BIOS doesn't detect HDD (rarely shows up)

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Snopezgg

Commendable
Feb 17, 2016
3
0
1,510
Mobo: Asus P8Z68-V LX
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 (1 TB)

Hey guys. I'm pretty sure my hard drive is dead/dying but don't want to rule that out yet until I get other's opinions. I also forgot to back up some important data *face palm* so I don't want to assume the worst.

Problem: BIOS doesn't detect my HDD. Sometimes it does show up when I switch around the connectors/cables. One time it went to the POST screen and got stuck there. Other times it went to the screen where it asks to start launch repair.. again freezes at that point or screen turns black.

What I have done:
- Use other SATA ports on mobo
- Switch SATA cables
- Change BIOS settings (AHCI, IDE, enabling ports)
- Connected the hard drive to another desktop

No avail thus far. The dvd/cdram does show up in BIOS and the hdd still spins. Hard drive is roughly 5 years old.

Anything else I can do at this point to at least recover some data or am I SOL? I don't want to settle with data recovery services if I have to dish out thousands; I'd rather take the loss at that point. I appreciate all and any replies!

Thanks
 
Solution
beetlejuicegr
It seems the hard drive is half (or more) dead. If you want to solo try and see what is going on with this hard disk
1. Buy a usb enclosure for 3.5 inch hard disks
2. install the hard disk in the enclosure and connect it to a working pc
3. see if the working pc recongizes the device AND the hard disk.
If no new hard disk/folder pops up in windows, go to disk management and see what is going on there.
If you see just the working pc's hard drives , thats bad.
If you see also another hard drive with options like RAW or unrecognized then you have chances to recover the personal data but thats a huge chapter and only a profesional will do it ok.
You could also then run crystaldiskinfo and see if the smart data is ok, if it is not then...
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

Judicious
Jul 31, 2014
6,050
2
35,960
Hey there, Snopezgg.

Well you've done all the basics and unfortunately it really seems like the drive is dying. You could try accessing it via Ubuntu Live USB or data recovery programs, but if it constantly disconnects and it's not recognized by your BIOS, then I'm afraid that won't do you much good. In cases like this one, the most reliable and viable option would probably be to go for professional help, such as a data recovery company.

edit: Seems like you've been given an answer while I was typing. Go ahead and try out @Paul NZ's suggestions first. I hope this fixes things up.

Hope that helps. Sorry for the grim news.
Boogieman_WD
 
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Boogieman_WD

Boogieman_WD

Judicious
Jul 31, 2014
6,050
2
35,960
It is possible and you have a point there, but this is not really recommended. It's not guaranteed to work even if you're able to find the exact same model drive an use its PCB. That's why I've suggested data recovery companies as the most reliable option. However it's a matter of budget as well so basically it's up to the OP to decide what to do in that case.
 
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beetlejuicegr

beetlejuicegr

Distinguished
Jan 10, 2011
350
1
18,815
It seems the hard drive is half (or more) dead. If you want to solo try and see what is going on with this hard disk
1. Buy a usb enclosure for 3.5 inch hard disks
2. install the hard disk in the enclosure and connect it to a working pc
3. see if the working pc recongizes the device AND the hard disk.
If no new hard disk/folder pops up in windows, go to disk management and see what is going on there.
If you see just the working pc's hard drives , thats bad.
If you see also another hard drive with options like RAW or unrecognized then you have chances to recover the personal data but thats a huge chapter and only a profesional will do it ok.
You could also then run crystaldiskinfo and see if the smart data is ok, if it is not then recovery is possible with programs and utilities. if it is ok then it could be bad (mechanical part of hard disk failing)

Also and very important. DONT KEEP TIRING THIS HARD DISK, if there are chances of data recovery you make them less and less cheap every time you connect that hard disk to power.
 
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Solution
S

Snopezgg

Commendable
Feb 17, 2016
3
0
1,510
Thanks for the replies everyone. It doesn't go past the POST screen (if the hdd does get detected) and ends up not being detected again if I restart it so I cant run anything.

I will use my friend's usb enclosure on another pc as a last effort. I will report back if the hard drive shows up or not.
 
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