Windows corrupts every external HDD I use for backup purposes!


Gil80

Member
Local time
5:24 PM
Posts
23
OS
Windows 11 Pro
The issues is happening since I was using Win10 and now on Win11.
My backups are stored on an external WD Blue 4TB HDD conncted via USB3 cable (F: drive).

The HDD is used only for backups.
I used Macrium Reflect and now I use EaseUS backup for system backups and Bvckup2 for selective folder backups.
Each software is using a dedicated folder on the same HDD.

It seems that after a few reboots, my external HDDs (I replaced 4 HDDs!!!) are getting corrupted! It can't be that all 4 NEW HDDs are corrupted.

It mafinests itself as losing permission to access the drive. Once I grant myself access, all my backed up files are gone.
I also get an error message saying the the recycle bin on my F: drive is corrupted.

I ran the usual:
CHCKDSK F: /f
sfc /scannow


I am at lost here. I've been struggling with this issue for a couple of years now.
I changed backup softwares, I changed from Win10 to Win11. I changed HDDs... I don't know what else to do and what is causing this.

Please help!
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2 Installed on ‎06/‎10/‎2022 OS build 22621.1485 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22639.1000.0

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K
@Gil80

Are you using the same external enclosure, when you try those different drives?
If so... the problem may be with the enclosure and not the drives.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Hi,
Indeed more info about the enclosure.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-7-10-11Pro's
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 17" Nitro 7840sn/ 2x16gb 5600c40/ 4060/ stock 1tb-os/ 4tb sn850x
    CPU
    10900k & 9940x & 5930k
    Motherboard
    z490-Apex & x299-Apex & x99-Sabertooth
    Memory
    Trident-Z Royal 4000c16 2x16gb & Trident-Z 3600c16 4x8gb & 3200c14 4x8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Titan Xp & 1080ti FTW3 & evga 980ti gaming
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek x3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1-AOC G2460PG 24"G-Sync 144Hz/ 2nd 1-ASUS VG248QE 24"/ 3rd LG 43" series
    Screen Resolution
    1920-1080 not sure what the t.v is besides 43" class scales from 1920-1080 perfectly
    Hard Drives
    2-WD-sn850x 4tb/ 970evo+500gb/ 980 pro 2tb.
    PSU
    1000p2 & 1200p2 & 850p2
    Case
    D450 x2 & 1 Test bench in cherry Entertainment center
    Cooling
    Custom water loops x3 with 2x mora 360mm rads only 980ti gaming air cooled
    Keyboard
    G710+x3
    Mouse
    Redragon x3
    Internet Speed
    xfinity gigabyte
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    mbam pro
Mine started having issues sorta like that and it was a bad cable, I guess plugin it in and out so much
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Antec/Case
    CPU
    Intel i5-10600kf
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE Z590 UD AC
    Memory
    32gb corsair vengerance pro
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD RX 6500XT
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    40" Hisense
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850
    Samsung 870
    Seagate 2TB
    PSU
    EVGA GQ 750
Execute Chkdsk X: /r command to scan for bad sectors and repair hard drive.


Use CrystalDiskInfo utility to view its health report. CrystalDiskInfo

Try different USB port.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Whatever it is, I do not think it's windows. I think it's hardware related...overclocking, cable, enclosure, usb bus, usb port, an under or over performing power supply causing electrical issues, even the house circuit you have it plugged into(example: you have it plugged into a loaded circuit with a dishwasher or refrigerator, or defective flourescent lights.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3296
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 +256gb ssd+512 gb usb m.2 sata
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
@Gil80

Are you using the same external enclosure, when you try those different drives?
If so... the problem may be with the enclosure and not the drives.
I actually swapped 3 different kinds of enclosures. Is there an enclosure you can recommend on from Amazon?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K
I actually swapped 3 different kinds of enclosures. Is there an enclosure you can recommend on from Amazon?


I agree that ALL the drives can't be bad.

That means the problem has to be in the enclosure(s), cable(s), or as you posted... Windows.

The enclosure and cable are easiest things to test (swap out). If you eliminate those as a possibility, then we can work on Windows itself.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Execute Chkdsk X: /r command to scan for bad sectors and repair hard drive.


Use CrystalDiskInfo utility to view its health report. CrystalDiskInfo

Try different USB port.
Code:
C:\Users\Gil>checkdsk f: /r
'checkdsk' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

C:\Users\Gil>chkdsk f: /r
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is Backup WD Blue.

Stage 1: Examining basic file system structure ...
  127744 file records processed.
File verification completed.
 Phase duration (File record verification): 582.83 milliseconds.
  0 large file records processed.
 Phase duration (Orphan file record recovery): 1.15 milliseconds.
  0 bad file records processed.
 Phase duration (Bad file record checking): 0.36 milliseconds.

