How to Easily Recover Data from a Hard Disk That Isn't Being Detected

How to Recover Data from a Hard Disk That Isn't Being Detected

1. Launch the Data Recovery software on your computer and select the undetected external hard disk to begin.

2. The hard drive recovery will start scanning the disk to search for your lost data and files.

3. After scanning, you can check all recovered files. Preview them and click the "Recover" button to retrieve files from an undetected external hard drive.

"When and Why Does an External Hard Drive Become Undetected or Unrecognized?"

An external hard drive is indeed instrumental in backing up data or transferring files. However, there are instances when it can cause trouble if it's not recognized or detected by the computer. This often occurs accompanied by error messages such as:

1. "The drive is not formatted"
2. "The drive cannot be accessed"
3. "RAW drive is not initialized" etc.

When the drive becomes corrupted due to incorrect usage or simply from being used excessively, how can you fix this issue? Typically, there are three main reasons why Windows fails to recognize your hard drive:

• A hardware issue with your computer's USB port
• A driver problem with your Windows computer
• The drive has become non-functional (dead)

Firstly, connect your external hard drive to another computer to check if it's an issue with the USB port. If the drive functions properly on a different computer, you'll need to repair the USB port. If not, you'll need to attempt the following methods to resolve the issue of the external drive not being recognized and recover your data.

Case 1: Hard Disk Not Detected in My Computer or Disk Management

Sometimes, the external hard drive might not show up in your Computer window but appear in the Disk Management window because it doesn't have any partitions.

First, press the "Windows Key + R," type diskmgmt.msc into the Run dialog, and hit "Enter" to see if the drive appears in Disk Management.

① If you do spot the drive here, you can first attempt external hard drive recovery to retrieve data from the disk using data recovery software, and then format it correctly so that Windows or your other devices can access and recognize it.

② If the drive doesn't appear in Disk Management after trying it on another computer, you can try using Device Manager. To access it, press "Windows Key + R", type devmgmt.msc into the Run dialog, and hit "Enter".

Look under "Disk drives" and check for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them. If there is a yellow mark, it indicates that the drive has a driver issue. Right-click on the device and choose "Properties," then examine the error message displayed. This error message will provide guidance on how to address the problem.

Case 2: Hard Disk Turns RAW and Not Detected

Firstly, DO NOT follow Windows' instructions. If you do, all data on the drive will be lost. You should immediately take action to retrieve important data from the inaccessible hard drive before formatting it. A disk data recovery tool can greatly assist in recovering data from the RAW drive. The Data Recovery Wizard is the ideal tool for hard disk recovery and retrieving data in any data loss scenario. It enables you to recover lost data with just a few simple clicks.

Step 1. Select and scan the RAW partition

If the RAW partition has a partition label, you can directly select it from the drive list and click "Scan" to search for lost files. If the RAW partition has lost its label, it will be identified as "Lost Partition". Simply select "Lost Partition" and click "Scan" to start a comprehensive scan of the RAW drive.

Step 2. Preview the found data from the scan results

Upon completion of the scan, all accessible files in the RAW hard drive will be displayed. Review these files and locate the ones you wish to recover. You can sort the scanned data by file format or directly search for specific files or folders using the "Search files or folders" box.

Step 3. Recover data from RAW partition

Select all files and click "Recover" to retrieve all the data. Choose another internal or external hard drive to save the recovered data, then click "OK" to commence RAW drive recovery.

Upon successful data recovery, you can format the RAW external hard drive to the appropriate file system to ensure it is recognized by your system.

Step 1: Connect the external hard drive to your PC > right-click on "This PC" > "Manage" > "Disk Management".

Step 2: Locate and right-click on the external hard drive > choose "Format".

Step 3: Reset the external hard drive letter and system file (NTFS), and save all changes.

Following this, restart your PC and reconnect the external hard drive to the computer. You should then be able to use it again.

Case 3: There Is an Issue with the Device Driver

If your external hard drive remains unrecognizable, you can try updating the driver to resolve the issue. To update the hard drive drivers for your computer's storage controller, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the Start button, type Device Manager, and press Enter.

Step 2: Select "Device Manager," expand the categories to find the name of your hard drive, and right-click it.

Step 3: Select "Update Driver" > Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software".

If Windows doesn't locate a new driver for your drive, attempt to find the most recent one on the device manufacturer's website.

Case 4: The Hard Disk Is Not Detected Due to Failure

A dead hard drive is an inevitable reality for all computer users, but fortunately, it can still be fixed.

Step 1: If it is recognized as Online Disk and the partition or disk space is displayed properly, then you can recover data from it using Data Recovery Wizard WinPE Edition.

Step 2: If your deceased HDD or external hard drive does not appear as "Online," you can still resolve the issue by referring to this guide: How to Recover Data from a Dead Hard Drive. This resource offers proven solutions to repair a non-functional HDD.

