Is my hard drive dying/dead?

[def1eppard]

My computer has been acting funny/locking up, and then when windows starts it will ask to do the typical little scan disk like check on my D drive, which is my 2nd hard drive with all my mp3s and crap on it. Well now when I try to access it, it says that D: is not formatted and asks me to format. :eek: I have tons of stuff on this drive I don't want to lose. Am I fucked?

[427' cobra]

yes

[BP]

You aren't totally screwed, the data is likely still on the drive but the little motor is probably toast. I'd recommend pulling it out and putting it in an external drive housing, plug it into a USB or firewire port and sucking all the data out you can before the motor dies again. I like the external housings because the power supply is very stable and you can turn it on and off without freaking out your PC. Then when you get all your files saved go out and buy a big ass HD and use it as an external one to backup all your files regularly and turn it off when not in use.

[def1eppard]

So you think it will work if I have it in an external housing? What would make it not work inside my computer, but then work outside? If all else fails, couldn't I take it somewhere to get the stuff recovered?

[def1eppard]

Oh and I'm probably gonna buy a SATA drive to replace it...I'm looking on New Egg. What's the difference between SATA150 and SATA 3.0Gb/s ?

[Stang2be]

[QUOTE=def1eppard]So you think it will work if I have it in an external housing? What would make it not work inside my computer, but then work outside? If all else fails, couldn't I take it somewhere to get the stuff recovered?[/QUOTE]

Try calling those places and see what they quote ya :)

Most data recovery places that have to use physical methods will cost more than your home pc.

[BP]

No guarantees on it working but I know I've done it before with good results.

[def1eppard]

Shiiiiiiiiit I did the external thing and the same thing happens. It still asks me if I wanna format it.

[ceyko]

fubar...technically, it could probably be recovered....but typically a home user is not going to do that. Kick urself for not having a backup system and start over again.

[Michaelb303]

I have a program that will allow you to view the files, also throw it in the freezer and that sometimes help until it warms up.

[ceyko]

Would that program allow manipulation of the files, or just view them? Assuming the drive mechanics are okay, and it is not a whacked spindle or something. :)

[Michaelb303]

[QUOTE=ceyko]Would that program allow manipulation of the files, or just view them? Assuming the drive mechanics are okay, and it is not a whacked spindle or something. :)[/QUOTE]
http://www.restorer2000.com/

I have the paid version