Can't access to external HDD and chkdsk doesn't work either

Laurent1848 · Jun 29, 2017

Hi, recently I had a problem with my external hdd. When I connect it to my computer it takes a long time before appearing (20-30 min) and when I perform any operation that targets this drive it takes just as much time. I can’t access my folders that are on the disk but they are visible. The disk is partitioned into GPT and has an NTFS file system.

My operating system is windows 7 pro and my Hdd is a seagate backup plus (4 Tb).

I tried the following things:
The windows troubleshooting;
Plug and unplug the disc, put it into other USB ports, or connect it to other devices;
The seagate resolution utility (seatools for Windows);
Data recovery softwares (i.e. Testdisk, EaseUS);
CHKDSK during a session or at startup.

Nothing works. More specifically, when I do a chkdsk, this tells me: the file system type is RAW whereas when I look into the disk management utility, it is clearly listed as NTFS.

In short I do not know what else to try. I want my drive to work again and I do not want to lose my data.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Nicholasashton6425 · Jun 30, 2017

I would contact Seagate and tell them your problem and if you can return it do it and transfer your files to your computer even though it will take a while. I would not buy from Seagate because every single time I do the drive I get is broke. If you bought it online and was shipped to you then it could be broke. You could of also got a defective storage device. I would recommend getting this drive if you return your drive : https://www.amazon.com/Black-Passport-Portable-External-WDBYFT0040BBK-WESN/dp/B01LQQH86A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498797843&sr=8-2&keywords=WD+external+drive

DR_Luke · Jun 30, 2017

When your partition is showing as RAW, there is likely some issues under the hood. I linked to a blog that explains it.

As for the Seagate drive, it likely has firmware issues, bad sectors and/or head damage. Seagate will doesn't not include data recovery services as part of their RMA process. If you send the drive back to them, they will just send you a refurbished replacement and suggest you use their data recovery services to recover your files.

Knowing the issues that these drives have, along with their locked down firmware, it is probably best to avoid the temptation to try various DIY methods and just contact a trustworthy, affordable data recovery lab to see what the cost is to help.

Laurent1848 · Jun 30, 2017

Nicholasashton6425 :

I would contact Seagate and tell them your problem and if you can return it do it and transfer your files to your computer even though it will take a while. I would not buy from Seagate because every single time I do the drive I get is broke. If you bought it online and was shipped to you then it could be broke. You could of also got a defective storage device. I would recommend getting this drive if you return your drive : https://www.amazon.com/Black-Passport-Portable-External-WDBYFT0040BBK-WESN/dp/B01LQQH86A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498797843&sr=8-2&keywords=WD+external+drive

Laurent1848 · Jun 30, 2017

I thank you for your reply Nicholas! The problem is that I can't transfer data (I tried several time to open or right click a document and waited more than two hours for no result). I don't think I can return it because I have it for more than a year (almost two). But I'll contact them to see if they knows a solution.

Laurent1848 · Jun 30, 2017

DR_Luke :

When your partition is showing as RAW, there is likely some issues under the hood. I linked to a blog that explains it.

As for the Seagate drive, it likely has firmware issues, bad sectors and/or head damage. Seagate will doesn't not include data recovery services as part of their RMA process. If you send the drive back to them, they will just send you a refurbished replacement and suggest you use their data recovery services to recover your files.

Knowing the issues that these drives have, along with their locked down firmware, it is probably best to avoid the temptation to try various DIY methods and just contact a trustworthy, affordable data recovery lab to see what the cost is to help.

Laurent1848 · Jun 30, 2017

Thank you for your time Luke. I'll read the blog you linked for me. I already tried to see if a data recovery lab could retrieve data of my disk but their estimated cost was always too high. I want my data back but not enough to pay that kind of price. As for the DIY methods I'll try be as cautious as possible.

DR_Luke · Jun 30, 2017

Laurent1848 :

How high is too high? Realistically speaking, the worst case scenario is it being unrecoverable, but as for pricing, it really shouldn't be much more than $1000 USD by a reputable lab. When looking for a lab, you need to find a smaller lab that doesn't have to charge an extra grand on every quote to cover their free shipping, destination media, marketing and sales team. Some of the world's best data recovery technicians work for smaller labs, usually their own. Their pricing is considerably lower and they tend to be have higher success rates.

The only way to be careful with DIY methods with a Seagate DM series drive is to not power it on. Every time it is powered on, the odds of a successful recovery tends to quickly vanish to the point of no return.

Good luck, either way.

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