http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=...

Download the wd sync software.. Apparently the data on the passport is encrypted with this software same with the other link given.

Did anyone mention that fat32 has problems with single file sizes over 4GB?

In reply to a post by petsy:

Did anyone mention that fat32 has problems with single file sizes over 4GB?

We have no idea as to what the op has done. We have resorted to guessing from wd site that the OP has used some sort out backup software which used encryption (best guess).

i'm fairly sure that none of the files are over 4gb...besides I don't think windows would allow for a 4gb+ file to be coped in to a fat32 system would it?

I've used File Scavenger in the past, and it's a pretty decent program..

Did you originally use any backup software (as has been suggested by some) or did you backup manually?

In reply to a post by alwall:

Did you originally use any backup software (as has been suggested by some) or did you backup manually?

backup manually.

In reply to a post by Spasch:

I've used File Scavenger in the past, and it's a pretty decent program..

yes thankyou trying it now currently at 68% after about an hour or 2 but then it does have a lot to go though i.e. around 150gb

Thanks for the clarification.
I've been testing Win 7 since it was in beta and haven't experienced this problem with external hard drive backups (formatted in FAT32 or NTFS) from Vista or XP.
I'd be inclined to find a knowledgeable computer tech local to you for assistance.
Whilst all the advice you'll get here is well meaning, there's no substitute for "hands on".
Make a copy of the data on your errant drive first before any further attempt to retrieve your files!

sorry..I don't understand how can a make copy of the data on the drive? If i could do that then surely I wouldn't need to make attempts to recover the files?