Hard Drive Crash

[thommo46]

I have HP notebook and the hard drive is knackered. When I turn on notebook it cannot detect hard drive. I have bought a new one western digital 160gb ide . Can I somehow retrieve my data off this broken hard drive.

[thaimite]

Buy an external USB box (approx 400Baht) mount the drive inside and then you may be able to use some tools such as Power Recovery Pro to get your data back.

It is a gamble but with the above software all you are out is 400Baht as the above software has a free trial which will tell you what can be recovered with the full version.

I have used this program in the past with good results

[moviesdub]

Depends if it is a hardware failure or master boot record (MBR) problem. Also how much you are prepared to spend to get it back.

Does the drive sound like it's spinning? If so, then perhaps your are in luck. You will need to buy an external case that attaches to your computer by USB. These are cheap enough. Next, the software required is called SpinRite. You can get from here http://www.grc.com/sr/spinrite.htm. Bit expensive at $89, but if it doesn't do the job, you can get your money back.

Check it out.

If your problem is the drive hardware, you will have to take it to a professional data recovery company. lots of money!

As a friendly reminder, always back up your data.

[keeniau96]

If you cannot recover the data using the methods mentioned it is usually possible for a specialist to recover it. We have one such here on Phuket, a member of our computer group. Russian gent very expert with his own clean room setup for working on HD disassembly. If you need PM and I will give you phone number.