Seagate Backup Plus 3TB - the light keeps going off and on

[cyberchris]

I can access my files when the light is on but then it goes off after one minute, then comes up five minutes later and I can access my files for only one minute. It then repeats this cycle. I just want to retrieve my data. I've tried the dashboard and it is detected when the light is on. Disk Management and in the "computer" icon shows the HD when the light is on. The HD is plug via USB directly in the the rear USB of my computer. Please advise. Thank you!

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey there, cyberchris.

You should try the drive with a different computer and a different USB cable (preferably shorter than 12"), to see if the same thing happens. If you don't have that option, at least try the HDD with different USB ports on yours. You could try reinstalling or updating the driver for your USB controller, to see if that changes anything.
If you're still unable to access you HDD long enough for you to be able to retrieve your data, I'd recommend that you try that with Ubuntu Live USB (this is basically a bootable, portable, freeware version of Linux), to see if the it's properly recognized and if you can get to your files. If that doesn't work as well, perhaps you'll have to try backing up your data in small chunks during the small windows in which your drive is accessible.
Once you're done with your data, I'd advise you to download the HDD manufacturer's diagnostics tool and run the tests on the drive, to see what's the situation with it.

Please keep me posted and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions whatsoever.
Boogieman_WD