How can I recover my data from a dead HDD that still spins?


  1. Posts : 7
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz
       #1

    How can I recover my data from a dead HDD that still spins?


    My HDD died the other day, so I bought a new one and a SATA to USB3.0 connector to transfer my files. The dead drive doesn't register when I plug it in via USB with the connector, and plugging it in via SATA to my motherboard takes a while to register, but then lags my system immensely, and then it fails to recognize.

    I've been trying to live load Knoppix linux to use ddrescue, but I can't seem to get linux to find either my new or old HDDs. Any and all help would be appreciated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 13,896
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #2

    Haven't work with Knoppix in quite awhile but some LiveDVD versions may not support NTFS-formatted drives. I have no problem with Linux Mint LiveDVD or a bootable GPARTED LiveCD and NTFS as long as I can get the computer to boot to an Optical drive.

    I'm just now using my Linux Mint 18.2 computer and the GPARTED program to look at a 2TB drive that is formatted NTFS.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    No amount of software will fix a hard drive that has failed physically. You might want to take it to a repair expert, maybe only the controller board has failed and they might be able to replace it to retrieve the data on the platters.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz
    Thread Starter
       #4

    NavyLCDR said:
    No amount of software will fix a hard drive that has failed physically. You might want to take it to a repair expert, maybe only the controller board has failed and they might be able to replace it to retrieve the data on the platters.
    I'm pretty sure Microcenter quoted this fix at $99, if I was paying attention. Assuming other places value the service at the same cost, what can I do myself that would be cheaper?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    aferrick said:
    I'm pretty sure Microcenter quoted this fix at $99, if I was paying attention. Assuming other places value the service at the same cost, what can I do myself that would be cheaper?
    You might find a used same make and model hard drive and try swapping the controller board yourself, hope for the best.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #6

    aferrick said:
    I'm pretty sure Microcenter quoted this fix at $99, if I was paying attention. Assuming other places value the service at the same cost, what can I do myself that would be cheaper?
    That is not a high price if it works. Unless you really know what you are doing, you risk losing everything.
      My Computer


 

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