WD MyPassport

[mrjester]

Hi,

I've been searching all over the place to find someone with a similar problem, and although there's lot of advice, I can't find anyone with the same symptoms...

Recently, my MyPassport stopped being recognised on my laptop. Annoyingly I opted to use the encryption/smartware unlocker (which used to appear as a virtual CD in Computer).

When I plug it in, the drive spins up, the light comes on, and Disk Manager can see an un-initialized drive. My limited knowledge leads me to think that it is the VCD portion thats broken, meaning I can't get as far as entering my password, which would normally then activate the data partition on the drive. The drive however seems to go on and off as if I were plugging it in and unplugging it.

Reading around the internet makes me think it's the PCB that's broken (it's the USB3 version). No one anywhere seems to know what the 12 pin connector is, so have not looked into that in depth. WD's recommended data recovery company want to charge SG$800-2000 depending on the problem... eek.

Ive looked at data recovery software, but any I have tried can't 'see' the drive to actually recover data.
I've tried WD's diagnostic software, and cant tell me anything
I've got the physical drive out of the case to see if it's something simple like dust under the PCB connector
I've seen online that there's no point trying to initialize the drive and recover the data as the encryption would prevent access (?)
I haven't yet gone to look for a same model PCB as another thing I read said you would need to clone the BIOS on it (?)
I've tried a firmware update, but similarly to above the updater cant see the drive to update/renew the firmware
Occasionally, a normal CD Drive appears when I plug it in, but sometimes Roxio Burn Disc Viewer also pops up when I plug it in.

Can anyone confirm if it sounds like a PCB problem from this description?
Does anyone know of a way of running unlock.exe from the laptop, not off the drive to force the partition to recognise?
I can't tell from descriptions whether the virtual CD portion is software or hardware/pcb based? I.e. damaged VCD partition

Just to note again, I have the password for unlock.exe, Im not looking to break into the drive by brute force or steal my own data. Even if there was a way to clone a non-initialized HDD partition and then copy it to a new WD drive, then use the password... Sorry if all my crazy ideas are crazy, and thanks for any help.

[northwind]

Hi


This

The drive however seems to go on and off as if I were plugging it in and unplugging it.

makes me think there is a chance your USB connector is loose (typical for these drives), therefore the drive won't reach normal speed/won't init properly/won't mount properly.

Since you have already opened the case, carefully inspect the USB3.0 solder joints and see if they are loose/worn in any sense.
If so, you can ask someone with decent soldering skills to repair it for you or use pliers to hold the connector in place.
DOING SO MAY RESULT IN BIGGER DAMAGE TO YOUR DRIVE AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT A PRO IF YOU VALUE YOUR DATA.

I haven't yet gone to look for a same model PCB as another thing I read said you would need to clone the BIOS on it (?)

Yes and those IC's that need to be transferred are quite fragile. A little too much temperature or someone with little experience can make them FUBAR.

I've tried a firmware update, but similarly to above the updater cant see the drive to update/renew the firmware

You were very lucky there..

Again, if you value your data, save some money and take your drive to a pro.
If not, you can check connector and perhaps perform a PCB swap.

[mrjester]

Thanks for replying!

Deep down I know going to a pro is the best solution... but I think any right minded person is going to look at a 2.5" drive and say to themselves "$2000? Surely not?" haha (I know there's a potential for a lot of invested time and effort on the Pro's side).

What actually happens if you replace a HDD PCB without swapping the BIOS? Does it just zero the drive, and therefore give you a percentage chance at a software recovery solution? I don't know if it's lucky that all the files on the drive are the same type, so I can be quite specific with a recovery search? (obviously, getting the PC to mount it come first)... I mean, what if it's the BIOS that's the problem?

In my head, these solutions all sound good, but apologies if they're just dumb haha.

[mr_spokk]

What actually happens if you replace a HDD PCB without swapping the BIOS?

Nothing at all...you need to replace the IC's from your old board to the new one, to retrieve your files.

Cheers/ Bosse