Hello! I understand your concern about recovering data from a corrupted external hard drive. It's great that you're seeking help from experienced individuals. I can provide you with some steps and suggestions to try and recover your data.
1. Check the basics: Make sure the problem is not due to a faulty USB cable or port. Try connecting the external hard drive to another computer or a different USB port.
2. Use data recovery software: There are several free data recovery software options available online, such as Recuva, TestDisk, and MiniTool Power Data Recovery. These tools can help you recover files from a corrupted hard drive. However, keep in mind that the success rate may vary depending on the level of corruption.
3. Use a bootable recovery tool: Another option is to create a bootable USB or CD/DVD with recovery tools, such as Hirens BootCD or Ultimate Boot CD. Booting your computer from these tools can give you more advanced options for data recovery.
4. Seek professional help: If the above methods don't work, and the data on the hard drive is extremely important, it might be worth considering professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged or corrupted storage devices, but they can be quite expensive.
5. Prevent further damage: To avoid worsening the situation, it's important to handle the external hard drive with care. Avoid any physical shocks or movements that could potentially cause more damage.
Remember, there's no guarantee of success when it comes to data recovery, especially from a severely corrupted hard drive. It's always recommended to have backups of important files to prevent data loss in the future. Good luck, and I hope you're able to recover your data successfully!