Western Digital MyBook external format problem

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Hey there guys,

I have got a Western Digital MyBook 1TB external harddisk.

I saw the earlier post on how to format a nonresponsive external hard disk and attempted it.
BBearren method of using cmd commands to initiate a format.

Initially it was running the format up till around 40% and then the laptop froze and it restarted itself. Since the restart, my computer now does not detect the drive neither is disk management ( Even after unticking the box of showing blank drives in window folders). Then i tried restarting the whole process but now even diskpart wont detect the disk/volume that is there anymore. Then i tried numerous third party apps in an attempt to wipe the drive clean of data and reformat but neither worked. Tried Easeus Partition and some WD own site tools such as formatter and WD lifeguard diagnostic.

Lifeguard diagnostic came up with alot of bad sectors while doing the write zero process but still failed in the end. Now after trying all those, I though may as well try the cmd again. And now it detects the drive in list disk , however when i entered the command “create partition primary”It says cannot find the sector requested. and I cant initiate the format as before.

Any ideas to still salvage the external or is it as good as dead?

Many thanks.

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I suspect your disk has gone to god. I would test it on another PC to be sure.
The manufacturer should have a diagnostic program on their web site for you to use.

p.s It’s worth starting a new thread for a new problem, even if it seems related.

cheers, Paul

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Welcome to the Lounge. I’ve moved your post to a new thread.

What was your reason for formatting the drive? Were you having trouble with it?

Your MyBook may have a disk throwing bad sectors and/or a problem with the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) interface within the enclosure that converts the eSATA drive to USB.

As Paul suggested, give it a try on a different PC to see if you get the same results.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Sorry about that. I though it would fall into the same category.

I have tried it on other PCs however no response as well. It gets detected in devices and printer but nothing else. I formatted the drive cause it crashed back about 3-4 months back and I used a recovery program and managed to salvage some of the files. After that i did not attempt to format it and left it as it is for a while. And right now I’m jz about looking to backup some more extra files and just recalled i had the external that crashed that werent formatted and used.

Used the diagnostic on the website, it jz comes out SMART status failed and still unable to run anything else with it, it either fails or unable to complete.

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Yes, it’s the same category, but a new thread gets attention that an old thread does not.

As for the issue at hand, hard drive failure is a matter of when, not if. It sounds like yours has reached the when, and it’s time to replace it.

It is this inevitability of failure that persuades many of us here to strongly encourage a strategy of multiple backups, and to be zealous in the practice of such. The time is coming; might as well be ready.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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“B”,
Just curious could you provide link Or “Commands” …would like to have a “look See” …Regards Fred

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”B”,
Just curious could you provide link Or “Commands” …would like to have a “look See” …Regards Fred

Fred,

The reference is to a post in another thread (from which I moved MysteryArch’s post to start this new thread).

The “clean” command removes all formatting and partitions, essentially making the disk RAW. I use this command on a disk that has been in use but suddenly shows as RAW to make sure there aren’t any leftovers that may foul up partitioning/formatting.

Here is a TechNet article on DiskPart.exe usage and syntax.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Here is a TechNet article on DiskPart.exe usage and syntax.

“B” ,
Hello.. Thanks … I’m “askin” because i came across a few more “commands” for “DISKPART” that are not listed.. to remove OEM and Hidden, GPT partitions, or anything that has a “Flag” preventing their removal … I’m not Passing these on until i can get more “Info” … Thanks again :cheers: Regards Fred

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Im at work at the moment so cant show the exact screen shot.

But in CMD i did diskpart->list disk->select disk1->clean->create partition primary->format fs=ntfs

However as stated before, it crashed midway and when i restarted the whole process, i cant get past the create partition primary bit.

As for links for tools that i have tried includes
Easeus Partition Master server edition
WD quick formatter ( http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/search/1/a_id/3868)
and wd data lifeguard diagnostic
http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=612&sid=3

Thanks for the help ><! Guess i'll pop round to get a replacement later on my way back.

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Im

However as stated before, it crashed midway and when i restarted the whole process, i cant get past the create partition primary bit.

Thanks for the help ><! Guess i'll pop round to get a replacement later on my way back.

"Mystery"

Hello.. The reason that I'm asking is that i have been involved with "My Book" formatting problems in the past .. They involved not being able to get rid of the WD proprietary partitions ..and not being able to use them as a "Plain Jane" HD .. since i have found some at this point un-tried "DISKPART" commands, to remove the OEM partitions… "Just askin" .. Think that from my past experience with them …i would opt for a "Plain Jane" 3.5" HD in an externalfan cooled docking station … much more versatile..You could then use a SSD or a 2.5"HD, or 3.5" HD , and do whatever you want with it or to it. :cheers: Regards Fred

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If the SMART status shows failed it’s time for a new disk. SMART gets info straight from the disk internals.

cheers, Paul

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Thanks guys.

Picked up a new external instead yesterday. Many thanks for the swift reply or i might have jz kept having a go at it until it actually works hah..

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From waaaaaaay out in left field …

If you are a ‘tinkerer’, here’s something else you might try. bbearren mentioned the possibility of a bad SATA-to-USB board. I understand that to mean there is a plain-vanilla SATA drive inside the external case. I’d take things apart and see what’s inside. If the drive has the right interface, try a separate SATA to USB adapter on the internal drive. They’re cheap. I used one to recover my data when my only SATA-compatable PC died, and all I had was IDE based machines. (Note: I am not recommending that you open the sealed, internal drive.)

If you do try this, let us know what you find.

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