, if you are dealing with a dead HDD, you might need to consider the assistance of a professional data recovery company for assistance. Once you give it a try, keep me posted with the results. Posting a screenshot from Disk Management in Windows would also be really helpful.

Let me know how it goes & good luck!
SuperSoph_WD