1. **What should I do if my hard disk is not detected by my computer?** - Try connecting the hard drive to another computer to check if it's recognized. - Check the cable connections and ensure they're properly seated. - Use a different USB cable or SATA port if applicable. - Check the power supply to the hard disk. - Boot into Safe Mode to see if the issue persists. 2. **Is data recovery possible from an undetected hard drive?** - Yes, often data can be recovered even if the drive isn't recognized, provided the issue is not physical damage. 3. **Can I recover data without professional help?** - Depending on the issue, you might be able to use data recovery software for DIY recovery. Examples include Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery. 4. **How do I choose the right data recovery software?** - Look for software that supports your file types and operating system. - Check user reviews and ratings for reliability and success rates. - Ensure the software offers a free trial or scan before purchasing. 5. **Should I turn off my computer if the hard disk isn't detected?** - Yes, to avoid potential further damage, immediately turn off your computer and refrain from using it until the issue is resolved. 6. **What if the hard drive makes unusual noises?** - Unusual sounds like clicking or grinding may indicate physical damage. In this case, seek professional data recovery services as soon as possible. 7. **Is it safe to attempt data recovery myself?** - While DIY methods can be effective, if you're unsure, it's safer to consult a professional to prevent permanent data loss. 8. **How long does data recovery usually take?** - The time varies depending on the size of the data, the severity of the issue, and the recovery method used. 9. **Will I get all my data back?** - It depends on the extent of the damage. Undamaged files are more likely to be fully recovered, while severely damaged ones might be partially or unrecoverable. 10. **What can I do to prevent future data loss?** - Regularly backup important files to external storage or cloud services. - Keep your hardware maintained and up-to-date. - Avoid exposing your devices to extreme temperatures or physical shocks.

Here are a few more queries related to recovering files from an undetected external hard drive. Review the answers if you're encountering similar issues:

How do you retrieve data from a hard disk that is not being recognized?

How to recover data from a hard disk that isn't being detected? Or how to retrieve data from an external hard drive that isn't being recognized? Here are the solutions using a file recovery tool: 1. **Connect the Hard Disk**: First, ensure the hard disk is properly connected to your computer. For external drives, try different USB ports or use a different cable to rule out any hardware issues. 2. **Boot in Safe Mode**: If the hard disk is not showing up in My Computer or File Explorer, restart your computer in Safe Mode. This can help bypass potential software conflicts. 3. **Check Disk Utility**: On Windows, use the Command Prompt and type `chkdsk /f /r`. On macOS, open Disk Utility and select "First Aid" for the problematic drive. This might fix any logical errors preventing detection. 4. **Update Drivers**: Update your system's storage drivers to ensure compatibility with the hard disk. 5. **Use a Data Recovery Software**: - Download and install a reliable data recovery tool, such as tools Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Stellar Data Recovery. - Launch the software and scan the undetected hard drive. It may take some time depending on the size of the drive. - Preview and select the files you want to recover. - Choose a safe location to save the recovered files, preferably another storage device. 6. **Professional Assistance**: If none of these steps work, it could be a hardware issue, and you may need to seek professional data recovery services. Remember, prevention is key. Regularly back up important data to avoid loss in case of hard drive failure.

1. Launch the Data Recovery tool on your computer and select the internal hard drive or external hard disk to begin.

2. The hard drive recovery will begin scanning the disk to search for your lost data and files.

3. After the scan, you can preview and restore any file you want.

"Why is my hard disk not being recognized?"

There are six main reasons why your hard disk might not be detected. Here they are listed out: 1. **Physical Damage**: Any physical damage to the hard disk, such as a cracked casing or damaged connectors, can prevent it from being recognized by the system. 2. **Drive Not Powered On**: If the hard drive isn't receiving sufficient power, it may not show up in your computer's list of drives. Check if the power cable is properly connected and the power source is functioning correctly. 3. **Incorrect Connection**: Loose or improperly connected data cables can lead to undetected hard drives. Ensure that all cables are securely attached to both the hard drive and the motherboard. 4. **BIOS Settings**: The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) may not be configured to recognize the hard drive. Enter BIOS settings and check if the hard drive is listed and enabled. 5. **Driver Issues**: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause issues with hard disk detection. Update the hard drive's drivers to the latest version to resolve this problem. 6. **Format Incompatibility**: If the hard drive has a file system that your operating system doesn't recognize, it won't show up. You might need to reformat the drive to a compatible file system like NTFS or FAT32. Remember to always back up important data before attempting any troubleshooting steps.

• Hard drive not enabled in the BIOS
• Serial ATA drivers are not properly installed
• Faulty or unplugged data cable - the BIOS will not detect a hard disk if the data cable is damaged or the connection is incorrect
• The drive is not functioning properly
• Incorrect jumper settings on the drive
• Faulty hard drive due to age or incorrect connection

How can I recover files from a hard drive that won't mount?

Data recovery software tools can often detect and recover files from damaged disks that are not recognized by the operating system and cannot be mounted.

1. Download and install the tool Data Recovery Wizard on your computer.

2. Connect the unmounted hard drive to the computer using a USB hard drive adapter or a USB cable.

3. Run a data recovery software tool and perform a full scan of the failed drive to retrieve any data present on it.

4. Save the recovered data on removable media or another storage device.