Can i recover this external hardrive data?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

Chutzpah

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
8
0
10,510
Hello,

I have a FreecomII external hardrive, its always been looked after but disaster occurred when I switched it on recently - it is not recognised anywhere on the system on 2 different computers including disc management - ive changed the cable, tried the freezer trick to at least grab some essential data but nothing....im at college and cant run to the large amount of money for prof data recovery - ive heard its possible the case may be the issue but not the actual hardrive ( the blue light comes on) would appreciate any and all opinions on possible DIY recovery - many thanks
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
reedo_43

reedo_43

Splendid
Feb 18, 2010
6,195
3
29,965
bad case or the electronics in the case are a definitely a possibility. Freezer trick sometimes works but only as a last resort. The condensation that accumulates when it warms may have killed it for good. Assuming you have a laptop, you could try one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/i-Ever-Adapter-Converter-Optical-External/dp/B00JP4PX5O/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1412867931&sr=1-3&keywords=SATA%2FPATA%2FIDE+Drive+to+USB+2.0+Adapter+Converter

Or a more permanent solution one of these. Not sure what size (physical) drive you have

http://www.amazon.com/HDE-External-Drive-Metallic-Enclosure/dp/B00MR1GYKU/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1412868037&sr=1-14&keywords=external+hard+drive+enclosure+2.5
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Chutzpah

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
8
0
10,510
The light is still showing blue after the freezer - so im still hopeful? - but worried as im not tech orientated and ive heard attaching a wonky drive without protective casing could blow my computer? I have no idea what size my drive is - is this the only way? Is there no way to force the PC to recognise the drive so I could use some extraction software?

Thanks
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
reedo_43

reedo_43

Splendid
Feb 18, 2010
6,195
3
29,965
Well you could scold it for not behaving (bad computer...bad!) but I doubt it will listen. size of a deck of cards 2.5 (laptop size) larger than that 3.5 desktop size. The only reason I asked is the enclosure I linked is for 2.5 inch drive. If you have a desktop, take it out of the case and plug the little stinker in. You will need power and data connectors for it. If you have a laptop, the links are your only cheap options.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Chutzpah

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
8
0
10,510
funny lol. Its a desktop one then its large and had a metal surround. - my desktop was not cheap and ive only just replaced the PSU - ive heard that putting a remotely wonky external hardrive in can blow the motherboard? I presume there are video's out there to show how to do it? ( it took me a while to learn how to change a PSU - im basic level.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
reedo_43

reedo_43

Splendid
Feb 18, 2010
6,195
3
29,965
Take it out of the case and connect it. you will need a spare sata power and data cable to connect. Just steal it from your optical drive for now. It will not hurt your computer at all. At worst your pc will just hang, but it will not be permanant. If your pc will not boot when it is connected, it is probably too far gone. Good luck!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

DataMedic

Honorable
Nov 22, 2013
384
0
10,960
The blue light coming on means nothing more that the fact that it's getting power from the USB. Can you describe in more detail the sounds it makes? Is there clicking, spinning, grinding, etc. Does it spin up then back down.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Chutzpah

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
8
0
10,510
Thanks both,

the sound is approx every second, very repetitive almost exactly like the noise a CD player makes when a CD is jamming - no spinning atall - though the noise was a little more scrapy when I first discovered the problem? I have an ear infection at the moment so if there is any small sound underneath that im not picking it up...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

DataMedic

Honorable
Nov 22, 2013
384
0
10,960
Most likely the heads are either stuck to the platters, or physically damaged and preventing it from spinning up to speed. If the data is important have a pro data recovery place look at it, not much you can do yourself.

If the heads are just stuck you can try spinning the platters counterclockwise to free it up, but most likely it will need head replacement which is not a DIY issue.

Where are you located? I might be able recommend a local company that won't cost a fortune.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Chutzpah

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
8
0
10,510
OK that's all French to me :) platters and such though I guess I could find a video unless there is one known to you that's good - im near Nottingham East Midlands...but as I aid before im broke having gone back to college to retrain.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom