Help - Harddrive Failure

Community
#1

My father’s 250GB external harddrive stopped working last night - first he noticed the copying speed was drastically reduced, so he rebooted the sytem, after which the computer refused to even acknowledge that the harddrive existed (it’s a USB conection one) Now it’s making kind of beeping noises.

There’s obvoiusly a signifcant amount of data on this harddrive, not all of which was backed up (250 gigs!) that my dad would like to recover.

Is there a software or a service that could do this?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

#2

Try removing it from the enclosure and putting it directly in to a computer. Sometimes the enclosure can die.

Also, are the beeping noises more like roll, roll, roll, roll… !CLICK! brrrrrr stop.
?

#3

if it is making noises, do not power it up unless you are making a forensic copy.

I can help but in training all day tomorrow. if you can get it to me i can do what i can :slight_smile:

#4

If its a data error that caused the failure then I can lend you some software that can be used to extract the data on the drive it it uses FAT. If its NTFS then I can direct you to the software.

If its hardware then its trickier.
You could try putting the drive into a zip-lock plastic bag and then place the drive in the freezer overnight. Then the next day take it out and immediatly try accessing it and extract the data. This method only works sometimes and then only for a maybe 10-15 minutes at best.
Another option would be to buy exactly the same sort of drive and remove the platters from the damaged drive and replace in the new drive. This should only be attempted if you have the correct tools and anti-static guards and have some hardware knowledge.

#5

Also when putitng it in the freezer, wrap it in some paper towells and then in a tea towell is also a good idea, this keeps moisture away from the drive better.

#6

If you need let me know.
Am out and about tomorrow and can collect. :slight_smile:

#7

Also when putitng it in the freezer, wrap it in some paper towells and then in a tea towell is also a good idea, this keeps moisture away from the drive better.[/quote]

Yeah, the towels are a good suggestion.
Lots and lots of knowledge? Bah, just go for gold - She’ll be right mate. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

(Whenever i had this happen this is always my last resort so I figure I try it anyway regardless what the chances of success are)