How to Fix ‘WD HDD Not Accessible Error’ Error?

Summary: This article offers expert advice on handling the WD HDD “Not Accessible” error. First, we’ll explain the most common causes of this error message. Next, we’ll cover effective methods to resolve this issue, such as updating drivers and running CHKDSK. Also, learn common mistakes to avoid while troubleshooting the ‘WD HDD Not Accessible error.’ Additionally, we’ll provide tips on WD HDD data recovery to help you retrieve lost files. Request a Call Back

Western Digital (WD) is a globally recognized brand known for its reliable hard drives.

When you purchase a WD hard drive, you expect it to perform flawlessly for years. So, encountering a “Drive not accessible” error can be unsettling.

However, this message can appear at any time because a hard drive is a sensitive device with many moving parts. If even one part fails, the drive can become dysfunctional.

Thankfully, there are multiple ways to resolve this issue. In this guide, we will explore standard troubleshooting methods to fix the “drive is not accessible” error and help you repair your WD hard drive.

We will also tell you how to recover your data from an inaccessible WD hard drive.

Table of contents

1. What Causes the ‘WD HDD Drive is Not Accessible’ Error?
2. How to Fix ‘WD HDD Drive is Not Accessible’ Error?
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Troubleshooting WD Hard Drive Inaccessible Error
4. FAQs

Let’s begin by understanding the causes of the ‘WD HDD not accessible’ error.

What Causes the “WD HDD Drive is Not Accessible” Error?

WD hard drives can cause your Windows to show the ‘Drive is not accessible’ error for many reasons, such as:

1. Corrupted Hard Drive: Every physical drive has a file system, and if this file system becomes corrupted, Windows will display an error when you try to access the drive. The corruption occurs for various reasons, such as sudden malware attacks, improper shutdowns, and other unexpected events.

2. Lost Partition: If the partition table or the partition itself becomes damaged or lost, Windows may not be able to recognize or access the drive properly, resulting in this error message.

3. Drive letter Conflict: A drive letter conflict can occur if multiple drives or partitions are assigned the same drive letter. This conflict can lead to the “Drive is not accessible“ error when reading files.

4. Malware Infection: Malware can wreak havoc on a drive’s file system; for instance, it can erase data randomly and affect accessibility. This intrusion can make the drive inaccessible.

5. Incorrect Permissions Settings: Windows has separate admin and user settings. Incorrectly adjusting these settings without adequate knowledge can lock you out of certain partitions.

6. Encrypted Software: If the drive is encrypted or protected by security software, incorrect authentication or decryption methods can make the drive inaccessible.

How to Fix ‘WD HDD Drive is Not Accessible’ Error?

If your Western Digital hard drive is not accessible, do not panic. Here are some common troubleshooting steps and solutions you can try to resolve the error:

Method 1. Check Physical Connections

If your WD HDD isn’t accessible, the first step is to check if it is connected properly.

• Open the desktop and laptop cover (first switch it off).
• Check if the SATA power and data cables are properly seated.

• Both these cables should have one end plugged into the hard drive and the other to the motherboard.
• If you have spare cables, replace the original ones.

Now, boot your PC and check if the “Drive is not accessible” error is fixed.

Method 2. Update Drivers to Fix “Drive is Not Accessible” Error

Drivers are essential software that enables the OS to communicate with the hard drive. If these drivers become outdated or corrupted, your WD drive may become inaccessible. To fix this issue, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the  Start  menu.
2. Select  Device Manager  from the list.

3. In Device Manager, expand the  Disk Drives  category.

4. Right-click on the hard drive and select  Uninstall Driver .

5. Reboot the device.
6. Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of the driver.
7. Windows Updates include driver updates for all hardware devices, including hard drives.

Now check if the problem is fixed.

Method 3. Fix the ‘Drive Not Accessible’ Error via Properties

In Windows, the ‘Properties’ tool provides detailed information and options for files, folders, drives, and other items. You can use this tool to fix the ‘drive not accessible’ error by following these steps:

• Click on This PC .

• Right-click on the affected drive.
• Select  Properties  from the context menu.

• In the Properties window, click on the  Security  tab.

• Look under the Group or user names section.
• Look for Administrators and click on the  Entry .
• Click  Advanced  at the bottom of the Security tab.
• In the Owner tab, click  Change  (next to the current owner’s name).

• Type the new owner’s name or select it from the list.
• Click  OK .

Reboot and check if the drive is accessible now.

Method 4. Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a Windows utility that can be run from the Command Prompt. It helps identify and fix errors on your hard drive. To run CHKDSK in Windows, follow these steps:

1. Type  CMD  in the Search bar.
2. Right-click and select  Run as administrator .

3. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk X: /f (replace “X” with the letter of the inaccessible drive).
4. Press  Enter  to start the scan and repair process.

