Member Avatar for harmo777

hello

iv got a 250gb WD HDD that i have in a External Casing, now the problrm is that when i write anything to it it becomes corrupt, it seems to be any file over the size 10mb (roughly) like for example if i downlowd a 200mb install file and run it off my internal drive it works perfectly but if i transfer it to the externall drive the install says its corrupt, same sorta deal when i make vurtual CD images (through Alcohol 120%), can anyone suggest what the might be or if you know what it is post the solution, if you need anymore infor about it post as well

thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Member #134132

Dani AI

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As noted, the drive itself checks out when fitted internally, so the problem is almost certainly in the external enclosure (its bridge electronics, firmware or power delivery) rather than the platter. The symptom you described — small files OK but larger files corrupted — is a classic sign of a bridge/controller or caching/power problem that only appears under sustained writes.

Useful tests and diagnostics to isolate the fault:

  • Verify file integrity with checksums before and after copying: compute a hash on the source, copy to the external disk, then recompute and compare. On Windows and Linux the commands look like this:
    certutil -hashfile C:\path\file.iso SHA1
md5sum /media/external/file.iso
  • Try the same copy on a different port, with a different USB cable, and on another computer. If the drive is OK internally but fails only in that case, the enclosure is implicated.
  • Disable write-caching for the external device (Disk Properties -> Policies on Windows) and retest. Some cheap bridge chips advertise caching or mishandle flush commands and can corrupt larger transfers.
  • If possible, try a different enclosure/dock or a powered hub. A weak or failing external power rail can cause corruption during sustained writes even though quick reads appear fine.

If these tests show corruption only through the external case, stop using that enclosure for important data. Replace the enclosure or use the drive internally (or in a known-good dock). Back up any remaining good data before further testing. If the enclosure is vendor-supplied, check for firmware updates; otherwise treat it as hardware failure and replace it.

Member Avatar for Member #134132

It is possible that your hard drive had got some bad sectors. They may occur after some rough treatment. Try checking it for bad sectors with Windows scan disk or Norton Disk Doctor. If you would find any , then it means your hdd is dying and you'd better not use it for storing sensetive data.

Member Avatar for harmo777

It is possible that your hard drive had got some bad sectors. They may occur after some rough treatment. Try checking it for bad sectors with Windows scan disk or Norton Disk Doctor. If you would find any , then it means your hdd is dying and you'd better not use it for storing sensetive data.

ok

i tryed out the scan disk and it turned out nothing, said the drive was in perfect condition, then i did some deep scans with some other programs to check the disk out (Spinrite, Nortan Disk Doctor), it also said the disk was in perfect condition, so then i tryed somthing else, i put the HDD in the computer (it was in the External Case as mentioned above) and i tryed writing files to and a success, the files worked, i dunno how the External Case had writen the data all messed up (somthing 2 do with the firm ware perhaps?) any way i just wanted to post this to ask if anyone would know why (or how) the caseing had stuffed the Data transfer up all the time or anyone had heard of this befor?

Member Avatar for Member #134132

Then it might be a problem with the data cable or a power adapter might be unable to provide sufficient power...

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