Data recovery from duff hard drive

[Barn Owl]

Hi, I'm new to 'Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help' so I hope I'm going about the process correctly.

I have a Samsung Laptop and recently the Hard Drive stopped booting up. As I'm not into the technicalities of computing, I took it into a shop and they told me it was damaged and the only way to continue using the laptop would be to fit a new Hard Drive. I went ahead with this and they gave me the old disk back. Foolishly, as it turned out, I didn't backup any of my files and it seems I've lost loads of irreplaceable photos and videos. I've just read somewhere about usb caddies and was wondering if it's feasible to slot the old disk into one, plug it into the laptop and see if any of the files are still there. I know I'm probably clutching at straws but if anyone can put me right about this I'd appreciate it. In the unlikely event that this might be a possible solution, please give me a run down of what I need to know, avoid, etc.

PS to all you techies out there: please forgive any schoolboy errors I may have made by using incorrect terms ,etc!

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

You have not made any "errors" at all with your post - you have given us relevant details :)

 

If your old Hard Drive is untouched ( not formatted by the shop ) there is a chance that you can get the data off it that you want.

I've lost loads of irreplaceable photos and videos.

Too late now - but data that you value should be backed up on at least two different sources ( DVD / external hard drive )

 

To try to access the drive you need either a USB Caddy ( as you state ) or a Hard drive to USB adapter ( basically a cable with connections )

 

To do this you need to know the type of drive that you have. ( SATA or IDE )

SATA are newer than IDE - which are pretty old now.

 

Take a look here and identify which one you have:

click here

 

Laptop drives are 2.5 inch. ( Desktop drives are bigger .....3.5 inch )

 

Once you know which drive you have you can get a 2.5 inch caddy ( or adapter )

Put the drive into the caddy / adapter. ( Remember if you have a SATA hard drive ....you need a SATA caddy )

[ Adapters tend to fit both ....you would need to check ]

Connect to the USB port of a working computer.

 

Start > click on "Computer"

Your drive ( if it is recognised ) will show up here.

[Barn Owl]

To KenB.........Thanks a lot for that. As you say there aren't any guarantees, but just to know that someone out there has taken the time and trouble to actually reply with some very useful information is really appreciated.

As soon as I get the chance I'll go ahead and give all your suggestions a try. Once again thanks a million.......

[KenB]

Let us know how you get on :)

 

SATA caddys are quite cheap. ( example only )

click here

 

Remember - this is a SATA caddy for a SATA hard drive.

 

If your drive is recognised when you connect it up - it may be possible to run a few tests on it and possibly re-claim it.

You could then leave it in the caddy and use it for external storage.

[Barn Owl]

Thanks...That does sound like a possibility, providing as you say that my system recognises it. I have ordered a plug in type sata adaptor as opposed to a caddy, which looks to be capable of doing the job. It was only £16, which isn't much really if it can breathe new life into disk.

Keep your fingers crossed!!

[KenB]

Get back to us when the adapter arrives :)

[Barn Owl]

Hi-been away for a few days so I'm sorry I'm late with this update.

 

I tried the adaptor, but it looks like there's no way back.

 

The laptop didn't recognise the drive and there was absolutely no sound at all coming from the disk. I would have thought there should have been some sound, but it was as dead as a doornail.

 

So, many thanks for your interest.

I expect that's the end of the line now, but if you've any other feasible suggestions, I'm always willing to give it a try

[KenB]

I expect that's the end of the line now

I am afraid so.

 

There is one other thing that you could try :

 

Wrap the drive in cling-film and put it in a plastic bag - try to get all of the air out.

You don't want any condensation forming.

Put the drive in the freezer over night.

 

Connect it up again and see if it is recognised.

 

This seems a bit daft but freezing can sometimes free a jammed spindle or other mechanical part.

 

If this fails - shock treatment.

Bang the drive flat onto a table or worktop.

Normally you wouldn't do this of course - but it is dead anyway. :)

[Barn Owl]

Does sound a bit eccentric, to say the least! But, as you say it's dead anyway so maybe that's the kiss of life it needs!

 

 

I'll give it a try tomorrow and let you know if the patient shows any vital signs of life...........!!

[KenB]

Let us know how you get on :)

[Barn Owl]

Well, KenB, I'm afraid I can't put your name forward for canonisation just yet as my harddrive didn't make a miraculous recovery after a night in the freezer.

 

I haven't yet tried drastic method number 2 yet, but I'll report back to you if it happens to work. I'll also send a letter to the Pope at the same time!

 

Anyway thanks for providing a bit of humour. It makes this crazy world go round.

[KenB]

I'll also send a letter to the Pope at the same time!

Make sure you spell my name correctly :)

 

I have picked up a friend's laptop today and guess what ........... dead hard drive.

I am going to have to practice what I preach and drop it in the freezer overnight.

( I am not holding my breath :) )

[easydatarecovery]

You should always back up your data.Now in this case,you should try your old hard drive to plug in some other pc and see if the machine is working or not.If it does not work you should look for a professional data recovery service,which can be a good solution for you.

Thanks

[KenB]

.Now in this case,you should try your old hard drive to plug in some other pc

If you had read the thread - post #7 - you would have discovered that we had tried this already.

 

look for a professional data recovery service

This is just a note to others reading this thread:

 

This is an option ...... but what the previous poster does not state is that professional recovery is EXTREMELY expensive.

There are no guarantees either.

You may get some / all / none of your data ............. but you will get a hefty bill too.

 

I suspect from the previous poster's name that he has more than a passing interest in data recovery.

If this is the case, I advise you that we do not allow advertising or promotion of products in any way shape or form.

You will be gone with the click of a mouse.