How to recover data from a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive

Are you looking for a way to recover files from an Integral disk? Do you encounter performance issues or errors that caused a loss of data? Is the data lost irreversibly, or maybe there are methods to recover it?

WD (Western Digital) HDD Data Recovery

WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive Data Recovery in 2024

Fix the drive, eliminate any errors causing failures, and recover the lost data on your own.

WD (Western Digital) HDD Data Recovery

If you need to recover an internal or external hard disk (HDD, SSD or SSHD), a memory card or a USB pen drive, the first step is to connect it to a computer. If you want to recover data from a dashboard camera, phone, camera, or a music player, you should remove their memory card and connect it to a desktop computer. Also, you can try this tutorial for internal phone storage, if you connect your phone to a computer and it displays your device in This PC folder as a USB drive.

The Program For Recovering WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive Data

Are you looking for a way to recover data?

If files have been deleted from a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive, and it is impossible to recover them by using standard tools of your operating system, the most effective way will be to use Hetman Partition Recovery.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

For this purpose, do the following:

  • Download the program install and launch it.

  • By default, users are suggested to start with File Recovery Wizard. Click «Next» and the program will ask you to select the disk you want to recover your files from.

  • Double-click on the disk and select analysis type. Choose «Full analysis» and wait for the disk scanning procedure to finish.

  • When the scanning is over, you will be show files for recovery. Select the ones you need and click «Recover».

  • Select one of the options to save files. Do not save the recovered files to the disk from where they have been deleted previously because they can be erased.

The Program For Recovering WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive Data
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How to Recover Deleted Files With Hetman Partition Recovery Software

How to Recover Deleted Files With Hetman Partition Recovery Software

Recover Data From WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive After Formatting or Deleting Partition

Recover Files After Formatting

Are you looking for a way to recover files from a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive after formatting? Follow this guide:

  • Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and launch it. After launch, the program will find and display all physical disks as well as available and unavailable partitions and areas on your disks, showing this information in the left part of the main window.

  • Double-click on the disk or the area from which you need to recover files and select analysis type.

  • Choose «Full analysis» and wait for the disk scanning procedure to finish.

  • When the scanning is over, you will be show files for recovery. Select the ones you need and click «Recover».

  • Select one of the options to save files. Do not save the recovered files to the disk from where they have been deleted previously because they can be erased.

Recover Files After Formatting

Recover Data From Deleted Partition

Are you looking for a way to recover files from a deleted partition in a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive? Follow this guide:

  • Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and launch it. After launch, the program will find and display all physical disks, flash drives or memory cards in the left part of the main window. The list of physical devices is shown after logical drives

  • Double-click on the device from where a partition was deleted.

  • Choose «Full analysis» and wait for the disk scanning procedure to finish.

  • When the scanning is over, you will be shown files for recovery. Select the ones you need and click «Recover».

  • Select one of the options to save files. Do not save the recovered files to the disk from where they have been deleted previously because they can be erased.

Recover System Partition With LiveCD

If there is no possibility to connect a hard disk with a lost or damaged system partition to another computer, you can recover such partition by starting your computer with LiveCD, an alternative portable version of an operating system. For this purpose, do the following:

  • Find a LiveCD which is good enough for your needs, download it and copy it to a CD\DVD or a flash drive.

  • Connect the LiveCD to your computer and turn it on. The computer will reboot automatically with the LiveCD.

  • Copy files from the system partition to another media (often it can be an external hard disk).

Recover System Partition Data on Another Computer

If the system partition is lost, a computer will not boot. That is why:

  • Take out of the computer or disconnect the hard disk where the system partition was lost.

  • Connect this HDD to another computer.

  • Make sure that your hard disk is recognized by the other computer correctly.

  • Now, follow the steps as shown in the previous section.

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How to Recover Data After Formatting, Deleting or Creating Partitions

How to Recover Data After Formatting, Deleting or Creating Partitions

SMART Parameters Of WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive

Large hard disk manufacturers include S.M.A.R.T. technology into their products. S.M.A.R.T. analyzes a great number of mechanical attributes. This analysis allows detecting hard disk errors before it breaks down completely, and it can also help to find out why it happened.

In spite of S.M.A.R.T. ability to predict future problems, most of them cannot be prevented. Therefore, S.M.A.R.T. is a technology which often warns users of the hard disk nearing its end. S.M.A.R.T. values cannot be corrected and there is no need to waste time on that.

Every hard disk manufacturer sets a threshold value for every operation. Under normal circumstances, threshold values are never exceeded. Otherwise, we encounter errors.

There are 256 values, each having its own ID. Some errors and extreme values are critical. There is no solution for such errors. The only way out for them is to replace the hard disk as soon as such error is detected.

There are no methods to correct critical SMART errors. If the hard disk is not replaced, the error will be displayed again and again. The only justified reason for still keeping the disk will be the need to save data from the sectors which are still available. If the error warning comes true, the disk will become unavailable for any program known. That is why there are steps to be taken to save your data.

