Hi all,

So here's the story, I've got a MAXTOR 1TB external drive that basically has all my family pics, movies, game back ups etc etc are on it and my daughter accidentally knocked it of the computer desk while it was on causing it to hit the floor.

It now doesn't show up on the PC at all and makes a 2second buzzing sound like its trying to load or something.

So if any one has any info or tips on how I can get it to work again or some how get all the data off it would be greatly appreciated as I've got a lot of important stuff on there.

Cheers,

Wayne

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This may help. I had the same issue but ended up just shaking mine around and got lucky http://ask.metafilter.com/28159/Help...nal-hard-drive

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Jake
MY13 WRX
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Is the drive making a clicking noise at all?

I would check to see if the drive shows at all in "Disk Management".

You could try opening up the casing, as something may be loose.

Edit: I assume your using a Windows based operating system.

When its plugged in and powered up, right click on my computer.
Click manage, in the computer management window that loads up look for a heading called Storage and within it click on Disk Management.

This will at least let you know if the device is being seen by the computer at all.
If it isn't, there there is a possibility of the interface controller (sata to usb controller inside the unit) being broken or something has come loose.

You could try opening the external case and plugging the hard drive into the computer directly, if you have the tools and general know how to do this.
Easy way to find out if the hard drive or the interface controller is cactus.

Wonder if the heads may have parked themselves when it impacted the floor?!

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if none of the above works, then try the old ice trick. Put the drive in a sealed plastic bag, stick it in the freezer, wait about 30min, take it out and plug it straight in to your pc. You can lay the drive on an ice pack as well.

Yeah saw that just before and didnt work.

Sounds like a game console that isn't loading the disc properly.

Yep did the disc management thing and it's not showing up at all so next step is to take it apart and check it out I think. *fingers crossed it's fixable

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221.7KW-ATW 498.5NM MMS ROLLER DYNO & BUILT BY STi NINJAS, BUILD #318/600

EBISU SUBARU, SHIBUYA-KU TOKYO

It is VERY doubtful that any data is lost, it will just be a loose/broken connection somewhere. You will be able to get the unit repaired or just transplant the drive into a new unit.

I spose it depends on how badly you want the data retrieved. It is usually quite costly for data recovery or any kind of drive repair.


Also, to clarify (just incase lol) open the external caddy, dont open the drive itsself. Thats one way to ensure loss of data. hehe

But yeah, try the ice trick, Ive had mixed results with it before. Also as stated, remove the drive from the caddy and connect directly with the PC with SATA cable or PATA (IDE) cable......


Now that you've posted this, you have reminded me to backup all my photos and shit when I get home from work.

+1 for removal from caddy/ install directly into PC..... at least this will eliminate one interface (USB to IDE/SATA) and with any luck the problem may just be in that bit....

If and when you get your PC to read the drive, back up the whole thing before doing anything else! Esp with high-cap HDDs being so cheap these days

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Ive taken the HDD out of the plastic and outer casings and used another ide cable with usb port and its still making the same "Brrr" noise and not showing up on the lappy at all.

Im going to try the freezer trick and see if that does anything.

Unfortunately I dont have a actual PC with tower to plug it in to see if that works either, I'll see if I can meet up with Matt aka Smerm to show him and see what he can do and might take my dead iPhone too haha.

I'm having an awesome week with electronic devices this past week.

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221.7KW-ATW 498.5NM MMS ROLLER DYNO & BUILT BY STi NINJAS, BUILD #318/600

EBISU SUBARU, SHIBUYA-KU TOKYO