Possible to recover files from corrupted external hard drive?

Yes, it's often possible to recover files from a **corrupted external hard drive**, depending on the extent and type of corruption. Here are your best options, step-by-step:

---

### 🔍 Step 1: **Initial Checks**

* **Try a different USB port or computer** to rule out hardware interface issues.

* **Listen for clicking noises** – this may indicate mechanical failure (recovery still possible but riskier).

---

### 🧪 Step 2: **Check Drive Recognition**

* On **Windows**: Open *Disk Management* (`Win + X > Disk Management`)

* On **Mac**: Use *Disk Utility*

If the drive is recognized but the file system is RAW or unallocated, it's likely a logical corruption.

---

### 🛠️ Step 3: **Use Recovery Software** *(for logical corruption)*

Try these trusted tools:

1. **Recuva** (free, Windows)

2. **PhotoRec** (free, Windows/Mac/Linux – handles many formats)

3. **EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard** (free up to 2GB)

4. **R-Studio** or **Stellar Data Recovery** (powerful, paid options)

> Tip: Always **recover to a different drive** to avoid overwriting data.

---

### 🧹 Step 4: **Check File System**

* Run `chkdsk` (Windows):

```

chkdsk X: /f

```

Replace `X:` with your drive letter. This can sometimes restore file table access.

* Use `TestDisk` (free, advanced tool) to rebuild partition tables and recover lost volumes.

---

### 🔧 Step 5: **If Not Detected at All**

If the disk isn’t showing in Disk Management:

* Try using **a different cable/enclosure**

* Try with **Linux Live USB** – sometimes Linux can mount drives Windows cannot

* As a last resort, consider a **data recovery professional**

---

### ⚠️ When to Seek Professional Help

* Drive is **clicking/grinding**

* Drive isn't detected *at all*

* You’ve tried recovery software with no success

Companies like **DriveSavers**, **Ontrack**, or **Stellar** offer professional recovery, but can be expensive.

---

Would you like help identifying which tool to use based on the exact symptoms of your hard drive? You can check out [how the drive is detected](f), [what noise or behavior it's showing](f), or [whether the file system is showing as RAW or inaccessible](f).