Seagate external drive clicking, can I exchange platters to fix?

[hmunster123]

I have a Seagate Goflex external drive that is clicking. It shows up in device manager but not in "My Computer", it only shows up as a local drive and won't open. I was told to open it up and run it internally but I don't think that will resolve the issue. Any advice much appreciated. My other question is what if I buy the same external drive off Ebay, can I exchange the platters to fix it? Thanks.

 

[Ubrales]

The drive must be replaced. It is not repairable.

Run HDTune to verify that it is bad.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/hd_tune.html

 

[hmunster123]

But I have data on it that I need

 

[Ubrales]

But I have data on it that I need

ASAP do a clone of this drive on to another drive. Then try running 'RECUVA' on this drive.

Don't forget backups in the future. Backup to an external drive.

 

[hmunster123]

How do I clone if I can't open it? Thanks.

 

[hmunster123]

How do I clone if I can't open it? Thanks.

 

[Ubrales]

How do I clone if I can't open it? Thanks.

Use some of these free tools:

http://www.easeus.com/disk-copy/

http://www.acronis.com/en-us/personal/pc-backup/?adpos=1t1&device=c&network=g&matchtype=e&creative=38359031417&gclid=CjkKEQjw75CcBRCz2LiEs5OPsZoBEiQADgUma_CyJO2zX4lXjaXgFFH4ltGPqyyR0AmzEbpgc3Q214bw_wcB

http://clonezilla.org/

Try all of the above and see whether one of these programs will recognize the drive.