Help, my external hard drive needs to be reformatted, but i don't want to lose files

[Illuminator]

I plugged in my external hard drive and it told me it needs to be reformatted. However, if i reformat won't i lose all my files, how do i transfer all of my files so that i don't lose the files and then transfer everything over prior to reformatting?

 

[johnb35]

You might want to run the drive makers disk diagnostic utility on it to see if it just has errors on it. What brand of drive is it?

 

[Illuminator]

it's a western digital hard drive

 

[johnb35]

What is the specific model of external drive? My Book or Element or something else?

 

[mrgcat]

m8

clone it using something like hd clone, then re-format and copy all ur files back over.

or u could use an online backup.

Hope I helped

 

[Illuminator]

ok I will give the HD clone a shot.

The hard drive is actually my sister's and she lives in another city, and is away on a trip ATM....have to check it out when she gets back in town

Thanks for the help guys