I urgently need help. I just tried to use my WD external hard drive, and all my data is gone. I’ve lost everything, including every photo ever taken of my daughter. Please, please help!
@rich.helferich If you need help restoring lost data from your WD external hard drive, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Check for Connection Issues
- Reconnect the Drive: Unplug the external hard drive and plug it back in. Ensure the connection is secure.
- Try a Different USB Port: Use another USB port on your computer to rule out port issues.
- Test on Another Computer: If possible, connect the drive to a different computer to see if the data appears.
Step 2: Use Data Recovery Software
If the data is still missing, consider using data recovery software. Here’s how:
- Choose a Data Recovery Tool: Select reliable software like:
https://www.stellarinfo.com/data-recovery-software.php
-
Download and Install the Software: Follow the installation instructions for your chosen tool.
-
Scan the External Hard Drive: Open the software, select your WD drive, and initiate a scan for lost files.
-
Preview and Recover: Once the scan completes, preview the recoverable files, select the ones you want to restore, and follow the prompts to recover them.
Step 3: Contact Professional Data Recovery Services
If the software method doesn’t work, you may need to reach out to professional data recovery services. This option can be costly, but it may be necessary for critical data recovery.
Helpful Resources:
https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/how-to-recover-data-from-external-hard-drive/
These steps should help you recover your lost data from your WD external hard drive. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!
Can you retrieve a SMART report?
https://www.reddit.com/r/datarecoverysoftware/wiki/index/smart/
These are the software tools that data recovery professionals use:
https://www.hddoracle.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=3208
Many are cheaper than spammy second tier tools.
@rich.helferich If you’ve lost important files, there are several ways to restore your data. Start by checking the Recycle Bin on Windows or Trash on Mac, where recently deleted files can often be found and restored. For files stored in a backup, use Windows Backup (Settings > Update & Security > Backup) or Mac Time Machine (Apple > System Preferences > Time Machine) to restore files from an earlier backup point.
If no backups exist, data recovery software such as Recuva (Windows), Disk Drill (Windows/Mac), or EaseUS Data Recovery (Windows/Mac) can help recover deleted files from internal and external drives.
Helpful Resources:
If these methods don’t work, consider a professional data recovery service like DriveSavers for advanced recovery options.
Thanks for providing. These links are helpful.