External HD Locked in a loop

[Platti]

Hi,

 

As well as my other thread it seems loads has suddenly gone wrong with my PC. My USB splitter (i think thats what its called - gives me more usb ports and plugs into its own power) has suddenly stopped working.

 

However the main issue I have is my Toshiba External 500GB hard drive has locked. It flashes blue & red on the front and is making a clicking sound. It has its own power supply and connects via USB. I have tried it on a few computers and none of them change anything and nothing shows up on the computer.

 

Its really important I get to the info on the hard drive even if its to take off and put onto some other memory device (contains pics from the last 7 years family hols !!!)

 

Would appriciate any help, thanks.

 

.

[Tootech]

Hi Platti,

 

It seems as though your external hard drive is faulty.

 

The clicking sound may be the power unit inside the housing that has gone faulty, or it may be the actual drive itself.

 

You really need a computer Tech to take a look. Someone with the knowledge will be able to dissassemble the unit, remove the actual drive and test it on another PC.

 

If it shows ok, they will be able to retrieve your data. If the drive is faulty, it would need a specialist to deal with it, and recover your data.

[Platti]

The HD also has personal bank files and lists of my online passwords on (seemed a good idea before). Is there anywhere I could find a guide to trying to diagnose myself like a step-by-step walk through. I'm reluctant to take it in somwhere becasue of the info on it although I do need to get at the info.

 

Not trying to get someone else to do the work for me and hand it me on a plate, just not sure what to search for on the net.

[Tootech]

The drive needs removing from its housing and powering up to find out if it clicks or not.

 

If it spins up and does not click, you could use an adapter like the one below ( it does come with a power cable for your drive) to connect the drive to another PC. If luck is on your side, you will be able to copy all your data over fairly easily.

 

Plexus USB to IDE & SATA Adapter With Power Adapter (Supports 2.5" / 3.5" IDE & Serial ATA Hard Disk) - Ebuyer

 

If it still clicks, forget it, you will not be able to repair it.

 

It sounds pretty harsh I know, but if it does click, it's most likely a head or firmware fault - a job for a specialist.

 

These guys are good, but it will cost you.

 

Data recovery, RAID data recovery & retrieval and hard disk drive repair specialists

[Platti]

I will get the screwdriver onto it at thr weekend when I've some time. Fingers crossed, otherwise I'll use the company you posted, they look very good. What do most people do with regards to backups ? Is it a case that I should have several external hard drives with the same info on. or is there another solution.

 

I never want to be in this position again with the possibility of losing stuff. most the data is just a pain to lose but the photo's are the worst bit.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Platti, I am afraid it is one of those things. I also have an external hard drive, which I bought in order to put all my intended video output onto (I am keen on doing a lot with my video camera this summer), instead of filling up my internal drive.

Your experiences are now making me think of going down the road of now buying another but internal drive to fit in the case, (there is room) That way the external will be a copy of everything, and not the sole reciever of it all as it is now, and also in your case.