Data Recovery and Disk Utilities Forum @R-TT

Possible, but still it requires a professional attention.

Write protected error usually signifies some error during decryption. Wrong decryption controller, incorrect password entered too many times or key at the surface cant be read because of some error.

A very bad sign - surely the disk hardware failed. The only way for you is to a reputable data recovery pro. Don't do anything with the disk, you can only deteriorate its conditions.

When I run the diagnostics both the quick test and extended test error out immediately with an error message "too many bad sectors"

Try to run this diagnostic software (QUICK TEST) from the vendor to understand if the disk is OK. Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows.

I am trying to recover files from a WD My Passport 500GB drive. When I hook it up it does ID the drive, but I get the error "Read disk WDMy Passport at_____failed after 1 attempt. Media is write protected(19)

I also tried to do a byte by byte image, but it thinks its a 1 TB drive, so it is looking for adequate space. If I imaged it to a 1TB drive would that work? Or is this a firmware error that can not be overcome with R-Studio?

Thanks in advance for anyone with knowledge on this.