WD My Passport External HD - USB port failure

[CriUK]

I have a WD my passport USB 3 external HD. the USB port came off the motherboard, yes literally came off! How do I recover the data inside please? without taking it to a data recover center which will cost a huge amount of money?

 

[anti-duck]

You could just use it attached to a USB 2.0 port, but it will be slower.

 

[CriUK]

what exactly should I connect it to if I no longer have the port?

 

[reedo_43]

Port came off your mainboard or the drive?

 

[anti-duck]

what exactly should I connect it to if I no longer have the port?

You mean the whole I/O thing has snapped off the back of the motherboard? I assumed you meant the USB 3.0 header sorry.

 

[CriUK]

Yes, the whole I/O has snapped off the green motherboard. i added pic on first post

 

[trekzone]

You can ask a technician from a mobile or electronic shop to mount and solder it back to the USB bridge board.

 

[D_Know_WD]

Hi there CriUK,

You can try what trekzone proposed. Just keep in mind that the WD My Passport series are hardware encrypted. If you take the drive out of the enclosure you will not be able to retrieve the data. Basically, you should recover your data through the USB(casing).

Cheers,
D_Know_WD

 

[CriUK]

thanks!, on my way to do that. as it is the cheapest option I have.. hopefully it will work!