Stage 2: Examining file name linkage ...
  3 reparse records processed.
  127798 index entries processed.
Index verification completed.
 Phase duration (Index verification): 198.16 milliseconds.
  0 unindexed files scanned.
 Phase duration (Orphan reconnection): 4.90 milliseconds.
  0 unindexed files recovered to lost and found.
 Phase duration (Orphan recovery to lost and found): 0.64 milliseconds.
  3 reparse records processed.
 Phase duration (Reparse point and Object ID verification): 1.44 milliseconds.

Stage 3: Examining security descriptors ...
Security descriptor verification completed.
 Phase duration (Security descriptor verification): 2.88 milliseconds.
  27 data files processed.
 Phase duration (Data attribute verification): 0.21 milliseconds.

Stage 4: Looking for bad clusters in user file data ...
  127728 files processed.
File data verification completed.
 Phase duration (User file recovery): 39.09 minutes.

Stage 5: Looking for bad, free clusters ...
  842646984 free clusters processed.
Free space verification is complete.
 Phase duration (Free space recovery): 2.11 hours.

Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.
No further action is required.

   3815445 MB total disk space.
 536115684 KB in 22 files.
       144 KB in 29 indexes.
         0 KB in bad sectors.
    312939 KB in use by the system.
     65536 KB occupied by the log file.
   3291589 MB available on disk.

      4096 bytes in each allocation unit.
 976754175 total allocation units on disk.
 842646984 allocation units available on disk.
Total duration: 2.77 hours (9975907 ms).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K
Code:
C:\Users\Gil>checkdsk f: /r
'checkdsk' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
operable program or batch file.

C:\Users\Gil>chkdsk f: /r
The type of the file system is NTFS.
Volume label is Backup WD Blue.

Stage 1: Examining basic file system structure ...
  127744 file records processed.
File verification completed.
 Phase duration (File record verification): 582.83 milliseconds.
  0 large file records processed.
 Phase duration (Orphan file record recovery): 1.15 milliseconds.
  0 bad file records processed.
 Phase duration (Bad file record checking): 0.36 milliseconds.

Stage 2: Examining file name linkage ...
  3 reparse records processed.
  127798 index entries processed.
Index verification completed.
 Phase duration (Index verification): 198.16 milliseconds.
  0 unindexed files scanned.
 Phase duration (Orphan reconnection): 4.90 milliseconds.
  0 unindexed files recovered to lost and found.
 Phase duration (Orphan recovery to lost and found): 0.64 milliseconds.
  3 reparse records processed.
 Phase duration (Reparse point and Object ID verification): 1.44 milliseconds.

Stage 3: Examining security descriptors ...
Security descriptor verification completed.
 Phase duration (Security descriptor verification): 2.88 milliseconds.
  27 data files processed.
 Phase duration (Data attribute verification): 0.21 milliseconds.

Stage 4: Looking for bad clusters in user file data ...
  127728 files processed.
File data verification completed.
 Phase duration (User file recovery): 39.09 minutes.

Stage 5: Looking for bad, free clusters ...
  842646984 free clusters processed.
Free space verification is complete.
 Phase duration (Free space recovery): 2.11 hours.

Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.
No further action is required.

   3815445 MB total disk space.
 536115684 KB in 22 files.
       144 KB in 29 indexes.
         0 KB in bad sectors.
    312939 KB in use by the system.
     65536 KB occupied by the log file.
   3291589 MB available on disk.

      4096 bytes in each allocation unit.
 976754175 total allocation units on disk.
 842646984 allocation units available on disk.
Total duration: 2.77 hours (9975907 ms).
Looks good, are you disconnecting external HDD without Safely Remove Hardware icon.

0edfcab7-c9ac-4c92-90d7-8373f7a7e8dc.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K
No, it's always connected.
Then like others say it's faulty enclosure if all HDDs are connected to same enclosure.

How about testing the external HDD with Live Ubuntu USB flash drive if the same happens with Ubuntu then we will know it's the faulty enclosure or cable.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
What about the USB connection on the computer itself or its related driver?

Denis
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
What about the USB connection on the computer itself or its related driver?

Denis
I'm not experiencing issues with other USB devices, but then again, I don't run storage devices using USB connections other than said external HDD.
Is there a USB diagnostic tool?
How can I provide info on my USB connections?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K
Then like others say it's faulty enclosure if all HDDs are connected to same enclosure.

How about testing the external HDD with Live Ubuntu USB flash drive if the same happens with Ubuntu then we will know it's the faulty enclosure or cable.

I don't mind giving it a shot but this is my 3rd enclosure. I doubt that the other two were faulty as well.
I was stupid to throw away WD Red 4TB because I thought it was faulty.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    Intel Gen11 i9
    Motherboard
    Z590I AORUS ULTRA
    Memory
    Corsair 32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX3070
    Monitor(s) Displays
    MSI Artymis
    Screen Resolution
    2K

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