Just Another External Hard Drive Fix Requested

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rpb161

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Oct 15, 2015
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I'm not exactly sure how to proceed with my external hard drive. It's dying (I think enclosure related) and I'm trying to transfer the data onto another hard drive so I can back it up (I know I should have had 2 backup copies all along but I have that system in place now).

This hard drive is a WD My Passport 1 TB that I purchased towards the end of 2012. I thought my hard drive had crashed but realized I have to really push in the USB connector to get it to mount on my Mac (I have it connected to a powered USB hub now). I'm able to transfer some files but it seems to eventually lose its connection and I have to repeat the process.

Are there any enclosures I can transfer the actual drive itself to, to get my uploads done before I toss this drive? Any and all help from you hardware geniuses is much appreciated!
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Welcome to the community, rpb161!

Sorry to hear about your issues with the WD My Passport! :( I'd recommend you to start the troubleshooting process by replacing the USB cable that is connecting the drive! If it's losing connection, then most probably the fault is in the cable itself, rather than the enclosure. I'd strongly advise you against getting the HDD out of the enclosure as the My Passport external drive series incorporate a hardware encryption, which means that your files won't be accessible outside the original enclosure. The only way to gain access to your files is to buy an identical My Passport enclosure, from which the data will be read properly.
However, I'd first give the new USB cable a try!
I'd also suggest you to check the drive for defects using the Disk Utility on your Mac. Here's an article that explains how to do that: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=Fucj8V

Keep me posted! Hope this helps you! :)
SuperSoph_WD
 
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rpb161

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Oct 15, 2015
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Thanks for the quick reply SuperSoph_WD! I actually just tried a different cable to test out that theory. Same result unfortunately. I usually check the disk for any errors in the Disk Utility once it mounts before proceeding. I then transfer some data and can get at most a few gigs at most in one session before it essentially disconnects or looses it's connection. How would I obtain another MyPassport case? Do I have to buy another drive and extract it, and then place my drive in it? Can I purchase a base WD MyPassport enclosure? Thanks for you help!
 
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

Glorious
Jul 30, 2014
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That's what I'm here for, rpb16! :)
Unfortunately, you are right! If the cable didn't work, then it's most probably the enclosure itself! :( I'd advise you to get in touch with our Customer support and ask for reference and assistance with the WD My Passport enclosure! However, I think that there are some original WD My Passport enclosures in the online resellers, but I'd still consult our customer support.

Here are their contacts: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=OGCM7K

Keeping my fingers crossed for you! Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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rpb161

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Oct 15, 2015
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I'll contact support tomorrow. I was just barely miss copying one entire file! 3.5 of 3.74 gb! Out of curiosity where would be a good place to search for an enclosure for a reseller?
 
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R

rpb161

Reputable
Oct 15, 2015
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4,510
Can any of you non-WD reps recommend where I can get another enclosure as it seems that the USB connection on my WD Passport is poor and only lasts a few mins before it looses it connection with my mac? I've been trying to google for a new enclosure but that has been unsuccessful. Thanks for your help!!
 
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