hi guys,
i’m not really experienced in my knowledge about data storage or HD etc. So i thought this is a good forum to ask for advice / help.
i bought the WD HD approx. around mid 2008 and have been using it since then until recently a few days ago. It is starting to show some symptoms of break down/problems.
- A few months ago i noticed when i plugged into my PC, a message box popped up saying “Format Drive before use” with either Format or Cancel button.
I ignored it a few times and just clicked on Cancel, as i thought Format means to wipe out all the data on the HD, which i don’t want, as i use the HD as back up.
Symptoms:
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When plugged to PC, it is either not recognised or
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it is recognised and randomly disappears and disconnects from PC
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The light is still flashing / on when it is plugged to PC, which must mean it is being powered
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After a while it starts to make faint click-ing noises
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i have noticed sometimes all the data finished transfer to HD, i try ejecting the HD from computer, it doesn’t let me. One occassion i actually waited a whole hour and it still didnt let me eject it from the computer.
how i use it:
-I Only use it for back up of family photos,videos and documents.
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Only use it maybe once or twice a month, for short periods of time
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i always use it with care, and do not drop it or move it at all, only use it at home for back up of photos and videos, docs etc.
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i have plugged HD at front of Computer and back usb port as well
I have came to a conclusion and is accepting that my HD is failing.
So how do i make a back up of my important files if its not recoginised by my computer??
Also, is there anything i can use (e.g. software) for me to check regularly that the HD is functioning normally? rather than find out randomly, which is what happened a few days ago, without much warning… or perhaps silly me, didnt realise!
I appreciate your advice and help, thanks,
