it still lights up. and when i try to safely remove hardware, the WD USB mass storage device shows up as an option. i just cannot seem to access the my book from the my computer folder as usual. is it broke? if so, how do i recover my files? oh no.
The case maybe damage, so could the hard disk. First try removing the hard drive connecting it to an USB hard drive adapter, if it works then you know the hard drive is OK and you only need to buy a new USB hard drive adapter case. If the hard drive is faulty then you need to buy a new hard drive, but your data is gone because you cannot see the files on a faulty hard drive. There are data recovery companies that can recover data from damages/faulty hard disk BUT it will cost you an arm and a leg for their services
I devised these simple steps that tend to remedy quite a few issues with most USB portable / external hard drives and OTHER devices (though not always)
A few things to check but assumes USB and Windows for other interfaces / operating systems (mac/ Linux) similar steps may be adapted to suit.
1. Ensure it is connected directly to the computer to a USB 2.0 port not a USB 1.0 port as this can have effects on performance and reliability
2. Use only the cables that came with it NOT one that fits that may have been lying around or is longer. Not all USB cables are equal even though they should be)
3. Do not connect through an external USB HUB unless that hub is USB 2.0 AND has its own power supply.
4. Use ONLY the power supply that came with it if it has an external power supply Don’t use any other unless you know it has both the same voltage and current rating e.g. 12V 500mA anything rated below that would not work properly.
5. Always use the same port for connecting your devices. Some devices do not like being switched about. If switched they may want to install software / drivers again. This can be especially true if you move a HUB to another port
If you checked and fixed anything there and still have issues then check your hardware from CONTROL PANEL / SYSTEM / HARDWARE. Any exclamation marks by hardware need fixing before you investigate any further
USB flash drives can fail for no apparent reason. Sandisk Cruzers are especially bad for this.
USB hard drives should be treated with extreme care. This is a real hard drive ! and knocks and bumps can quite literally kill them.
It is possible to remove drives from the enclosures in most cases and connect directly inside a PC to fully check it.
Note that if you hear a drive clicking or pinging this could be the worst thing you would hear. Known as "The Click Of Death"
If none of the above steps help look at updating the drivers from the manufacturers web site in the support section.
Was this helpful?
Yes
No
1 person thought this was helpful
Popular Solutions for Western Digital My Book Home
mybook home can not be seen by computer. Blue light never stays solid its just a rotating light....
(More)
mybook home can not be seen by computer. Blue light never stays solid its just a rotating light. computer does not see it in device manager or disk management. tons of important data resides on the drive. Tried 3 different computers.
i plug it in to the power source and my computer and it makes noises but the light doesn't flash and...
(More)
i plug it in to the power source and my computer and it makes noises but the light doesn't flash and it doesnt show up on my desktop