[MasterYoda77]

I'm not sure if this is even an external hard drive problem, but it only seems to do it with it.

Anyways, I am obviously having problems with it. And the thing is, I really don't even know how to describe the problem. My external hard drive does seem to crash if it stays on for long periods of time (Like a few days without being unplugged), and whenever I try to safely remove it, I get an message saying that the "Generic Volume" cannot be removed right now. I've done some research on this, and I thought I had my hard drive set to where I won't damage any of my files by simply unplugging it.

But this isn't exactly the problem. My problem is that, occasionally, some of my files in my folders will convert to these random letters and symbols. The folder would be perfectly fine one day, then the next day it simply transforms. This might sound absurd, but it is pretty much the only way I can describe it. I took a screen of the folder, just to future explain the problem.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...HDDProblem.jpg

Anyways, my external hard drive is a Western Digital MyBook Essential 2.0 500GB. If you need any more information about my computer I'd be more then happy to tell you.

Thanks again.

[philthomas]

It might be a good time to back up any vital data on this drive, as what you are describing, doesn't sound good.
Try going to Western Digital's website and download the diagnostic tools, to check the drive out, as it sounds like it might be slowly dying.

[MJM]

Welcome to the wonderful world of WD.

[MasterYoda77]

I only have music and movies on it, and how do I backup the drive?

[Hybr!d]

Originally Posted by MJM

Welcome to the wonderful world of WD.

They're much better than most.

[thingie2]

You just select everything in there, press copy, then paste it on another drive.

[MasterYoda77]

I tried running the Diagnostic Report and it passed. I tried both the Quick and the Extended Test and it reports that my XHDD is fine...

Is there anything that I can do or is it completely screwed?

[thingie2]

try using the XP error checking tool, see if that comes up with anything. Go to My Computer>right click on drive>properties>tools>check now.

[philthomas]

If it only happens when it's been left switched on for long periods of time, it could be overheating or maybe the PSU or other circuitry is on its way out.

As the drive has passed the WD diagnostics it might be worth trying the drive in another enclosure.
These are quite cheap and easy to get hold of nowdays. Alternatively you could try fitting the drive as an additional internal drive.

[MJM]

Originally Posted by Dave Hybrid

They're much better than most.

Never owned one that hasn't failed.