hard drive salvage questions

This query is an extension of sorts to an earlier thread I initiated about my failing hard drive. As I indicated earlier, I was able to salvage most of the important files, but I realize now I was not able to transfer some irreplaceable, but not super critical, files before the HD failed completely. The HD is under warranty and replacement should not be difficult. However, I'm considering two other methods of salvaging the drive's files before replacing the HD.

1. Woofer00 suggested that replacing the HD's controller might allow file salvage. I performed a Google search and found some general directions to accomplish this, but the process seems somewhat complicated. The HD does not seem to have any screws or other easily separable adhesives to allow easy removal of the controller and attachment of the new controller. Has anyone done this before to salvage files? If so, any detailed suggestions to do this? Once done, can the new controller be removed from the defective HD and replaced onto its original HD?

2. Has anyone used a data retrieval service to save their dead HD's files? If so, were you satisfied with the proportion of files saved? What was the general cost? I have heard the fees for this service range from $200 to $1K.

Thanks much for reading and any information.

Ken

 

I didn't see the thread... but try freezing/cooling the HDD with icepacks/etc.

 

Follow-up question--has anyone had experience salvaging a failing HD's files by replacing its controller? As I mentioned in the initial query, I found some information on the internet, but it didn't describe the actual process of removing the original controller and re-attaching the new one.

Thanks,
Ken

 

If the hard drive failed physically - that is you knocked it over while writing or caused high-impact shock, the heads and platters are likely permanently damaged and the likelihood of getting it spinning is minimal. Freezing trick will not help here either (happened to flat-mate who expertly knocked over his 1TB Seagate disc with ALL the movies :S ) - this is recoverable only by laboratory and they charge I think per byte or MB of recovered data (its EXPENSIVE).

If the damage is failed sectors or similar "softer" issue, freezing it or software recovery (the cheap version - about lower end of your price estimate) is the choice.

No experience with controller change, but again, this would work only for the "softer" damage, not for a physical.

-Mel

Edit: just quickly checked in my language (CZ) if any ppl have done it and found one response regarding HDD Seagate Momentus 5400.6 500GB GForce where he changed the Circuit board but with no result. (ref.: Lze opravit HDD v domácích podmínkách? - www.pcforum.cz)

 

What Melgarh said. Controller changes only work if it's somehow a logic board error. If it's the platter itself, it won't help. Since it's not powering on at all, you could try it, but you have to be really specific about getting the exact same logic board (they aren't necessarily the same within a model number). You might try a variety of recovery tools to try multiple reads over the bad sectors, but that assumes the drive will power on at all.

 

I greatly appreciate the advice and suggestions. I surmise that replacing the HD controller is the proverbial long shot and, especially given it risks sacrificing another HD, which are now much more expensive compared to 9-12 months ago, I am inclined to simply return the malfunctioning HD for warranty replacement. The lost files I wanted to salvage are mostly Google Chrome bookmarks I compiled over a 4-5 month period. Admittedly I had lagged in back-up because the HD was only a little over a year old with a 5 year warranty; of course this is faulty logic and I should back up my files weekly if not daily.

Thanks much for the help and advice.

Ken