My 2TB KingSpec Z5 portable SSD had worked normally for about two years, but it suddenly became extremely slow while I was installing a game. Windows Task Manager showed 100% active time with no meaningful read or write speed. After restarting the computer and reconnecting the drive, it began disconnecting whenever I tried to write to it and eventually stopped being readable.
The drive briefly worked on another computer, allowing me to copy off the most important files. CrystalDiskInfo initially reported normal health, and I could even transfer some files back to the SSD, but its condition quickly worsened. Now, on either computer and with multiple cables and ports, it only appears as "Local Disk" instead of its assigned name. It disconnects after roughly 30 seconds with a Windows malfunction error. Device Manager initially shows the proper drive name, then changes to "Unknown USB Device (Set Address Failed)" after the disconnect. Connecting it also causes File Explorer to freeze until the drive disappears.
The drive does not stay connected long enough to run Robocopy or collect further CrystalDiskInfo readings. I am using Windows 11, and my main goal is recovering the remaining data. Is there anything safe I can try, or is the SSD, its USB enclosure, or the USB bridge likely failing?
3 Answers
The enclosure is the outer housing and USB bridge that connect the internal SSD to the computer. If the bridge or its power circuitry is failing, the SSD may still be healthy even though Windows cannot keep the external drive connected. A repair shop could test the SSD in a compatible enclosure or adapter, but opening a sealed snap-fit case can damage it and may affect any warranty. Do not initialize, format, run CHKDSK, or attempt repairs before the data is secured.
Since the same cables and ports work with another external SSD, a basic cable or USB-port problem is unlikely. The symptoms point to a hardware failure in either the SSD itself or the USB-to-NVMe bridge inside the portable enclosure. Repeatedly reconnecting it, writing to it, or trying repair tools could make data recovery harder, so stop using it except for carefully copying essential files.
I tested both included USB-C cables and several ports on both computers, and the other SSD works normally with them. I have stopped trying to write to the drive and am focusing on recovery.
A normal health reading from CrystalDiskInfo does not rule out an intermittent controller, NAND, enclosure, or USB-bridge failure. If the drive stays connected long enough, copy only the most important files first and use a tool that can resume interrupted transfers. If it disconnects during every attempt, the safest option is a data-recovery specialist; avoid repeated power cycles and software scans, especially if the remaining files are irreplaceable.
I had not realized the external case contained a separate drive and USB bridge. Because the enclosure appears difficult to open, I would rather have it tested professionally than risk damaging it myself.