Files not displayed for WD Passport external drive
When I connect the Passport via USB, the drive runs and light flashes as it initializes - and briefly shows up as the "H" drive and shows the files. But then the "H" drive does away and no files are visible. The drive continues running the the light is on steady. How can I get access to the drive to run a backup? It has worked OK in the past; have not used it for quite a while.
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New data point - the drive behaves the same way with a Windows 8.1 laptop. Also while connected to the desktop, it periodically re-initializes and shows up as the "M" drive since the flash drive is now the "H" drive. Would seem to indicate it's a problem with the Passport. Wonder if there is any diagnostic or repair software?
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Now it seems to be working normally - backing up a large folder (69 GB). Maybe it just needed the cobwebs cleared after sitting for over a year. If things continue to go well, I'll close out this question.
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It is running more consistently, but still keeps interrupting. It passes the WD quick test, but the detailed test fails - too many bad sectors. Formatted it and started a back-up, but it kept stopping. I started a procedure to write zeros. It ran for about 15 minutes, then stopped. I have a powered USB on the back of the computer. I'll try that to see if that might narrow it to a power issue. It has worked OK in the past with this computer and USB port. I've leaning toward it just having a slowly degrading condition. - - - Just tried the powered USB - the drive won't initialize (light flashing and show in My Computer). The light is on steady and it slightly vibrates, but it is not reading or writing any data. Just seems to have gone dormant. Went back to the front USB - still not working. Thinks it's time to give up on it. Just tried it on a laptop - same behavior. The light will quickly flash a couple of time when first plugged in, then nothing.
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If it fails the long test, replace it. If it isn't too old you may even get a warranty replacement.
The drive is out of warranty, isn't it? If yes then open a USB box and connect the drive to free apC SATA port and scan it there with WD tool. If it fails there - time to let it go. USB controller can prevent normal HDD test from these tools.
The diagnostic already showed it to have many bad sectors. That means it is bad and needs to be replaced. You'll get the same results if you remove it from the case and test it again...
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I did not select any of my comments as a solution. The best solution was by nobus to use a regenerator program or hook it up to a SATA port. That was not done due to the deteriorating condition of the drive.
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