My Book died on me!

[xmen]

recently i was changing to new PC so i unplug My Book Essential
WDBAAFxxxxHBK to from old to transfer to new. but it did not appear in my new PC so i connect back to the old and it also did not appear in the old too (both explorer and disk mgt).

on both pc, the light is on so the power is running and i can hear the HDD spinning inside.

i tried changing the USB cable but still doesn't work.

since it is out of warranty, i decided to dismantle the book casing n take out the HDD n use it with my dock station.

instead of recognising it with my previous data, it prompt me to assign a letter and do a partion/format, like its a brand new HDD.

was wondering anyone have encounter similar situation like mine and manage to retrieve the data? appreciate if you could advise.

i have not format the HDD yet as thinking there may still be hope to pull out my previous data.

 

[jtjt00]

You can assign a drive letter, but do not format.
right click to properties and scan for error.

 

[Louisloo]

There is no need to format your disk. Your data should still be around.
Attached your hdd to the SATA connection in your MB. Try to see if the device manager recognize the disk. If can recognize, see if it is in your "my computer. If not, go to disk management and allocate a drive letter as instructed. You should be able to see it in the "my computer" after doing so.