WD 3TB My Book External keeps disconnecting from laptop

[TMessenger]

Hi,

I apologise if this isn't the correct forum, it looked like the right one to me!

I've had a 3TB Western Digital My Book drive for a few months now and, for some reason, lately it keeps disconnecting from my laptop, resulting in a window flashing up saying it needs to be formatted before use. When I first got the drive I formatted it and, while I have the bulk of my data backed up, I don't want to go thorugh the long pain of reformatting a 3TB drive! Does this indicate a problem with my laptop, a hardware or software issue with the drive, or do I simply need to reinstall the relevant drivers?

I've ran scans using both the Western Digital Date Lifeguard software and SeaTools and both tell me the drive is fit and healthy. I really don't want this to be a sign that the drive is failing - this is my 3rd drive of this type in a year as the other 2, through no fault of mine, failed after only a few months of use. If it wasn't that I was protected by the warrenty I would have stopped dealing with WD a long time ago and switched to Seagate.

Thanks in advance, looking for any help I can get!

Tom.

UPDATE:

Right, so after doing a Short Generic test using SeaTools, I'm now being told that the drive has failed that particular test. Great, just great. Does this mean this drive is now almost a goner? If so, I am unbelievably annoyed with Western Digital.

Also, if it helps, here's the info from the drive which I pulled from the WD Data Lifeguard software:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/ ... SMART1.png
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/ ... SMART2.png

[SAjunky]

I don't think your drive is in bad condition. Is it powered from USB port or it has it own external power supply? I former, It could be not sufficient power. It can be solved by using self-powered USB hub. Try also Y-type cable (with two A plugs to the computer).

[TMessenger]

Thanks for the reply. It was powered by an external power supply, however this was through a surge protector. I don't know if this makes any difference, but I've connected it straight to the wall socket now to see if it makes any difference - I'll report back! Is there any way to determine if the device is getting enough power other than trial and error?

Also, does the SMART data I posted look OK?

[SAjunky]

In my opinion SMART looks good.
Re: power issues, it is demonstrated that Windows is reloading drivers, it is shown on the taskbar notification area. Sometimes drivers hang and Windows attempts to load new drivers, before unloading old one and new one are unable to access hard drive. It is why it offers you to format device.
If you ignore this message and unplug device, wait 30 second then re-pllug, is the drive correctly recognised with a drive letter?

[laptokowiec]

Check it with DMDE.

[SAjunky]

On second thought:
- do you use original power supply unit? Some come with a different thicknes of the centre pin, giving not secure connection. Observe power LED on HDD enclosure (if present) if blinking when touching power plug.
- do you use original USB connection cable? If not, check marking on the cable, it should be written "USB 2.0 High speed". Try also another USB cable.
- if problem persists, consider removing HDD from enlocure and connect it directly to PC hard disk controller ans see if it happen again.