Repeated reconnecting and repair attempts can make a damaged external drive worse, especially when it clicks, disconnects, or reports the wrong capacity.
What this usually means
Data preservation comes before making the computer boot. If storage clicks, disappears, reports errors, or contains the only copy of important files, repeated restarts and repair utilities may increase risk.
Practical checks and decisions
Try one known-good cable and another computer
For “try one known-good cable and another computer,” identify the only original copy before changing the computer. When the storage is stable, make an independent copy and open several representative files so a sync icon is not mistaken for a verified backup.
Stop if the drive clicks, scrapes, smells, or repeatedly spins down
Approach “stop if the drive clicks, scrapes, smells, or repeatedly spins down” by separating source, backup, and destination. Compare file counts and recent folders, keep the old copy untouched until verification is complete, and avoid repair tools when a drive disappears, clicks, or contains irreplaceable data.
Do not format a drive that contains needed data
Before “do not format a drive that contains needed data,” write down what matters most and where it currently lives. That inventory keeps photos, documents, browser exports, email archives, and application data from being overlooked during what to do if an external drive stops working.
Decide whether the files justify professional recovery
Finish “decide whether the files justify professional recovery” with a restore test rather than an assumption. Open files from the backup, confirm dates and folder structure, and retain an independent copy until the new location has been used successfully.
When a professional diagnosis makes sense
Ask for help before formatting, initializing, repeatedly restarting, or running repair tools against the only copy of important files. The safest recovery path depends on the storage symptoms and value of the data.
For hands-on or remote help, review the related service, or browse the Help Center for another guide.
