Computer Help - Ext HD recovery?

somehow my 500gb Ext HD is no longer recognized by either of my Dell laptop computers.

I performed a recommended Scan of HD, it took a couple hours, and boom.....no longer can view files.

Any recommendations or recommended computer companies i could send this to?

Thanks in advance

Kirk

 

i've had luck using "DiskDrill" (free for windows or mac) to have a look at problem drives. As long as the drive still mounts and is viewable (rather than a hardware failure), I think starting with a software based solution to have a look at it is the way to go before sending it out to 3rd party data recovery vendor.

 

You'll just have to decide if the data on it is worth it.

Hard Drive | HDD | SSD | Data Recovery | Ontrack

 

Did you by chance add a docking station?

When I went to a docking station mine would not be recognized if plugged into the laptop it self, but would pop up if it plugged it into the docking station. This was also with Dell laptops.

 

Does it spin up? If so you may be in luck. If not it could be as simple as network settings to a FUBAR d drive.

 

If it is in an enclosure, you can open it up and connect the bare drive directly to a PC. However, this may also render it totally unusable to a non-tech savy end user.

 

See if there is a MicroCenter nearby, and have their service group look at it. That is probably your safest bet.

 

www.winfr.org
it's free.

 

I’ve used these guys before and they are great. Owners are big motorbike fanatics, as well.

https://resquoo.me/

 

But how do you make sure that they won't put your ol lady's nudie pics up on motherless?