External HDD not showing up Windows 10: Not initialized but when initialize is pressed, a window pops up with, "access denied"

Richiechowchow · Dec 31, 2015

I recently dusted off a 2 TB external HDD (WD drive). I attempted to plug it in and begin using it since it was empty. But I can't find it and access the storage. It shows up in Control Panel>Hardware and Sound> Devices and Printer, however. Also when i check the properties it says device is working correctly. However when I go into Computer Management and try to initialize it, it says access denied. Not sure what to do. Would anyone be able to help? Thank you very much!

SuperSoph_WD · Jan 4, 2016

Happy New Year & Welcome to Tom's Hardware, Richiechowchow!

I'd recommend you to try using the WD external drive on another computer and see if you could access from there. Another thing you could try is taking ownership of the drive using one of the methods listed here: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3841-take-ownership-add-context-menu-windows-10-a.html
If that doesn't work, I'd strongly recommend you to test the external drive using WD's Data LifeGuard Diagnostic tool. Running the QUICK and EXTENDED tests will help us determine the health and SMART status of your HDD. Here's a link to the software: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=Ecj9p3

Hope this helps you. Keep me posted with the results.
SuperSoph_WD

Richiechowchow · Jan 5, 2016

SuperSoph_WD :

Hi SuperSoph! Thank you for the welcome and Happy New Year to you too! I may have failed to mention the fact that I was unable to see my drive in "My Computer" as an external hard drive; therefore, I can't use the first option you offered as a solution. I still am thankful you are taking your time to help! The second option using WD's Data LifeGuard Diagnostic tool I started a Quick scan but quickly an error message popped up. Let me link a few screen shots below:
- http://grab.by/N7Za
- http://grab.by/N7Zk (This is the error message I get when I try to initialize the disk)
The extended test also failed:
- http://grab.by/N7ZA
Writing Zeros with a full erase has failed:
- http://grab.by/N7ZG
Thank you again for helping! I hope there may be a way to solve this issue

SuperSoph_WD · Jan 6, 2016

Hey there again, Richiechowchow!

Unfortunately, it seems like your WD external HDD has failed!

I hope you don't have any important data stored there that is not backed up, otherwise, you'd need to consult with a professional data recovery company to assist you. Here you can find WD's partners worldwide: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=Za3W3N

Another thing, I'd advise you to do is check the warranty on the drive here: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=1VgAC1
If it's still covered, you should be able to RMA it once you send the request to our customer support.
Warranty Policy: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=hvEdoR
WD Contacts: http://products.wdc.com/support/kb.ashx?id=dYMtgZ

If it's not covered, unfortunately, you should consider replacing the drive!

Hope I was helpful, though. Best of luck!
SuperSoph_WD

Richiechowchow · Jan 10, 2016

SuperSoph_WD :

Many thanks SuperSoph_WD! I guess it's unfortunate. I've had the drive for more than just a year or two. I guess the lack of use contributed to it failing.

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External HDD not showing up Windows 10: Not initialized but when initialize is pressed, a window pops up with, "access denied"

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