I've got a WD 500GB that is starting to give out. While I can access/use all the files on it, trying to copy files over fails 90% of the time. Every once in a while it will get two directories over or a file or two and then give an I/O error. Any way to get the files off it before it completely craps out. Every once in a while, all the directories are accessable but the files are not. Thank you.

I would try to use the drive in a computer. It may be that the usb enclosure is going bad. Either way i think it will have a better chance.

Try to copy files not folders. Make the folders on the backup drive then select all in each folder and copy.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks, I realized that its okay if I copy files individually...... Any time it fails copying as a group, clicking on the file claims the drive is not formatted. I'm not sure what will be faster, burning the last couple 100 CDs I've bought or individually copy the files and create the folders. I've also dissamblend a 250GB WD backup I have to see if I can use it as an enclosure but I'm not sure if it will work.

Thanks again, got all the important docs and irreplacable stuff and such off it.

just figured out a few things.

1.after trying to copy a large file, it usually fails and the rest of the drive becomes innaccesable. Restarting the drive lets me start pulling files off it after this happens

2. The other drive is not SATA so no go with that, looks like I am going to need to buy an enclousure to try and get everything.