External hard drive connection problem please help!

[becky]

Hi,

 

I've got a Seagate FreeAgent Desktop external hard disk and I'm worried I might have broken it accidentally!! :(

 

The pins seem to be squashed in where it would connect (USB link to computer), as if someone has tried to shove the wrong connector in there and it hasn't worked (not me of course!) ;)

 

None of the pins are viewable or sticking out as if they are all pushed inside. It is a small connector (smaller than a USB plug).

 

The unit itself doesn't have any screws to be able to easily undo it and try to push the pins out, and it is too small in there to be able to do this.

 

The problem is that there is a lot of data on the drive that I want to be able to recover, by any means necessary! I understand that it would probably be easier and cheaper to buy a new drive but this is really not an option as I need the information on the drive!

 

I'd be really grateful to hear your advice and any suggestions of the best places to go to fix it if possible. E.g. is PC World a good idea?! thanks a lot in advance! :D

[KenB]

Is this your drive ?

 

http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/ST305004FDA1E1-RK-R-3.jpg

 

If so - if it is the lead shown that is damaged this looks like a standard lead and you should be able to replace it.

Edited January 22, 2010 by KenB

[becky]

hi, yes that is it, but sorry perhaps I wasn't clear, it's the pins in the connection in the actual unit which is faulty.

[KenB]

Hi,

 

You say that you need to get access to your files etc.

This is possible if you can open up the case.

 

If you can access the case then it is a simple matter of taking the drive out and connecting it to an adapter ( relatively inexpensive ).

 

This is an example of the adapter:

USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter Kit with Power Adapter for: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

 

For a little more, if it is not possible to fix the pins, you can get an empty enclosure and put the drive in that.