Introduction

When files on an external hard drive disappear or are lost in large quantities, it may be due to bad sectors or other hardware issues with the drive. This article provides several common solutions to help you diagnose and repair external hard drive problems and recover lost files.

Solutions

Use Built-in System Tools to Scan and Repair the Hard Drive

Common causes of bad sectors include improper ejection of the drive, unstable voltage or current, or physical damage to the drive due to improper use. In such cases, you can try using the repair tools provided by the operating system to fix the issue.

For detailed steps, please refer to this article: /support/article/how-to-scan-and-repair-hard-drives-using-built-in-system-tools

Consult the "Data Loss" Troubleshooting Guide

If your files are missing, please refer to our dedicated troubleshooting guide to understand possible causes and solutions.

For detailed steps, please refer to this article: /support/article/diskread-the-data-loss-troubleshooting-guide

Replace USB Port or Connection Cable

Sometimes, the problem may be with the USB port or connection cable. Trying a different port or cable may resolve the issue.

For detailed steps, please refer to this article: /support/article/troubleshooting-switching-usb-portscables-for-external-hard-drives

Avoid Using USB Hubs to Connect External Hard Drives

The connection quality of USB hubs directly affects data transfer speed and stability. Keeping the hard drive directly connected to the computer can avoid many common issues, ensuring optimal performance for Eagle software and other applications.

For detailed steps, please refer to this article: /support/article/avoid-using-usb-hubs-for-external-hard-drives

Key Considerations

Hard drive data security is crucial, please regularly back up your Eagle library
Always ensure proper ejection of the hard drive, avoid sudden power loss or unplugging
If none of the above methods resolve the issue, professional data recovery services may be needed

File Loss/Disappearance Issues: External Hard Drive Troubleshooting Guide