MyBook Live Duo : Trying to save it

MyBook Live Duo device, particularly if you're dealing with data recovery, firmware issues, or general device failure. If you have a specific context (e.g., hacked device, failed hard drives, lost access), let me know and I’ll tailor it more precisely. For now, here's a general version:

Trying to Save MyBook Live Duo

The MyBook Live Duo was once a reliable and convenient way to store and access data across a home or small office network. Designed by Western Digital, it featured dual-drive configurations with RAID capabilities, remote access, and quiet operation. But like any network-attached storage (NAS) device, it is not immune to issues — whether caused by aging hardware, firmware problems, or unexpected data loss.

In recent years, some users have faced serious challenges with their MyBook Live devices. Notably, in 2021, a security breach led to a mass remote data wipe for many users worldwide. For those with the MyBook Live Duo — the two-bay version — the situation could be even more distressing due to its RAID configurations. However, all is not necessarily lost. There are still ways to attempt recovery and preserve your data.

First, disconnect the device from the internet immediately. If the issue is firmware- or malware-related, staying online could make it worse. Power it off, unplug the Ethernet cable, and prevent any remote access while you assess the situation.

Next, assess whether the problem is with the hardware or the software. If the drives spin up and the device shows activity (e.g., lights, fan noise), but you can’t access the dashboard, the issue may lie with the firmware or network configuration. You can try using WD's recovery tools or software like WD SmartWare, though compatibility with current systems may be limited. In some cases, manually updating or reflashing the firmware has brought the device back to life, but this requires careful attention and carries risk.

If the MyBook Live Duo is not responding at all or the RAID volume is corrupted, the next step is to remove the hard drives. Open the enclosure carefully (note: this may void any remaining warranty), and remove the two internal drives. You can then connect them to a PC using a SATA-to-USB adapter or dock.

Once connected, you'll likely see that the drives use the ext3/ext4 Linux file system. Tools like Ubuntu Live USB, R-Studio, Test Disk, or UFS Explorer can help read and recover data. If the drives were in a RAID 1 (mirror) configuration, you may be able to access your files directly from either disk. For RAID 0 (striped), recovery is more complicated and may require RAID reconstruction using recovery software or professional services.

It’s also crucial to consider long-term data safety. After recovery, move your data to a more modern NAS with regular software updates and strong security protocols. Devices that rely on outdated firmware or lack user-controlled updates can pose future risks.

In the end, trying to save a MyBook Live Duo may be challenging, but with the right tools, a bit of technical knowledge, and patience, data recovery is often possible. Just act carefully and prioritize your data’s safety above trying to restore the device itself.