Go to view
How to Use Victoria to Test and Fix Your Hard Disk

How to Use Victoria to Test and Fix Your Hard Disk

Restore File System On WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive

If it is impossible to recognize the file system on WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive, hard disk, format the device.

File System In WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive Is Recognized as RAW

Sometimes the operating system cannot recognize the file system structure (for example, FAT or NTFS). If you check properties of such device, its file system will be identified as RAW. In this case, Windows suggests formatting the disk.

There are utilities specialized in restoring RAW disks, but we recommend using a versatile solution, Hetman Partition Recovery. This function is an additional component, so you only have to launch the program and analyze such disk.

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How to Fix Flash Drive Errors: The Drive Can’t Be Recognized, Wrong Size, RAW File System

How to Fix Flash Drive Errors: The Drive Can’t Be Recognized, Wrong Size, RAW File System

Run CHKDSK Command

In some cases, the file system on a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive can be repaired with the command CHKDSK.

  1. Launch the Command prompt as Administrator.

  2. Type in the command “chkdsk D: /f” (instead of D: type in the letter of the corresponding disk) and press ENTER.

  3. As you launch the command, the process of error checking and correcting will start; it can help to restore your file system back to normal.

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How to Check Your Hard Disk for Errors and Fix Them in Windows 10

How to Check Your Hard Disk for Errors and Fix Them in Windows 10

Restore Partitions On WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive With “Diskpart” Command

If a USB drive, a memory card or another media work incorrectly, cleaning the disk and its partitions with the command “Clean” and Diskpart tool can become one of the ways to solve the problem. This tool can correct errors if the device cannot be formatted or when its size is identified incorrectly.

  1. Launch the Command prompt as Administrator.

  2. Run the command DISKPART.

  3. Show the list of disks with the command LIST DISK and find the number of the disk which you need to recover.

  4. Select the disk you need: SELECT DISK # (instead of # enter the disk number).

  5. Run the command CLEAN.

  6. Create a partition in the cleaned disk and format it into the file system you like.

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How to Fix Flash Drive Errors: The Drive Can’t Be Recognized, Wrong Size, RAW File System

How to Fix Flash Drive Errors: The Drive Can’t Be Recognized, Wrong Size, RAW File System

Find Bad Sectors And Errors, Run The Defragmentation

Scan The Disk For Errors And Bad Sectors Snd Correct Them

Check all partitions of the hard disk and try to correct the mistakes which have been found. For this purpose, do the following:

  • Open the folder «This PC».

  • Right-click on the disk containing an error.

  • Select Properties / Tools / Check now (in the tab Error-checking).

As a result of scanning, the errors found on the disk can be corrected.

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How to Check Your Hard Disk for Errors and Fix Them in Windows 10

How to Check Your Hard Disk for Errors and Fix Them in Windows 10

Run Disk Defragmentation

  • Open the folder «This PC» and right-click on the disk.

  • Select Properties / Tools / Optimize (in the tab Optimization and defragmentation).

  • Select the disk you need to optimize and click Optimize.

Note. In Windows 10 defragmentation/optimization can be scheduled so that it is performed automatically.

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How to Defragment Your PC's Hard Drive on Windows 10

How to Defragment Your PC's Hard Drive on Windows 10

Repairing WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive

It is important to understand that any of the ways to eliminate errors in a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive hard disk is only a virtual solution to the problem. Often it is impossible to remove the cause of the error completely, because the device needs repairing.

You can go to a service center to fix the breakage or replace parts/microchips of a WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive. Yet in this case the cost of works will be several times as expensive as buying a disk or memory card. So this step is only worth taking if you need to recover very important data.

Creating Backup Copy Of WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive

There are several solutions to create data backup copies:

  1. Applications built into the operating system. Microsoft Windows offers methods of data backup that suggest saving files and data to external or intrernal (built-in) media storages. All modern versions of Windows are already equipped the fuction of creating a backup copy of certain files or the entire hard disk if necessary. The functions offered by Windows are comprehensive and self-sufficient, and they are meant to be convenient enough so that you do not go looking for third-party services or software.

  2. Manual backup. You can always use the good old method of creating a backup copy by manually copying the data to an external medium. it is a long process but if you work with small amounts of data, such solution can be acceptable for you.

  3. Online services. Recently the most up-to-date way of data backup is becoming popular, represented by numerous online services. These are companies that provide backup for your files right on the Internet. A small background application installed on your computer creates copies of thnecessary data and saves them to a remote server. However, the space allowed for storing files in a free version is too small to use this method as a complex solution. Often this space is under 10 Gb so there is no way to create a backup copy of the entire hard disk. Such services are more practical when things come to backing up a series of files.

  4. Creating a disk image. This is the most comprehensive solution to create a backup copy which is preferred by advanced users. This method suggests using a third-party program to create a backup copy of the entire disk which can be used on another information-carrying medium if necessary. With this solution, you can get access to all data which was there on the disk at the time of copying - documents, software and media files - within a short period of time.

