WD HDD sometimes doesn't show/ can't be used

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O0mix0O

O0mix0O

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Oct 15, 2013
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Hi all,

My 7200RPM 1TB Western Digital Caviar Blue HDD developed an issue a few days ago... (I can't remember exactly but possibly around the time of installing the W10 anniversary update.)

The drive sometimes cannot be seen in file explorer.
When it can, it doesn't always work - displaying 'This folder is empty' when trying to explore. (Needless to say, any programs/ games cannot be accessed.)

  • - 'Restart' does not fix the issue, but 'Shut Down' and turning back on, does, but not always.

    - The problem has occurred upon boot, or after closing a program stored on the drive.

    - I've ensured that the power + SATA cables are plugged in properly but the problem persists.

    - Other drives in system are fine

    - No obvious damage to drive

    - There has been no occasion where damage could occur (e.g. moving the PC while on)
Only had the drive a couple of years, hope it's not on the way out...

PC specs are in my sig.

Thanks in advance, Mix
 
Solution
SuperSoph_WD
Hey there, @O0mix0O!

I'd second @SR-71 Blackbird's suggestion and advise you to swap the port where the WD BLue is connected to the mobo and also attempt to see how it will get recognized with a different SATA cable.
If that doesn't help, check for any driver updates in Device manager. Moreover, make sure you manually update your SATA controller & Chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer's official website.
Either way, backup all important files from the WD Blue somewhere else before proceeding with the troubleshooting!
Afterwards, try running the QUICK and EXTENDED tests from WD's Data LifeGuard Diagnostics for Windows. The utility will help us determine the health and SMART status of your WD HDD.

Keep us...
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SuperSoph_WD

SuperSoph_WD

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Jul 30, 2014
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Hey there, @O0mix0O!

I'd second @SR-71 Blackbird's suggestion and advise you to swap the port where the WD BLue is connected to the mobo and also attempt to see how it will get recognized with a different SATA cable.
If that doesn't help, check for any driver updates in Device manager. Moreover, make sure you manually update your SATA controller & Chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer's official website.
Either way, backup all important files from the WD Blue somewhere else before proceeding with the troubleshooting!
Afterwards, try running the QUICK and EXTENDED tests from WD's Data LifeGuard Diagnostics for Windows. The utility will help us determine the health and SMART status of your WD HDD.

Keep us posted with the troubleshooting!
SuperSoph_WD
 
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Solution
O0mix0O

O0mix0O

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Oct 15, 2013
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Thanks both for your replies.

Unfortunately I don't have a spare SATA cable, but will be able to pick one up tomorrow, test your suggestion, then report back.

I don't have enough space to backup the data on my drive so will have to wait for another one to arrive before I can run an extended test. However, it did receive a pass on the SMART status, and a quick test reported no problems.

Bit of an aside, but my other 1TB WD Blue reported no smart status available, and a quick scan failed, reporting 'Too many bad sectors'. Does this mean that the drive is heading towards failure, and if so, should I buy a Toshiba DT01ACA3 or a HGST IDK Deskstar? (These are based on my research and Backblaze reports, but if you havy any other suggestions that would be great)

Thanks again

EDIT: Didn't want to add another post and bump this thread so just updating my last post.

Sorry for the delay! Unfortunatley I got rather busy after reading your suggestions and therefore wasn't able to test them.
However, the issue seemed to resolve itself and *touch wood* hasn't done it again since (checked multiple times per day).

The HDD passed the SMART and extended test, so I can't do much else apart from blame W10... (As the issue only arose after the anniversary update, and was removed after a cumulative update...)

Although Blackbird made the first post, I'm going to vote SuperSoph as best answer due to the extra info + tools. (Which incidentally showed my other WD drive failing the SMART test!)
 
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