Need walkthru help with a WD Elements problem...

[Nagdabbitall]

WD Elements WDBAAF0015HBK-01 USB 2.0...With WD Smartware password encryption.

Using known to be good cables (I have another WD).
USB 2.0 in, power cable in.
I can hear disk spin up.
WD Smartware password prompt comes up, password entered.
Loads very slowly, File Explorer window opens after 1-2 minutes.
File folders load after about 4 minutes
When trying to open a folder, busy for about 2 minutes.
Message: "Location is not available.
Data Error (cyclic redundancy check)"

Only outward indication is a blinking lightbar (1-2/sec) connected to the smaller power/usb circuit board.

Any help greatly appreciated, especially concerning if PCB swap is possible with password protection.. Thanks.

[northwind]

This is probably Slow Responding problem combined with something else (ie. weak/bad head etc).
First, you need to solve the Relo problem and then go from there.

If the data is valuable, you must consult a DR specialist.
If not, then search this forum for ''Slow Responding WD" or "Relo" and you'll find a ton of info.

The PCB should be fine, so don't worry about it.

[fzabkar]

HDDSuperTool (freeware) has scripts for solving the "slow responding" problem. Otherwise there is WDMarvel.