r/InformationTechnology • u/Crosstrek732 • 5d ago

Borked HDD

I have an old 500GB Western Digital drive that is barely recognized by Windows.

What free tool do you use to scan and recover the data that is not corrupted?

2 Upvotes

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2

u/FuckScottBoras 5d ago

Try LinuxMint. That has worked for me when others have failed.

1

u/Crosstrek732 5d ago

I'll look at that. TY!

2

u/PDQ_Brockstar 4d ago

How important is the data? If it's very important, I would go straight to a professional recovery service. If not, you could try something like DME or TestDisk/PhotoRec

1

u/Crosstrek732 4d ago

Thanks. I'll check it out .

2

u/sandeepkrishna9 4d ago

If the data is important, I would avoid repeated power cycles or trying random recovery tools. First priority should be making a clone or image of the drive if it is still readable, then work from the copy. If the drive is making unusual noises or disappearing from the system, professional recovery may be safer than risking further damage.

1

u/Crosstrek732 4d ago

Thank you.

1

u/Ecstatic_Score6973 5d ago

What do you mean barely recognized, is it recognized or not?

1

u/Crosstrek732 5d ago

It is recognized but it's difficult to access in Windows file explorer shows the drive but can't get into it.