WD MyBook 250g dropped...need help with the data.

[TraceyBond]

The drive turns on, is viewable in "my computer" (we use vista) and will let us into the first line of folders (ie "PHOTOS") but it won't let us open any of the folders inside of that.

We're trying to copy/paste the most critical folders onto the desktop until we can buy a new external in the next couple of days. I am self-employed and this is my main backup drive. It doesn't generally leave a cabinet inside of my desk but it had to go with me this week Bad idea, that.

So...we can "see" the data. We can even access it partially. We're having a hard time moving it...it's taking a long time if it even goes at all. Several times it has gone to "not responding" (when drag/dropping...cut/pasting seems to work best although slow.)

The files we are seeking to recover are image files. jpg, TIFF and DNG/NEF files...some PSD files. Thousands of them...like close to 50k files...but I have some that are more time-critical than others and need help.

Can anyone offer a suggestion?

Thanks.

[GDH]

Hi,

Download Recover My Files from Data Recovery Software to Undelete Files; Disk recovery; Recover Deleted Files and run a "Fast Format Recover" on the physical drive. Does this find all your files and can you preview them in "Folder View" of the search results window?

If not, follow the instructions in the first message of the thread and run a Complete Format Recover.

Please let me know how it goes.

Good luck.

[TraceyBond]

thank you...trying it now on the other computer

[TraceyBond]

ok, we tried both ways. it starts searching the physical drive and after about 60 seconds, freezes up completely and stops searching.

[GDH]

Hi,

Have you tried the Complete Format Recover option, following the instructions in the first post of this forum?

If that does not work, run a Complete File Search on the physical drive for a small number of select file types.

Please let me know the results of these searches.

Thank you.

[TraceyBond]

Yes, we did both of those. It freezes up and won't let us go any further.

[GDH]

It sounds like it may have physical problem due to being dropped.

I dont think a software solution will work for you. You should send the drive to a hardware recovery service.