MyBook suddenly shows as empty

I was using MyBook 2 TB drive and one day, with no apprente reason, sarts to show as an empty disk. Moreover I usually rename disks and this one is shown as ^MyBook^ name.
Is there a way to recover original function or rescue all data in the disk??

Hi @JuancaLop1 ,

Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the WD Technical Support team for the best assistance and troubleshooting:

Hi, thanks for your support.
Conection to the support services are troubling. It gives me following message:

{"code":"401","message":"Unauthorized"}
Also with download link in the page.

An empty MyBook drive with a strange name can be concerning, but there are still chances for recovering your data and restoring its original part. Some MyBook drives have hidden partitions containing diagnostic tools and recovery software. You may need recovery tools like Stellar, that can scan the disk for lost and deleted files. These tools can sometimes recover data even after formatting or corruption.
*copy: “Some MyBook drives have hidden partitions containing diagnostic tools and recovery software. You can try accessing these using disk management tools on your computer. On Windows, open the Start menu, type “disk management,” and right-click on the disk to access options. On macOS, use Disk Utility.”

I understand that you are experiencing issues with your MyBook 2 TB drive, including an unexpected display of an empty disk and a changed device name. I recommend the following steps to troubleshoot and potentially recover your data:

  1. Verify Connection and Power Supply:

    • Ensure the external drive is securely connected to your computer, using an alternate USB cable or port if necessary.
    • Confirm that the power supply for the external drive is operational.
  2. Test on Another Computer:

    • Connect the MyBook drive to an alternative computer to assess whether the issue persists. This step aids in determining whether the problem lies with the drive or the computer in use.
  3. Utilize Disk Management or Disk Utility:

    • On Windows, access Disk Management by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Disk Management.” Verify the drive’s status and assigned drive letter.
    • On macOS, employ Disk Utility to confirm the recognition of the drive and perform checks such as repairing disk permissions and verifying the disk.
  4. Implement Data Recovery Software:

    • If the drive is recognized but data remains inaccessible, consider using reputable data recovery software like Stellar, Recuva to recover lost or deleted files.
  5. Address File System Errors:

    • Conduct a file system check on the drive using appropriate commands, such as chkdsk /f on Windows or utilizing Disk Utility’s First Aid feature on macOS.
  6. Recover Data Prior to Repairs:

    • If a drive failure is suspected, prioritize data recovery efforts before attempting any repair procedures to mitigate the risk of additional data loss.
  7. Check for Disk Errors:

    • Employ diagnostic tools provided by the drive manufacturer, if available, to identify and address any potential disk errors. Manufacturers such as Western Digital often furnish diagnostic utilities on their official websites.
  8. Engage Professional Data Recovery Services:

    • In the event that the aforementioned steps do not yield a resolution and your data is of paramount importance, consider consulting professional data recovery services. These specialists possess the expertise and tools required for recovering data from compromised or inaccessible drives.

Should your drive be under warranty, contacting the manufacturer’s support is advisable. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended to consult with professional technicians before undertaking any repairs or data recovery procedures to minimize the risk of exacerbating the issue.

Don’t worry its not something complicated.

  • Open Disk Utility (located in Applications > Utilities).
  • Locate your MyBook drive in the sidebar.
  • If it appears, try “First Aid” to check and repair disk errors.

Do let me know if it resolves your issue.