Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: abcdefg... on January 18, 2010, 12:12:48 AM

Title: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: abcdefg... on January 18, 2010, 12:12:48 AM

Hey. I need help fixing my external passport hard drive.

My hard drive was functioning normally until it was jerked off the table and knocked against something when the laptop was suddenly moved. I noticed a dent on the outside case.

Afterwards, the hard drive icon wouldn't appear in My Computer and I get a "device not recognised" message. I have tried plugging it into a desktop computer with no success. I am fairly sure it is a hard ware, not software problem.

Upon plug in, the hard drive spins with a sort of grinding/clicking sound whenever I press my ear against it, then stops and falls silent. The light still stays on.

I'm guessing that the heads have become jarred. Is their anyway that I can fix it?
I don't have warranty on it.

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: Salmon Trout on January 18, 2010, 12:22:33 AM

There is absolutely no way you can fix this drive. It is dead, and the data on it has gone to heaven.

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: Eric1611 on January 18, 2010, 05:30:47 AM

If you really need the data...it will cost you a bit...First look if the disk is not damaged.
Look if you can take it safely out of the drive and transplant it to a second drive(SAME MAKE and type !!!).
THIS HAS to be done by somone who knows what he is doing...
AND in a lot of cases it can NOT be done,it depends on the make\type....+ sometimes you weaken the "new" drive and you may only be able to transfer data once or twice before it gives problems too....So it can get quite costly...

          KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING !!!
          Only try it if you REALLY REALLY REALLY NEED the data !!!
                 
                                           Good luck !!!

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: rthompson80819 on January 18, 2010, 02:20:26 PM

Quote from: abcdefg... on January 18, 2010, 12:12:48 AM

I noticed a dent on the outside case.

If it landed hard enough to dent a metal case there's not much hope for the hard drive.

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: Salmon Trout on January 18, 2010, 02:25:24 PM

Quote from: rthompson80819 on January 18, 2010, 02:20:26 PM

If it landed hard enough to dent a metal case there's not much hope for the hard drive.

Yes, and the clicking and grinding noises kind of finalize the diagnosis.

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: abcdefg... on January 18, 2010, 10:14:28 PM

Thanks everyone for the help.
Yep. I think it really is dead.  :-[

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Dropped While In Use. Now grinding sound.
Post by: furious_22 on January 18, 2010, 10:27:12 PM

go to the manufacturer and ask them if they can fix the problem