Solved Moving files from external HDD

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Jaymie1989

PCHF Member
May 22, 2017
53
5
35
Hi,

Not quite simple at the title suggests unfortunately.

I've got a WD Passport external HDD.
Sometimes its ticking and sometimes not so I need to move my files from it.
Windows sometimes see the files but cant copy them to a new HDD even if its one word document it just hangs.

I have somewhat been able to see it in Computer management.
It doesnt always show, even in 'computer'

Windows says it needs checking for errors so I start the process then it hangs.
I've go onto PartedMagic to use CloneZilla and it hangs finding the connected HDD's.

Any help at all. There is only around 500mb on there I need to backup.
 
Can you copy the files to your computer? Try a few, then copy them to the new hard drive. (It is faster to copy from an external hard drive to your computer than to go from one external drive to another).

Once you are sure the files are on the new hard drive, remove them from your computer.

Next copy a few more files to the computer and then move them to the new hard drive.
 
Can you copy the files to your computer? Try a few, then copy them to the new hard drive. (It is faster to copy from an external hard drive to your computer than to go from one external drive to another).

Once you are sure the files are on the new hard drive, remove them from your computer.

Next copy a few more files to the computer and then move them to the new hard drive.

Hi,

When I try to copy a file explorer crashes. I've tried on another PC and it's the same. I'll try copying a file to a secondary hard drive.
 
So File Explorer crashes on two different computers when you simply try to copy one file. It appears something is drastically wrong with the WD external does yours have a cable like this?

I'd try a different USB cable (an old printer cable will work) and perhaps a different power cord.
 

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You may be able to save an image of that HDD on your PC using Macrium Home edition.

First option would have been to clone it, but this takes longer and you reported that it hangs.

Imaging takes definitely less time, and afterwards you can restore the image onto the new disk.
 
Hi guys,

I've tried macrium reflect and the HDD raw copy tools and although they can see the drive during its process it fails.

I'm going to try clonezilla again tomorrow
 
Unfortunately the external hard drive now fails to power up. With the old and new USB cable.

I think we lost her.
 
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