I have a Free Agent Go 320gb external hard drive. I have used it for a long time without any problems. Now however when i plug in, nothing pops up, nothing shows up under my computer. It says I need to format it for the comp to read it. My life is on this thing, someone please tell me there is a way for me to access the files on it somehow. thanks!!
Can you either (a) plug it into another PC or (b) open the enclosure, remove the drive and connect it internally to your PC.
getdataback from runtime will probably retreive your files you'll need to take it out of it's enclosure and put it in a caddy or you main computer most local repair shops do this work as well,we do, if still no joy then afraid it's google for a company that specialises in data recovery but that'll set you back best part of £200
hi dont listen to they people trying to charge u a fortune for some thing thats easily fixed iv had that problem many of times try changing the jumper settings
Given the fact that the drive does not even show up, that software won't do anything (not that it does anything anyway).
This is a good reason why people need to use a third party back-up software like Acronis and not system restore. You have your life on one drive without a back-up? Not too smart. Assuming it is a USB device. Greasy dust bunnies collect on inside of the connector(s) over time. I use the exhaust side of a shop vac once a month inside and out of the PC. USB connectors are pretty wimpy. Start simple like the connectors first. Use a little contact cleaner if you see any corrosion. Also the USB driver may be corrupt or missing altogether. Does the drive spin-up? Good luck ....
sometimes a drive will not show up when it's in an enclosure because the enclosures elctronics are fried. taking it out and connecting it directly often gets it to show up i have used getdataback hundreds of times it works well. yes it costs money. like ddp i do this for a living, and I come on here to see what i can learn from others who have different problems than the ones i get
if not under warranty then go ahead but 1st try it internally in your computer if possible to make certain can be seen ok before buying new enclosure.