How to Recover Data from an Undetectable Hard Drive?

Have you just connected an external hard drive to your computer and seen it is not detectable? Have you restarted your system a couple of times to see if the problem gets solved, but the issue remains there? Well, it becomes frustrating when you can’t access the data due to this problem.

But there is nothing to worry about, as you can always recover data from a hard drive not detected. If you are looking for ways to get out of this trouble, you are at the right place. This article presents different trusted methods to recover data from a hard drive that is not recognized. In addition, you will see some tips to avoid making your drives undetectable.

Part 1. Common Causes of Hard Drive Not Detected

Before moving toward recovering data from a hard disk that is not detected, let’s look at the potential reasons behind this issue first. Below we have listed the most reasons you should be familiar with.

1. Ports Issue: If the ports of your external hard drive fail to perform their function, you will not be able to connect your drive properly to any device. It is a common problem around the world. If you are facing this issue, try cleaning the dust or other debris from the ports.

2. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Drivers play a key role in maintaining seamless communication between your computer and an external hard drive. If you are using outdated drivers, communication will be badly affected. The same will be the case with corrupted hard drive drivers. Therefore, always ensure to update drivers regularly.

3. Damaged or Corrupted File System: A file system helps your operating system manage and organize files on an external hard drive. If it is damaged for any reason, you may not be able to detect the hard disk. Similarly, a corrupted file system may also lead to the same problem.

4. Irreversible Physical Damage: When a magnetic coating on the hard drive platter undergoes a disruption, it is called physical damage. Sometimes, these damages can be irreversible and make the external hard disk undetectable.

5. Improper Removal: If external hard drives are not removed properly, it may lead to interrupting important writing processes which may corrupt your files in no time. Hence, the drive becomes undetectable. Therefore, to avoid this issue, always ensure your external hard disk is removed properly.

Part 2. How Can You Solve the “Hard Drive Not Detected” Issue?

You are now familiar with the leading causes of undetectable hard drives. Let’s look at how to solve this problem before we move toward recovering data from hard disks not detected. Below is a list of 4 dependable methods you can count on. Read more to understand what each method has to offer.

Method 1: Check BIOS for Hard Drive Detection

Checking BIOS to see whether or not your computer has detected the external hard drive is one of the best and easiest ways. For this, follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Restart your system. Then, enter BIOS by pressing the designated BIOS key. In most cases, you can find the BIOS key on the screen. If not, you can try using F8, F2, DEL, or Esc.

Step 2: Once you enter BIOS, go to the Boot tab.

Step 3: Now, find the boot drive and see whether or not an external hard drive is detected.

Step 4: If the computer detects your external hard disk, exit the BIOS and reboot your system.

If your computer is unable to detect the drive in the BIOS, it may be because of a loose connection or a faulty cable.

Method 2: Connect the Hard Drive to Another Computer

If your external hard drive is not yet detected, try connecting it to another laptop or computer. Get access to a second computer and follow the steps listed below.

Step 1: Shut down your system and remove the case with the power cable and SATA/ATA cable.

Step 2: Open the second computer or case you have. Find the slot for the hard drive and insert it into it.

Step 3: Now, reconnect the external hard drive as the second drive to the system with a power cable and SATA/ATA cable.

Step 4: It is time to restart your system and see if it detects your drive now. If your disk is detected, congratulations. You can now re-access the drive.

If the second computer is also unable to detect your external hard disk, it may possibly be due to other issues. Other methods listed below could be the solution to this problem. Go ahead and give them a try.

Method 3: Change the Drive’s Letter

Your external hard drive can possibly become detectable when you change the drive letter. Usually, multiple drives are assigned with the same letter which creates confusion for computers of which disk to open. As a result, your drive remains undetected. The steps involved in this method are given below.

Step 1: Open Disk Management and choose the desired external hard drive.

Step 2: Tap on Change Drive Letter and Paths and then choose Change, as shown below.

Step 3: It is time to choose the new drive letter. Once done, hit the OK button.

If your computer was not able to detect the external hard drive due to the driver letter, following the above steps will help you get out of the trouble.

Method 4: Cleaning Ports/Hard Drive

Dust or debris could be the leading cause behind undetectable external hard drives. Therefore, to make your drive detectable, try cleaning the debris or dust from its ports and reconnect it to your system to see if it works now.

To remove the dust from the ports, some professionals use a straw attached to a compressed air can. You can also use cotton buds to clean the ports. If you are reluctant to do this job, approach professionals for hard drive port cleaning services.

Following any of the above methods will surely assist you in making your external hard drive detectable or accessible. If not, make sure you recover the data on priority.

Part 3. How to Recover Files from a Hard Drive Not Detected with Recoverit?

Now, it is time to learn how to recover data from HDD which is not detecting. To get access to your data stored on an undetectable hard drive, use a dedicated hard drive recovery tool that is specifically developed for this purpose.

If you need a similar utility to restore your data, try Wondershare Recoverit. Depending on your preference, you can use it on a desktop or online. With years of experience in the market, this tool has helped millions of users worldwide restore data from undetectable external hard drives and other storage devices.

Potential Features Recoverit Offers

A few credible features of Recoverit are as follows.

• It offers multiple file format support (1,000+).
• It can recover data lost due to over 500 scenarios, including but not limited to virus attacks, system crashes, and hard drive failures.
• You can recover data from a wide range of storage devices (up to 2,000), such as memory cards, hard drives, SSDs, USB, cameras, and more.
• The data recovery rate Recoverit offers is up to 95% - the highest in the market.
• This tool keeps your data private and secure while recovering.
• It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS.
• Easy navigation makes it a top choice for users of all skills.

Apart from the features listed above, Recoverit has a lot more to offer.

Steps to Recover Data from an Undetectable External Hard Drive Using Recoverit

It includes a few steps (as listed below) to get your files or data back from the hard drive that is not detecting.

Step 1: Download Recoverit free data recovery software from the official site. Once done, install and open it on your laptop/computer.

Step 2: Enter the Hard Drives and Locations tab to select the drive from which you want to recover data.

Step 3: As soon as you choose the desired external hard drive, the tool will start an automatic scan to search for the data stored on it. The scanning process is displayed at the bottom of the window. You can stop or resume this process at any time if you have found the data you are looking for.

Step 4: Now, preview what Recoverit has scanned for you by clicking on the Preview button. If everything is okay, tap on Recover, select a safe location, and save the recovered data on your computer.

Part 4. Preventive Measures to Avoid the “Hard Drive Not Detected” Issue

It is always better to follow preventive measures to avoid facing this problem. A few things you can do to avoid putting your external hard drives into a situation where they are not detected by computers are as follows.

• Ensure to create regular backups and restore them in case of any unusual activity.
• Consider purchasing reliable hard drives to access them seamlessly.
• Always avoid downloading data or files from unknown internet sources.
• Another key thing to do is regularly clean the ports of your external hard drives or PC.

Considering these factors will keep your hard drives away from becoming undetectable or inaccessible.

Ending Note

When an external hard drive containing your important data becomes undetectable, it becomes a serious concern. A couple of true and tested methods are presented in the discussion above. They help you make your drive detectable and accessible at the same time.

If you feel that your hard drive has permanently become undetectable, ensure to immediately recover all the data it has. For this, you must get a trusted hard drive data recovery tool like Wondershare Recoverit.

This software can recover data from a hard drive not detected within minutes. All you need is to choose the desired external drive and leave the rest to the tool you have chosen.