When the process completes, reboot the computer.

Method 5. Run a Virus Scan

Malware can severely disrupt a hard drive’s functionality. To ensure your drive is not compromised by malware, perform a full virus scan using updated Windows Security. Follow these steps:

• Type  Windows Security  in the Search bar.

• Go to the  Virus & Threat protection  tab.
• Click on  Scan options  and then select  Full scan  for a comprehensive check.

• Follow the prompts to complete the scan and remove any detected threats.

A full scan in Windows can take several hours to complete, so it is best to let it run overnight. After the scan is done, check if the “Drive is not accessible” issue is resolved.

Method 6. Recover Lost  with Data Recovery Software

If none of the above methods work, a severe underlying issue might be causing your WD drive to become inaccessible. In this situation, you can recover data from the inaccessible drive and save it to a different storage medium. To do this, you need reliable data recovery software.

A data recovery software scans the storage media for inaccessible files and attempts to recover them. You can use Stellar Data Recovery Software to recover data from your inaccessible WD drive can be recovered. This software allows you to recover up to 1 GB of data for free.

However, remember that the software will help you recover data if the issue is logical (i.e., there is no physical damage to the hard drive).

Method 7. Use Data Recovery Services

In some situations, even the best data recovery software might not work. For instance, the hard drive partition might be damaged, which can prevent the read/write head from physically accessing the stored data.

In such cases, you’ll need the assistance of a professional data recovery service. If you’ve tried all the above methods and still can’t access your drive, we may be able to help. At Stellar Data Recovery Services, we have successfully recovered data from WD hard disks, even in the most severe cases of damage and corruption.

You can call us to speak with a data recovery technician, who will help you determine the best course of action. If there is a high chance of WD HDD data recovery, we will guide you on how to send your WD drive to your nearest Stellar Data Recovery lab.

While we encourage you to try resolving the ‘drive not accessible‘ error yourself, we suggest doing so carefully. Avoid using unlicensed software, as it can cause vital data to be permanently lost due to overwriting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Troubleshooting ‘WD HDD Drive is Not Accessible’ Error

Here is a list of common mistakes you must avoid when encountering the ‘WD HDD drive is not accessible’ error.

1. Do not ignore the error: Ignoring the error and continuing to use other partitions on the drive can worsen the problem and lead to permanent data loss. Seek help as soon as it happens.

2. Do not attempt DIY drive repairs: A hard drive is a complex device with a sealed interior. Without proper equipment and expertise, you cannot effectively repair it yourself. Attempting DIY repairs can cause irreversible damage and make data recovery much harder. So, always seek professional help for hard drive repairs.

3. Do not format the drive: If a drive or partition has lost its file table, it may appear empty to the operating system. Windows might prompt you to “Format Drive?” Click Cancel  immediately. Formatting the drive can permanently erase all your data.

4. Do not overwrite: Avoid adding new data to the drive. Overwriting existing data increases the risk of permanent data loss as it replaces the recoverable files with new data.

FAQs about WD HDD Data Recovery 

1. What is the difference between a drive and a partition?

In Windows, a “drive” refers to the entire physical storage device, such as a WD Blue 1 TB. The entire drive can be a single partition. However, a drive is usually divided into smaller partitions: logical segments. Each partition and drive is identified by a drive letter, such as C: or D:.

2. What is the optimal temperature for a hard drive?

The optimal temperature for a Western Digital drive is between 12°C and 33°C. In places like India, where the summer temperature often reaches about 30°C by March, and peaks at about 45°C in mid-June, maintaining this range can be challenging.

The hard drive will be significantly hotter (about 5-10°C higher) than the room temperature. To manage this, use laptop cooler pads or high-quality desktop cooling systems and ensure regular servicing to prevent dust buildup.

3. What are the symptoms of hard disk failure?

The symptoms of hard disk failure can vary. Some common signs include:

• Slow performance
• Frequent freezing or crashing
• File corruption
• Strange noises
• Disappearing files
• Error messages

4. Can you perform WD HDD data recovery from a dead drive?

WD HDD data recovery service specialists have advanced tools to extract data even from severely damaged or non-functional hard drives. In many cases, they can recover data even from a dead or failed WD hard disk drive.

However, the success of WD HDD data recovery depends on various factors, such as the extent of damage to the drive and the cause of failure.

5. How to prevent WD HDD failure?

To ensure longevity of your WD HDD, follow these tips:

• Avoid filling the hard drive to its maximum capacity; keep at least 10% free space.
• Handle your WD HDD carefully and avoid physical shocks.
• Regularly defragment the hard drive to maintain performance.

Ensure stable power to your computer at all times.