Windows 10: Restore last data on external HDD

I think that I know the answer to this question but I have to ask before I plunge ahead. I have a 2TB external HDD that is attached to my media server (WDTV Live). I'm not sure what happened but the WDTV stopped recognizing the HDD. I connected it to my computer and the computer recognized the HDD but gives me the error message "You need to format the disk....before you can use it". I didn't format it but I suspect that the Master File Table has been corrupted. I used Wondershare Recoverit to examine the HDD. It took forever but it identified almost 300,000 files. Based on the few that I examined, many are file segments that would be worthless if recovered. (There was about 1.5TB of data on the HDD but FAR fewer that 300K files). I'm about to try the "Windows File Recovery" tool but before I do that I have to ask - Assuming that it has been damaged, is there any way to restore the Master File Table so that the drive can be fully restored? (Based on my research, I suspect that the answer is "No".) However, this won't be the first or last time that I have missed something. I have Win 10 Pro X64 Ver 2004 build 19041.1110.

:)

 

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.

 

OS on new SSD, keep existing data on HDD and use as external drive

I want to use a new SSD to run my OS on my PC. I have a lot of data on my HDD and dont want it on the SSD but do want to keep it.

I have read that you shouldn't use an external drive that has Windows installed so how would i go about doing what I need?

I.e. get Windows onto the SSD, replace HDD with SSD, use HDD as external drive, and keep data from HDD on HDD.

Thanks!

(P.s. any guides or instructions to any steps would be great but if not then no issue)

 

External HDD not recognized

Your Toshiba must be "KaPut" as Toshiba HDD are notorious for failure! I had an external 2015
Model: HDTB110AK3BA Canvio Basics 3.0 Plus 1TB and it gave up after only 3 months of usage. There is not much you can do except do the following:

1) Don't open it

2) Don't do anything that they suggest online to fix HDD's as it will break yours!

3) Take it to a renowned HDD specialist that will properly retrieve your data (if it can be done so?) and you will get all you data back.

Note: To take a HDD to have its data properly retrieved will cost you probably more than the HDD is worth but, if your data is worth it, then do it.