Slow HDD with many bad sectors; Data recovery

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  1. Posts : 4
    Win10
       #1

    Slow HDD with many bad sectors; Data recovery


    Hi Guys,
    I found this forum via google search and hope that someone more knowledgeable than I am can help me save some of my data. I have a 4 TB WD Elements HDD (78% used) which I use for several years to store all my data. I have some scattered backups on other HDDs but at least some of the data on this one is unique and I really need to recover it.
    At the end of last year I tried to copy some files from this drive and it froze during the copying. The writing speed went down to less than 100 kb/s.
    In an attempt to solve the problem I ran windows error checking tool and than tried to defragment the HDD. Both processes took several days to complete but did not change anything.
    I used Minitool partition wizard and tried a surface test. After 2 days the test had only completed 5% and almost have of the sectors were marked as bad sectors. I stopped the test at this point.
    Since I am not able to find a solution on my own I am seeking your help. In the end I will only need a few folders since the rest is on another backup.
    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22,923
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.4170 (x64) [22H2]
       #2

    This is a job for... @jumanji
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #3

    Hello @Neuro,
    Welcome to TenForums.

    Neuro said:
    In the end, I will only need a few folders since the rest is on another backup.
    Yes, @jumanji is EXCELLENT at this sort of diagnostics, problem solving, and providing help.

    If it was me, I would try and get ALL my data [ Personal Folders & Files etc ] off as soon as possible. The below is an excellent way to do this as it does NOT put any load [ well, minimal ] on the existing HDD.

     Linux Live USB / DVD

    A Linux Live USB / DVD is a good emergency method of retrieving data from an otherwise UN-bootable drive or if you are having other drive difficulties.

    Basically . . .

    [1] Download the Linux ISO - I always use Linux Mint although there are others available.
    [2] Create a Bootable USB/DVD [ media ] using Rufus for example => Rufus.
    [3] Boot the media.
    [4] Copy the folders & files to an external HDD/SSD or USB.

    > Download Linux Mint 20 Ulyana



    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,222
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #4

    Neuro said:
    ...at least some of the data on this one is unique and I really need to recover it.
    In an attempt to solve the problem I ran windows error checking tool and than tried to defragment the HDD. Both processes took several days to complete but did not change anything.
    A bad choice. On a dying drive you avoid writing data to the drive. You only read data to save it to another drive.
    Welcome to the Forum.
    Unfortunately, in my opinion, the drive is so damaged that is already dead.
    All drives, specially external HDDs, one day will fail. That is why a backup is a MUST have.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 21,421
    19044.1586 - 21H2 Pro x64
       #5

    Hello @Neuro and welcome to tenforums ,

    Consider downloading and running Crystal Disk Info in resident/startup mode to be able to keep an eye on all drives health in system tray icons in order to avoid drive failure surprises like this in the future.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,800
    Windows 7 Pro
       #6

    When a disk starts to mark every sector as bad, it's often caused by heads misalignment. It can be caused by the the arms not positioning the heads correctly or by the wearied bearings that let the platters wobble or even damaged heads.

    In all case you need to bring the disk activity to the minimum and Write operation to halt.

    Most 4TB hdds have 4 platters some use 4 sides some 8 and the damage you are experiencing could touch only one of them.

    If the partition does not appear as RAW you can use a file recovery software like GetDataBack...

    I you can post sreenshots from CrystalDiskInfo or HDSentinel it would be great.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 4
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for the help.
    I dowloaded CrystalDiskInfo and included a screenshot of the problematic HDD.
    What's the safest way of securing the data? Simply trying to copy the files which i desperately need to another HDD or use a software to get data from the drive?
    Best Neuro
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Slow HDD with many bad sectors; Data recovery-hdd.png  
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #8

    Hello @Neuro,

    Neuro said:
    What's the safest way of securing the data? Simply trying to copy the files which I desperately need to another HDD or use a software to get data from the drive?
    I posted one option in my Post #3 above.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #9

    I would either make a backup copy with testdisk even if it can take a lot of hours or use GetDataBack to backup everything as soon as possible.

    Let's wait for Jumanji's advice anyway. He is the most knowledgeable person on this forum about data recovery.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7,607
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #10

    Not only on this forum, but also on Seven Forums and Eleven Forum.
      My Computer


 

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