How to recover data from WD My Passport?

I accidentally deleted important files from my WD My Passport external drive. I really need to recover the data as it’s crucial for my work. Can someone guide me on how to retrieve the lost files or recommend any reliable recovery software?

Alright, so you deleted some crucial files off your WD My Passport. Bummer. Here’s what you need to do, no fluff:

  1. Stop Using the Drive: Any new data can overwrite the deleted files, making recovery harder or impossible.

  2. Use Data Recovery Software: There are plenty out there, but one of the good ones is Disk Drill Data Recovery Tool. It’s user-friendly and can recover various types of files.

  3. Download and Install Disk Drill:

    • Connect your WD My Passport to your computer.
    • Download Disk Drill from their official website.
    • Install it (follow prompts, should be straightforward).
  4. Scan Your Drive:

    • Open Disk Drill.
    • Select your WD My Passport from the list of drives.
    • Click on the ‘Recover’ button and let the software do its thing.
  5. Recover Your Files:

    • Once the scan is complete, Disk Drill will display a list of recoverable files.
    • Look for your important files, tick the boxes, and hit ‘Recover’.
    • Choose a different storage location to save the recovered files (not on your WD My Passport).

Tips:

  • Software Costs: Be prepared that you might need the paid version for complete recovery.
  • Time: Scanning can take a while, depending on the size of your drive.
  • Backup: Once recovered, consider setting up a reliable backup routine to avoid future headaches.

Stay chill, and act fast before the files get overwritten. Check out the Disk Drill Recovery Tool; it’s been a lifesaver for many.

First off, bummer about losing crucial files, but don’t panic just yet. You’ve got options. Sure, @codecrafter gave you a solid plan with Disk Drill, which is an excellent tool, but let’s diversify a bit. Here’s my take:

  1. Immediate Action: Yep, you should stop using that drive immediately. This will prevent any new data from overwriting the deleted files.

  2. Alternative Software: Disk Drill is great, but if you’re looking for another option, you might wanna try Recuva. It’s straightforward and has a free version. Although not as comprehensive as Disk Drill, it does the job for many.

  3. How to Use Recuva:

    • Download and install Recuva from their official site.
    • Connect your WD My Passport drive.
    • Run Recuva and use its wizard to select the type of files you’re looking to recover.
    • Opt for a deep scan when prompted—it might take a while, but it’s worth it.
  4. Post-Scan Action: Once the scan’s done, Recuva will list all recoverable files. Check out the list, select what you need, and choose a different storage location to save them.

  5. Professional Help: If software approaches aren’t working out, consider a professional data recovery service. Experts can often retrieve data that DIY software might miss, though it can be pricey.

Additional Tips:

  • Backups: Seriously, get into the habit of regular backups. It’ll save you a lot of stress in the future.
  • Patience: These scans, especially deep ones, are time-consuming based on the data size. Have some patience.

By the way, for those interested in Disk Drill, it’s a highly-rated tool for data recovery, available at Disk Drill.

Hope this helps you get your files back!

Alright, so data loss on your WD My Passport external drive? It’s a pain, but not the end of the world. While @techchizkid and @codecrafter shared their insights on popular recovery tools, here’s a fresh angle you might find useful:

No-Nonsense Recovered Data Plan:

  1. Immediate Archive: Just like the other experts said, halt using the drive. Any new data could replace what you’re trying to salvage.

  2. Beyond Disk Drill:

    Why change? Well, while Disk Drill is fantastic (user-friendly interface, powerful scanning capabilities, frequent updates), there are some drawbacks—namely, it can be costly for full recovery and sometimes the deep scan can be quite slow, especially with larger drives. Solution? Balance your toolset.

    • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This tool is often lauded for its market-competitive pricing and effective scanning processes.

      • Pro: User-friendly and robust recovery options.
      • Con: Effectiveness can dip with very fragmented data.
    • PhotoRec: Specifically strong with photos and media files. Open-source and totally free.

      • Pro: No-cost recovery with solid results.
      • Con: Somewhat unfriendly interface for beginners.
  3. Using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard:

    • Download EaseUS from their official website.
    • Connect your WD My Passport.
    • Install and run the software, selecting your external drive as the search target.
    • Let the tool perform a full scan (don’t rush; accuracy over speed).
  4. Post-Scan:

    • View the recoverable files list.
    • Avoid saving these on the same external drive—use a new storage location.
  5. Systematic Backup Routine:

    • Cloud Services: Regular backups on Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox can counteract future data-loss risks.
    • External Safety Net: Another external drive mirroring your crucial data helps. Automate sync for ease.

Quick Takeaways:

  • Pros of Disk Drill: High efficiency, broad support for different file types, solid reputation.

  • Cons: Expensive for full recovery, potential slowdowns with large volumes.

  • Why not stick to just software?: When in dire need, consider professional recovery services. High cost, but often they can retrieve even what’s missed by DIY approaches.

Remember, it’s going to be okay. Breathe, follow the steps, and you’ll likely get your files back without a hitch. Choose the tool that fits your budget and urgency, and you’re good to go!