Go to view
How to Set Up and Configure File History in Windows 10, 8

How to Set Up and Configure File History in Windows 10, 8

Models Hard Drive WD (Western Digital):

  • Blue;
  • Black;
  • Red;
  • Red Pro;
  • Purple;
  • Purple NV;
  • AV;
  • Raptor;
  • VelociRaptor;
  • Re;
  • Se;
  • Ae;
  • Gold;

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:54 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering WD (Western Digital) Hard Drive Data after failure, formatting or deleting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the potential software issues that can cause a Western Digital HDD failure?

    There are several potential software issues that can cause a Western Digital HDD (Hard Disk Drive) failure. Some of these issues include:

    1. File System Corruption: If the file system on the HDD gets corrupted, it can lead to data loss or inaccessibility of files. This can happen due to improper shutdowns, power outages, or software bugs.
    2. Operating System Errors: Incompatibility or conflicts with the operating system can cause issues with the HDD. This can result in slow performance, frequent crashes, or even complete failure.
    3. Malware or Virus Infections: If the HDD gets infected with malware or viruses, it can cause data corruption, loss, or even damage to the drive. Malicious software can also interfere with the normal functioning of the HDD.
    4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause problems with the HDD. This can lead to slow performance, frequent errors, or even complete failure.
    5. Firmware Problems: Firmware is the software embedded in the HDD that controls its operation. If the firmware becomes corrupted or outdated, it can cause various issues, including failure to boot, data loss, or drive recognition problems.
    6. Overheating: Software issues related to temperature control can cause the HDD to overheat. Overheating can lead to premature wear and tear, reduced performance, or complete failure of the drive.
    7. Power Surges or Electrical Issues: Sudden power surges or electrical problems can cause software issues that affect the HDD. These issues can result in data corruption, loss, or even physical damage to the drive.

    It's important to note that while software issues can contribute to HDD failure, there are also hardware-related factors that can cause failures, such as mechanical failures, bad sectors, or physical damage.

  • How does a software issue affect the performance and reliability of a Western Digital HDD?

    A software issue can have a significant impact on the performance and reliability of a Western Digital HDD. Here are some ways in which it can affect the HDD:

    1. Performance degradation: Software issues can cause the HDD to slow down, leading to decreased read and write speeds. This can result in longer loading times, decreased responsiveness, and reduced overall system performance.
    2. Data corruption: If there is a software bug or compatibility issue, it can lead to data corruption on the HDD. This means that files and data stored on the drive may become inaccessible, damaged, or lost. Data corruption can impact the reliability and integrity of the HDD.
    3. System crashes and instability: Software issues can cause the operating system or applications to crash frequently or become unstable. This instability can result in unexpected system reboots, freezes, or error messages, impacting the overall reliability of the HDD.
    4. Incompatibility with firmware updates: Software issues can also affect the compatibility of the HDD with firmware updates released by Western Digital. In such cases, the HDD may not be able to receive necessary updates, leading to potential security vulnerabilities or missing out on performance optimizations.
    5. Limited functionality: Some software issues may limit the functionality of the HDD, preventing certain features or functions from working as intended. For example, issues with disk management software or disk drivers may prevent proper formatting, partitioning, or disk maintenance operations.

    It is important to note that while software issues can have a significant impact on the performance and reliability of a Western Digital HDD, they can often be resolved through firmware updates, driver updates, or software patches provided by Western Digital.

  • Are there any preventive measures or solutions to mitigate the risk of software-related failures in Western Digital HDDs?

    Yes, there are several preventive measures and solutions to mitigate the risk of software-related failures in Western Digital HDDs. Here are some of them:

    1. Regularly update firmware: Western Digital releases firmware updates for their HDDs to address any known issues or vulnerabilities. It is important to regularly check for and apply these updates to ensure optimal performance and security.
    2. Backup data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that important data is backed up and can be recovered in case of a software-related failure or any other unforeseen circumstances.
    3. Use reliable software: When interacting with Western Digital HDDs, use reliable and trusted software for tasks such as disk management, data recovery, or diagnostics. Using reputable software reduces the risk of introducing software-related issues.
    4. Avoid sudden power loss: Sudden power loss or improper shutdowns can lead to data corruption or other software-related failures. To mitigate this risk, consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or ensuring proper shutdown procedures are followed.
    5. Implement security measures: Protecting your system from malware, viruses, and other security threats can help prevent software-related failures. Use up-to-date antivirus software, regularly scan your system, and practice safe browsing habits.
    6. Monitor drive health: Utilize Western Digital's drive monitoring software, such as WD Drive Utilities, to regularly monitor the health and performance of your HDD. This can help detect early warning signs of potential failures and allow for proactive measures to be taken.
    7. Handle with care: Physical mishandling of HDDs can also lead to software-related failures. Handle the drives with care, avoid dropping or subjecting them to physical shocks, and follow proper installation procedures.

    By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of software-related failures in Western Digital HDDs and ensure the longevity and reliability of your storage solution.

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