HD Crash... what do I do?

[jiwq]

A few minutes ago, after copying some files on to my old Quantum 6 gig, my windows locked up. I rebooted only to find that the post screen tells me that I have a disk failure. I've been using the HD for about 4 years with no problems until now. Is there any kind of software or anything else I can do that can help me recover the data?

 

[renorocks]

Yes, there is a software package called "Second Chance" by PowerQuest. It will set you back appx $40. This will only work if your hard drive spins up and you have a 2nd hard drive to xfer the data to. If you have already perfomed an fdisk or format your data recovery chances are not as good, but I have still had reasonably good luck even after an fdisk / format. It is a lengthy process but it does work.


Good Luck:
Jeff

 

[jiwq]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[jiwq]

Appears that my hard drive isn't even spinning up... What can I do at this point?

 

[Elledan]

One solution: data-recovery center.

First make sure that everything is connected properly. You can try the HD in another system as well and see whether it works there.

If the HD still doesn't spin up, such a data-recovery center is the only thing you can do to get your data back. It'll cost you quite some money though. It's mainly used by companies to retrieve mission-critical data.

 

[jiwq]

The bios can still detect the HD but still gives me a disk failure message. I tried it in another computer and still gave me the same message. I think I can still feel the motor running when holding on to the HD and can hear it grind when booting up. So I believe that the HD is still spinning, just not very responsive.

Are there any other programs out there? I can't seem to find Second Chance.

 

[Riprorin]

This may sound off the wall, but I had a hard drive that wouldn't spin up once. I put in the front seat of my car in direct sunlight for a few hours in the summer.

Spun up fine and I was able to back up my data.