-Internal storage drive had been experiencing signs of hardware failure; was in the process of transferring to different externals

-Most data transferred to external with no issue. At one point, during the process of two different transfer tasks, I started getting a "Can't read from the source file or disk" error on one of the tasks.

-Eventually opted to "skip" everything for this task. Soon, data transfer for this particular task stopped altogether, while the other other proceeded.

-When I tried reaccessing a folder on the external, Windows explorer locked up and I had to end task, which cancelled the other ongoing transfer.

-Started getting the following error:

-"Location is not available
E:\2025 emergency\freeleech is not accessible.
Data error (cyclic redundancy check)."

-Tried disconnecting the external. The USB device icon would not respond when I right clicked it and chose to disconnect. External is still listed in Windows explorer. When I try to access it at all, windows explorer just locks up.

-Eventually received a "device is in use" error message.

-Am able to eventually access the external, but windows explorer would lock up when I tried access the specific folder I was transferring it to.

-Tried shutting down PC. It refused to completely shut down. The monitor went black, but the computer still ran, along with the external. Had to hold down the power button.

-When reconnecting the external drive, it would take atleast a few minutes to show up at all in Windows explorer. Windows explorer locks up every time I try accessing it. Started receiving the following error:
"Location is not available

E:\ is not accessible.
The parameter is incorrect."
-External drive starts reading as "Local Disk (E:)." No longer produces error when trying to access it, just perpetually locks up. No abnormal sounds or mechanical issues indicated however.

-Drive shows up under Disk Management. No signs of any abnormailities or difficulty reading it beyond taking atleast a few minutes to load. File system is listed as "RAW", however, with no signs of  any data saved on it.

-Computer refuses to shut down normally with this external plugged in. Windows power button does not respond. I'm able to get it to respond when I go to the login screen, but when I choose to shut down, it just perpetually loads. I have to hold down the physical power button every time.