Hdd stopped working something smashed inside

Alen43 · 28 Oct 2011

Hi. Hdd has stopped working while i was accessing it (not it has clickering sound- something is "smashed" inside). It was 7 months old well placed in bay with air cooling and anti vibration system. I have warranty of 5 years on him. But my data is crucial to me. I've moved all my important stuff on him because it was the best hdd in my system. I'm fool for not making it in raid 1, so all the data are lost. I don't know what is my next step. I'm here seeking for advice. I know that I'll have another in no-time because it was bought from distributor, not from the regular shop. The hdd model is WE RE4 1TB. Thank you in advance. Alen

essenbe · 28 Oct 2011

As far as I am aware, if the drive is completely non functional only professional recovery companies can retrieve data. It is an iffy proposition and costs start at $3000. If it functions at all, there is a possibility to retrieve the info.

seavixen32 · 28 Oct 2011

Not sure if this will work, but when your new hard drive is fitted you might want to try Recuva to see if you can get your data off the old one: Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download

Alen43 · 28 Oct 2011

essenbe are u sure the price is right? that's a lot money. For me it's not the problem for buy dozens of this hdds but the data i was creating four years are important. If i bought from distributor, who will try to repair my hdd? I think it will need head swapping. @seavixen32 nope the hdd is completely dead. No function at all. Ty for reply guys!

seavixen32 · 28 Oct 2011

Sorry to hear that, Alen. I do hope you manage to retrieve your data.

Zepher · 28 Oct 2011

Just a little info, Western Digital RE drives aren't recommended for desktop use due to the error recovery system on the drive.
RE Drives are designed for RAID systems. See if you can swap that drive out for a Western Digital 1TB Black Edition drive.

mjf · 28 Oct 2011

As a last resort you can try the freezer approach. At your own risk of course.
Many references on the internet eg.
Freeze your hard drive to recover data: Myth or reality? - [Geeks are Sexy] technology news

Edit: don't forget the ziplock bag if you try it.

essenbe · 28 Oct 2011

Alen43 said:

essenbe are u sure the price is right? that's a lot money. For me it's not the problem for buy dozens of this hdds but the data i was creating four years are important. If i bought from distributor, who will try to repair my hdd? I think it will need head swapping. @seavixen32 nope the hdd is completely dead. No function at all. Ty for reply guys!

Those are the prices I have seen quoted. It is usually not as simple as you may think. As mjf stated, I have read that the freezer approach can work under certain circumstances. I have never tried it. I wish you luck in retrieving your data.

Alen43 · 29 Oct 2011

Ty guys.
In my country repair for swapping head for example is around 450 $. With that money i can buy two of these hard drives. Now need to wait to contact my distributor on Monday.
@Zepher I like to know more about your statement regarding RE drives from WD. I know only that they have some interior parts different and ofc fw. I've found this on WD helpsite. Freezer method won't work if something is cracking and moving in hdd. Something is broken for sure. Only limiter or head can be broken. For me that is strange because I have perfect isolated place (anti vibrational,cooled) for hdds. The drive hasn't been moved for months.

I like this forum everyone wishes u all the best! I wish you all good weekend.

seavixen32 · 29 Oct 2011

Thank you Alen, that's very generous of you.

Please keep us up to date with your data recovery research.