Windows 10: external hdd not working. slows down computer inaccessible

I booted my my computer and it booted slower than usual so I just shrugged it off. When I noticed it just appeared as "Local Disk F:" I started to worry and whenever I would interact with it, it would crash explorer so I had to restart. then I unplugged it and the computer was back to normal speed. and in diskpart I try to format it. as I am typing this I am still waiting for diskpart to list all the disks available. how do I fix this without buying a new hdd????

:)

 

HDD inaccessible

I have a HDD that is now inaccessible and would appreciate some advice before I take the next step.

My system has:
-main SSD (C which has the Win system and all frequently used programs.
-secondary HDD (D which has all data and infrequently used programs.

Briefly here is what has happened and what I have done:
-about 2 days ago, the D: drive occasionally became very slow to access and eventually froze File Manager. A reboot would restore functionality for a short while but the problem would return.
-I ran an "error check" on the HDD. It found and fixed errors but the above symptoms continued.
-I ran a "chkdsk" on the HDD. It found and fixed errors but the above symptoms continued.
-Ultimately, the D: is totally inaccessible. It does not appear in File Manager
-Checking "Disk Management", the HDD is shown as "Disk 1 unknown" and it gives me a window asking to initialize the HDD as either MBR or GPT.
-When I boot the computer, it used to boot in less that 30 seconds. Now the POST seems to take forever before proceeding to boot.

I'm inclined to initialize the HDD but I'm worried that this will delete all data on the HDD. (I do have a back up but it doesn't include hundreds of irreplaceable pictures from a recent vacation.)

Any advice before I proceed and screw this up any further?

 

external HDD

Hi,

Usually, this problem occur due to software incompatibility or corrupted USB drivers. For us to better assist you, we would like to clarify the following:

• Have you made any recent changes on your computer prior to the issue?
• Which driver did you uninstall? Have you reinstall the driver? If yes, how did you reinstall the driver?
• Have you check if the external HDD is visible in Device Manager?

If the issue still persists after uninstalling some games, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter for hardware and devices. If you're using the latest Windows 10 version, follow these steps on how to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:

• Click the Start button and select the Settings
  icon.
• Choose Update & Security from the list.
• Click Troubleshoot in the left pane of the window.
• Under Find and fix other problems, select Hardware and Devices and click
  Run the troubleshooter.

We're looking forward to your reply.

 

External HDDs

Hi i had a seagate freeagent (external) which stopped working so i bought another enclosure and the hdd kept disconnecting/reconnecting in windows 8.1, so i boht another enclosure and also the same thing. Iv tried a different hdd and all hdds work perfectly when plugged directly into sata ports on the board, are there any other steps i can try or do you think iv just been unlucky with enclosures?