Data Recovery WD MyBook 4TB

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cv15xbmc

Reputable
Nov 6, 2014
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4,510
I changed my WD MyBook 4TB (early 2013 model) hard drive into a new enclosure because the old one wasn't working. It doesn't read because it says its unformatted and unallocated. After much research, I found that due to my situation I'm pretty much screwed. WD drives have an automatic AEN encryption. I didn't know that at the time and have thrown out the box, enclosure and receipt.

I took it to an IT place and whatever data recovery program they used recovered a bunch of random stuff and a LOCKED folder.

Describing my problem to most data recovery places, they say its a logical problem and would cost around $500 give or take. It's just too much to pay.

What are my best options?

*Going to try using my friends MyBook in the hope his enclosure will read my drive to recover data.
*If that doesn't work, use several data recovery programs in the hope I can recover my data (I have a lot of video content on it, so if it comes un-named I won't bother)

Notes:
I did a brief scan with EaseUS trial and it shows several video files UN-NAMED. Another thread recommended reformatting the drive then using GetDataBack. Most recommended finding the relevant PCB connection, but I have no idea what one it is and they are rare and hard to find.

Basicaly never buying a WD hard drive again after finding all this out.

Im puling my hair out!
 
Solution
SuperSoph_WD
Hey there, cv15xbmc!

I am truly sorry to hear about your problem with the WD MyBook :(
This is really an unpleasant situation to be in.
Opening the enclosure, not only makes your data inaccessible because of the hardware encryption, but it also voids the warranty of the product. It won't be a good idea to use your friends' enclosure, because his MyBook will suffer the same consequences.
What I would suggest though is to contact our tech support. I'm sure they will be more than willing to help you out in this situation.
They should be able to guide you to a better solution of the issue and hopefully resolve it somehow.

Here are their contacts: http://support.wdc.com/contact/contact.asp?lang=en

Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, cv15xbmc!

I am truly sorry to hear about your problem with the WD MyBook :(
This is really an unpleasant situation to be in.
Opening the enclosure, not only makes your data inaccessible because of the hardware encryption, but it also voids the warranty of the product. It won't be a good idea to use your friends' enclosure, because his MyBook will suffer the same consequences.
What I would suggest though is to contact our tech support. I'm sure they will be more than willing to help you out in this situation.
They should be able to guide you to a better solution of the issue and hopefully resolve it somehow.

Here are their contacts: http://support.wdc.com/contact/contact.asp?lang=en

Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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Solution
C

cv15xbmc

Reputable
Nov 6, 2014
8
0
4,510
But if I use my friends mybook to try it, won't it just be incompatible if it doesn't work? why would it stuff up the hard drive? and couldn't I just put my friends hd back in the original closure afterwards and it should work fine? (im assuming this is the case because I've heard of successful stories of people buying identical mybooks and putting there old hd's in)

 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
6,758
3
45,960

Hi again, cv15xbmc!

I wouldn't recommend doing this because it will void his warranty as well.
I'm not sure it's going to work, because new MyBook externals all incorporate a hardware encryption and the models over 2TB are configured with 4K sectors. Removing the enclosure will expose the drives to their native 512e sectors.
Which is why you won't be able to access any data on the drive whatsoever. :(

I suggest you reconsider this option and turn to a professional data recovery company for help.
http://support.wdc.com/recovery/index.asp

Best of luck!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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cv15xbmc

Reputable
Nov 6, 2014
8
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4,510
Of course! Data recovery...which is too expensive. Anyway thats why I asked in the first place because I wanted to explore other possible solutions. WD really has you over a barrell when you buy their hard drives. I really wish there was a simple solution such as software or hardware it would save a lot of people stress and money. Thanks for taking the time to reply
 
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Ashley5972

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Mar 11, 2015
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4,510


Did you ever get your information off of your external hard drive. I have a similar problem and the date recovery people have already charged me $350 and want $750 more. PLease let me know what you have done and if it has helped.
Thanks
 
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christoferdirk

Reputable
Feb 11, 2016
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4,510
I know this is an old post. But in case someone needs an alternative solution for this kind of problem, try using M3 Raw Drive Recovery. It can repair a corrupted MFT on WD drives. No need to recover data to another drive. Just be sure to assign a drive letter first. There is a tutorial also on youtube.

PS: I'm not a sales representative of this product. I'm just a happy customer who want to share a solution with bad english :D
 
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E-50

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Jan 14, 2013
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18,660

thats not a solution...
 
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