My seagate 1TB external HDD starts up then I get a click, click, click and it stops. Drive not detected and lights stays on -

[wharbor]

Seagate 1TB external HDD gives several clicks when it starts and not detect by computer

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Clicking means the drive has failed, the read/write heads have crashed in to the platter and the clicking is made by the read/write heads being trapped. New drive required.

 

[wharbor]

Assuming the discs are not damaged, how can I recover data?

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there wharbor,

Sometimes, externals could make clicking sounds when there is not enough power supplied to them. I guess it will not hurt to use a different USB cable and attach the drive to another USB port.
In case the issue persists, I would agree with Phillip Corcoran and say that the HDD has failed.

I doubt that you will be able to access it using some software tools.
If the data stored on it is really important, you will need to contact a data recovery company.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD