how to recover or repair my external hard drive?

[gameover11]

I have this hdd that i didnt safely removed it so i guess that made it broken. I cant access my hdd. When i connect it to my laptop a message keeps poping out that says i need to format the disk but i cant do that because i have some important files there. So please help me recover my files, please do.. tell me what information youll need.

THANKS in advance.

[digitalferret]

can't believe the deja v i just had there, finishing another post .... (cloud) =)
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Hi Gameover11, usual advice :

Do not reformat the drive despite Windows suggesting it.

If the stuff on there is important, take it to a pro DR company.

If it isn't or you can't afford to use a pro company, download something like R-Studio and run it in demo mode.
If you see your files, buy a license key and recover the files to your main drive.

Kern

[gameover11]

I just want to know is there anyway that i wont need to bring out money to fix this? Money isnt really a problem but its better if i dont pay anything. And what is R-studio? Do you suggest any program?

Thanks for the reply though.

[craig6928]

this is the issue with everyone doing DIY on there drive

if the data is the only stuff you have take it to someone who can do the recovery for you.

software can damaged your information.

i would take the drive out of the external case and plug it in direct.
you might be lucky

[digitalferret]

It sounds like the file table is corrupt. It maybe that you data are still intact but the index windows uses to locate them isn't.

R-Studio (from r-tt.com) makes a good job of recovering from such loss.
They have a number of options for software, some cheap, some not so cheap.

If you want to risk losing it all over just a few dollars for software then you could try Testdisk / Photorec from christophe grenier. It's a powerful tool but manual.
If you have no experience with file table work, then you run the risk of making things worse.

And what is R-studio? Do you suggest any program?

R-Studio is a data recovery program. I suggest it because it is capable of doing the job.
If you want a long list of free "get lucky" programs, then fee free to try google.
You could spend hours installing and uninstalling and removing all sorts of crapware they put on your machine.
You may then realise some aren't that good and not actually free, but want your money too.

That's it, good luck.

Kern

[mithilesh]

Hi gameover11,
If your media (Hard Disk) are broken then software doesn't help you to recover your data. Software's are helpful when you format your disk or your HDD is not physically damaged. One thing more I suggest you please don't open the HDD in any mode. In this case, Consult Data Recovery Service provider Company they will assist you better.

[gameover11]

I have another problem.. somehow my computer cant see my hard drive but when i connect it my hard drive lights. what can i do to fix this?

[digitalferret]

Your computer or Windows?
That's 2 different things.

If the computer can see it (in BIOS) it usually means the drive comes ready and can be worked on even from Windows with the right software. Windows itself may not make sense of it as the file table is corrupt.

See above: R-Studio

If the PC bios doesn't show the drive, it's likely not just a software problem.

Kern