Found an Old and Unused Server HDD, but I can’t make it work

Title: Troubleshooting Tips for Recovering an Old WD RED NAS HDD for Your Custom NAS Setup

Introduction

Discovering an unused, old hard drive can be an exciting find, especially if it’s a reliable model like the WD RED NASware 2.0. If you’re planning to repurpose such drives for your own network-attached storage (NAS) setup, you might encounter some challenges along the way. In this article, we’ll explore common issues faced when trying to recognize and utilize an old HDD, and provide practical troubleshooting steps to help you get your drive operational.

Background

Many tech enthusiasts and home users come across legacy hardware unexpectedly. For instance, a few days ago, a user found a WD NAS device—purchased years ago but never used—and discovered a 3TB WD RED NASware 2.0 hard drive inside. Inspired to repurpose the drive, they attempted to connect it to their NAS server but encountered recognition issues.

Common Issues Encountered

1. The drive is detected but shows as “no media” or reports zero capacity.
2. The drive appears in device management but with an unrecognized or minimal size.
3. Testing the drive with different interfaces still results in recognition problems.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Hardware Connections
2. Ensure that the SATA connections are secure.
3. Confirm that your SATA-to-USB adapter supports 3.5″ drives and is functioning properly.

4. Test the drive with a different cable or port to rule out faulty connections.

5. Test with Multiple Interfaces

6. Use a direct SATA connection to your desktop motherboard if possible.

7. Try connecting the drive to a different computer or docking station to see if it’s recognized elsewhere.

8. Check Disk Management and Disk Utility

9. On Windows:
   • Open ‘Disk Management’ and see if the drive appears.
   • If it shows as unallocated or with an unusual size, consider initializing the disk (note: this will erase data).

10. On macOS:

    • Use ‘Disk Utility’ to check for the drive’s status.
    • Run First Aid to detect and repair errors.

11. Use Disk Diagnostic Tools

12. Use manufacturer-specific tools like WD DLG (Data Lifeguard Diagnostics) to assess the health of the drive.

13. Run SMART checks to determine if the drive is potentially failing.

14. Determine Drive Condition

15. If the drive is recognized but shows