DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026

Is my external HDD dead?

4 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/is-my-external-hdd-dead.198116/

chimera201
chimera201 Original post #1
Jul 31, 2016 at 7:46 PM
HDD: WD My Passport Essential SE 2.5 inch 1 TB External Hard Disk - WD : Flipkart.com

Bought in July,2012

Disk Management:
Choosing ok results in "I/O error"

*s31.postimg.org/73qfxatrf/Capture.png

WD Diagnostics:
Write Zeros fails with "delete partitions error"

*s31.postimg.org/z54hazz1n/Capture2.png
swatkat
swatkat #2
Jul 31, 2016 at 11:15 PM
Did you try with a different USB cable?

By the way, from the screenshot above, it looks like WD Diagnostics tool failed to retrieve hard disk model number as well.
chimera201
Jul 31, 2016 at 11:42 PM
Yes tried with a new cable same result.
L
Aug 1, 2016 at 8:06 AM
Hi chimera201,
I'm sorry you are facing such issues with the WD drive. This error means that a device I/O control command during the test has failed. It may be due to a media or write/read error or defective connection.
If the error persists after re-seating the cable connections, I'd suggest trying the drive in another USB port or another computer altogether. If that doesn't help, I strongly recommend contacting our tech support on the following link:
Support Answer
I hope it helps. Keep me posted.