How to Recover Data from a Non-Detecting Seagate External Hard Drive

Seagatersquo;s external hard drives are renowned for their durability and capacity to store high-resolution photos, videos, and other critical files. However, when your Seagate external hard drive fails to detect, there are several possible causes. This guide will help you identify the issue and take appropriate action to recover lost or deleted data.

Identifying the Issue

There are two major scenarios when a Seagate external hard drive is non-detectable:

Mechanical Issue: Physical problems such as faulty connectors or faulty USB ports can prevent your computer from establishing a connection. In such cases, you might need to replace the faulty component. Logical Issue: Logical problems like hard drive corruption might make the drive undetectable. If the hard drive shows up in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) but your computer cannot access it, data recovery software might be able to retrieve lost files.

Another possible scenario is that your BIOS settings may be configured incorrectly, causing the drive to be undetected. Itrsquo;s advisable to check your BIOS settings as well.

Recovering Data from Logical Problems

For logical problems, you can use data recovery software if the drive is recognized by your operating system but cannot be accessed properly. Here are some recommended data recovery software options:

1. Recuva (Windows Only)

Recuva is a free tool that can recover lost files from a variety of storage devices, including Seagate hard drives. However, its capabilities may be limited, and it may not work for all logical issues.

2. PhotoRec

PhotoRec is a powerful, free tool that can recover deleted files from various types of storage devices. It is quite effective but can be challenging for beginners to use due to its complex interface.

3. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a paid tool that offers a secure and easy-to-use data recovery solution. It supports Windows and Mac and offers a 500 MB free recovery option for the Windows version. Disk Drill is recommended for its user-friendly interface and efficiency.

Professional Data Recovery Services

If the Seagate external hard drive does not show up in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac), or if data recovery software fails to retrieve your files, you should consider sending the drive to a professional data recovery service. These services have the expertise and equipment necessary to recover data from severely damaged or non-detecting drives.

Steps to Recover Data Using Data Recovery Software

Connect and Select the Seagate External Drive: Download and install the chosen data recovery software on your computer. Launch the program and connect your Seagate external drive. From the list of drives shown in the window, select the target Seagate drive and click on ‘Scan’. Scan the Seagate Drive: The app will start scanning and collecting all lost files found on the hard drive. You can pause the scanning as soon as you find your desired files. Preview and Recover Files: Once the scanning is complete, you can choose and save the files you want on your computer by clicking on ‘Recover’.

Conclusion

Recovering data from a non-detecting Seagate external hard drive can be challenging, but with the right tools and approach, you can retrieve lost or deleted files. Whether you need to replace a faulty component or use data recovery software, the steps outlined in this guide can help you recover your important data.