My Toshiba External HDD Does is Unallocated and I cannot access my data

[Maria2015]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here would be able to give me an advice on how to access my data on external hdd that suddenly stooped working.
I have Toshiba DWC120 2TB external HDD. When I connect it via USB to my computer, it does light up, little blue light on it starts blinking and my computer makes a sound like it usually makes when I connect anything else to it ( camera cable, usb drive etc..), but it does not recognize it. When I go to Disk Manager it asks me to 'initiate drive' which I didn't to because I guess it would delete all my data. Otherwise, it shows as Unallocated in Disk Manager.
I would really, really like to access my data, because all my pictures, videos and documents from previous 3 years are on it.

I currently use Windows 8.1 , but I tried to connect it to others computers, one with Windows 7 and another one with Windows 8 system. The result is exactly the same, unallocated disk.

Also, I tried different software's that supposedly recover data from hdd. EaseUS, MiniTool Power Data Recovery and another one ( forgot the name). All those did not give any results. They detect my drive as a "bad disk" or "unallocated" one, but it seems like they are not able to access the data on it.

Here is the link to a photo of how it looks in Disk Management:
http://i61.tinypic.com/15iateu.jpg

If anyone has any suggestion, I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

 

[Maria2015]

Suggestions, anybody?

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there Maria2015

Have you tried something simple as just changing the USB cable?
If the issue persists and given the fact that the data on the drive is crucial(and none of the data recovery tools worked), I would say that it may be a good idea to contact a data recovery company. Most of the HDD manufacturers have their own data recovery service or have some sort of data recovery partners.
Another thing you can try is to take the drive out of the enclosure and connect it internally through SATA. Though, keep in mind that this will void the warranty. Also, you need to make sure that the model of the drive is not a hardware encrypted one. If the issues you are facing are related to a bad HDD enclosure, you may be able to access the data if the drive is connected internally.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

 

[Maria2015]

Hi there Maria2015

Have you tried something simple as just changing the USB cable?
If the issue persists and given the fact that the data on the drive is crucial(and none of the data recovery tools worked), I would say that it may be a good idea to contact a data recovery company. Most of the HDD manufacturers have their own data recovery service or have some sort of data recovery partners.
Another thing you can try is to take the drive out of the enclosure and connect it internally through SATA. Though, keep in mind that this will void the warranty. Also, you need to make sure that the model of the drive is not a hardware encrypted one. If the issues you are facing are related to a bad HDD enclosure, you may be able to access the data if the drive is connected internally.

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

Hello D_Know_WD,

Thank you for your answer.
Yes, I've bought a brand new USB cable. That was first thing I did. Unfortunately, it wasn't about that.

BTW, I went to two computer repairs shops since I asked this question and found out that my problem is mechanical in nature.

Although, I can live without my data, it is very important for me personally. Last 3 years of my life are on that disk. My photos, videos, writings, graphic design files, all my work is there...I feel kinda bad for trusting an external hard drive, that much.

Anyhow, I contacted one data recovery specialist, and when he told me that the minimum amount that he asks for mechanically recovering my data is $599, I was stunned. He also told me, that no one will give me such a good price, and I believe him.
I cannot afford to pay that, so I will have to access that data by myself, somehow.

I found some videos on YouTube on dissembling some external hard drives and connecting them through SATA to computer. I also found some detailed explanation on how to dissemble my HDD, with photos, but without instructions on how to connect that dissembled HDD to computer...If someone has a good link to tutorial on how to connect Toshiba DWC120 2TB external HDD through SATA to computer and transfer data, I would appreciate it!

One more thing....This guy told me that Data Recovering Specialists have special conditions when recovering data from HDD's, like 'clean room' or "pure room" or something, I forgot the term he used about the space where dissembling is conducted...But, those videos I've seen on YouTube are made in regular space, without any special conditions...so I was wondering if what this guy told me is the truth or he was just messing with me ...

Thank you for your help.

Maria

 

[D_Know_WD]

Yes, unfortunately, the data recovery services are pricey. 🙁
Just keep in mind, that you need to take the drive out of the plastic enclosure, not disassemble the drive itself. When you open up the enclosure, you just take out a normal SATA drive. Just google something like: how to add a secondary HDD or something. You can attach the HDD with a third party 3.5 '' HDD enclosure(just make sure it has AC Power Adapter) as well.
If the issue persist though, then there is something wrong with the HDD itself(not the enclosure). You can't really be sure what is wrong with the drive(until you open it up) and it needs to be examined in a dust clean environment(as the platters could be damaged). If this is the case, I would say that you have no other options but to send it to a specialist.

D_Know_WD

 

[Maria2015]

Yes, unfortunately, the data recovery services are pricey. 🙁
Just keep in mind, that you need to take the drive out of the plastic enclosure, not disassemble the drive itself. When you open up the enclosure, you just take out a normal SATA drive. Just google something like: how to add a secondary HDD or something. You can attach the HDD with a third party 3.5 '' HDD enclosure(just make sure it has AC Power Adapter) as well.
If the issue persist though, then there is something wrong with the HDD itself(not the enclosure). You can't really be sure what is wrong with the drive(until you open it up) and it needs to be examined in a dust clean environment(as the platters could be damaged). If this is the case, I would say that you have no other options but to send it to a specialist.

D_Know_WD

Thank you for your answer.
I will definitely try taking my HDD out of the enclosure, connecting it to PC and see what is going to happen.