Recover Hard Drive - Repairing a damaged hard drive

How to repair the hard drive, or at least recover the data?

The option most likely to succeed is to go to one of the companies specialized in data recovery, since they have experience, spare parts, tools and specialized facilities. In most cases, recover data from the hard disk without problems. Only in case of catastrophic accidents such as fire has melted the plates with magnetic material, a data recovery company will not be able to recover data from the hard disk.
Request a quote for various companies, and consult their free services.

If you have no budget for ordering repair hard drive to a company, follow the guide to recover a hard drive that we present, drawn from the experiences of hundreds of technicians in hardware.

First, to recover data from a hard drive (either magnetic storage, nandflash or hybrid technology) must think -NO Repairing- otherwise in STABILISE. (A repaired disk is not reliable for continued use under any circumstances ) A disk is stabilized when we are able to keep it active for an indefinite period for access to information or replicate (clone) to a healthy unit.

Step 1: Determine if an electronic or mechanical problem

The hard disk has two distinct modules:

1. The electronics module contains all the control circuitry disk
2. The mechanical module, which is enclosed in a metal case and contains the dishes with the magnetic material and the read / write hard disk.

Determine if the fault is in the electronic module or mechanical.
To do this, check the hard drive spins when you start your PC. Release the hard drive of your computer anchors, to have it accessible, but keep it connected. Turn on the computer. If the disk rotates, you will notice when touched, by vibration and hear the noise of the engine:

1. If the hard disk rotates normally, no strange noises, but not recognized by the computer. Possible problem electronics.
2. If the hard disk does not spin. Possible mechanical problem.
3. If the hard drive makes a strange noise. Mechanical problem safely

Retrieve a hard drive with electronic problems
The only solution here is to get a second hard disk identical damaged, and replace the failed disk electronic part of the second disc.
The hard part here is getting an identical hard disk failed because separating the electronic part of the mechanics to make the replacement is a relatively simple task.

If you can not find a replacement for the electronic part of the hard disk, contact a company that specializes in data recovery, because they have plenty of spare parts, original or compatible, for the most albums in the market. Ask for free quote in many of these companies.

As a last resort, try freezing method we describe below, may be able to "resurrect" a defective electronic component.

Retrieve a hard drive with mechanical problems


Solution 1: was formerly freeze the hard drive

The solution most likely to succeed is, believe it or not, was to freeze the hard drive.
Among the most frequent problems include mechanical deformation of the plates from overheating. The deformed plate is unable to rotate, or only with difficulty, and causes malfunction of the hard disk.
By freezing the hard drive, the deformed element recovers temporarily form. Just time to dump the data on another hard drive.

To apply this "technique" correctly, follow these steps:

1. Wrap the damaged hard drive in a plastic bag so that moisture does not affect you, and insert the hard drive in the freezer for at least 4 hours.
2. Prepare a second hard drive to collect information from damaged hard disk.
3. After 4 hours remove the hard drive from the freezer. Do not remove the bag to prevent condensation affecting the electronics. Remove only the cables and connect the hard drive without screwing it to save time.
4. If you have been lucky, and hard drive failed starts, copy the essential data on the second hard disk.
5. If the failed hard drive fails before rescuing all data, try to freeze it again.

Note: Unlike what is recommended in many Internet forums as a possible solution, condensation and moisture aggravate the problem and reduce the chances of data recovery


Solution 2: Change the position of the hard disk

Sometimes, reposition the disc can solve the problem. If the original position of the hard disk was horizontal, try switching to vertical, or upside down.
Start the computer and cross your fingers ...


Solution 3: hit the hard disk or dropping

Other times, the hard drive does not spin because the heads have been glued to the plate. In these cases, to recover the hard disk is to drop it on a hard surface from a height of about 20 cm.
If a time is not enough, try dropping it on all four sides.
You can also hit it in the side with the palm of the hand.