WD 2 TB external HDD is not getting detected - It's visible in Disk Management and only Delete volume and help options are ena

[AnoopNair]

WD 2 TB external HDD is not getting detected - It's visible in Disk Management and only Delete volume and help options are enabled when I right click on the partition.

More over Active@ Disk Editor shows the volume is damaged (under the status)...

Can you please give any tips to recover the volume.

I tried WD utility to check the disk and it looks ok http://support.wdc.com/downloads.aspx?DL

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @AnoopNair!

I'm sorry to hear about your issues with the WD External hard drive. Have you been using the drive on other computer systems, possibly with a different operating system? I suspect that you might have damaged the file system of the HDD. I'd recommend you try connecting the external to another computer and see how it will get recognized there. Posting a screenshot of your Disk management would be really helpful. You also mentioned that you have tested the drive with WD's Data LifeGuard Diagnostics, so what did the QUICK and EXTENDED tests show?
You could try using third-party utilities and methods like a Ubuntu Live CD to attempt to retrieve your files, but that would be at your own risk. Your best bet on getting the files back is a professional data recovery company.

Keep me updated & Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[AnoopNair]

The tests were ok.. no issues found. Able to recover the data using third party tool.. I liked your point about connecting to different operating systems... And that is true in my case. I use this HDD in android and windows systems. What s best way to avoid this type of issues if I continue using this this on Windows and android devices ? Any tips pls

Welcome to Tom's Hardware, @AnoopNair!

I'm sorry to hear about your issues with the WD External hard drive. Have you been using the drive on other computer systems, possibly with a different operating system? I suspect that you might have damaged the file system of the HDD. I'd recommend you try connecting the external to another computer and see how it will get recognized there. Posting a screenshot of your Disk management would be really helpful. You also mentioned that you have tested the drive with WD's Data LifeGuard Diagnostics, so what did the QUICK and EXTENDED tests show?
You could try using third-party utilities and methods like a Ubuntu Live CD to attempt to retrieve your files, but that would be at your own risk. Your best bet on getting the files back is a professional data recovery company.

Keep me updated & Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there again, @AnoopNair!

I'm glad you managed to retrieve your files from the WD External drive! The best way to avoid data loss scares is to always backup your files to multiple storage locations/drives. Always remember that "backup" means that you have your data stored in at least two (2) locations. Moving data from your system drive to an external hard drive or another internal HDD is not a backup, unless there is already a duplicate of the file on a different drive off-site as well as on-site.

That's the best tip I can give you to avoid these issues in the future.
Cheers,
SuperSoph_WD