question about retrieving my HDD data? might be dead?

[NaHLiJ]

Ok so i recently got a new computer and it is all SATA but my old computer was IED(?) and i wanted to transfer all my data to my new computer so i bought a card but my new computer was not detecting my HDD (250GB) for some reason and it would detect another really old 5GB HDD so i figured i would try a PCI EXPRESS card because the first one wasnt, and that one also would not detect my 250gb HDD and i tried other ways like a transfer cable and nothing is detecting my old HDD.

I dont understand what the problem is, once i did the connect the power of a CD ROM cable into the HDD but that was after nothing was working so i dont know why that affect it. My friend says that caused the problem and now he says my HDD is dead. Is there any ways to still my data from my old HDD or maybe how to know if it is dead or not? My friend says the only way now is to get it done professionally and that would cost 1000's of $...? Does it really cost that much?

ANY kind of help would be appreciated...i have a lot of memories in that HDD and would be pretty dissapointing if all that was lost...

[redwudz]

I'm not so sure your IDE HDD is dead. Check this: Can you hear it spin up? Most HDDs make a bit of sound and maybe a bit of vibration. Also run it for about five - ten minutes and see if it's warm. If the drive is turning, then there may be hope.

Next, go to 'Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Computer Management>Storage>Disc Management' (Or a shortcut from your main menu) and see if it shows up there. It may not have a drive letter assigned with your new PC and if so, it won't show. If you find it there, give it a drive letter and it may show.

Data recovery can be expensive, but it depends on what's wrong with the HDD. If the motor is shot, then it can be very expensive as they would have to rebuild the drive. A bit cheaper is when the controller board is dead. They use a spare controller board and that sometimes works.

[p_l]

Assuming it really isn't an IED, in which case your data prolly blowed up real good ...

If all else fails, try something my brother and I did successfully:

1. Buy the exact same model drive off eBay or somewhere.
2. You'll probably have to buy or borrow some Torx screwdrivers.
3. Very carefully swap out the HDDs' PCBs.

It saved like a half a year's worth of his irreplaceable family photos.

[Nelson37]

There is no such thing as a "CD-ROM power cable". There are standard Molex connectors and flatter, SATA connectors. Assuming the drive has the corresponding interface and you don't use a hammer, there is absolutely NO FREAKING WAY that using a different connector will harm the drive in any way. The person suggesting there is a problem using a "CD-ROM power cable" is beyond a complete idiot and should not be allowed near your PC's innards again. If this individual were to advise you that the sky was blue, you should stick your head out a window and look up.

Does the drive still work in the old box? If so, use a USB stick to transfer data.

Check carefully for bent pins on the interface, make certain pin 1 (the red stripe) is correctly oriented, check carefully for a dislodged power connector, test for spin-up as described. Try disconnecting the SATA drives and see if the IDE is detected. The card should have its own BIOS, check for access to this at start-up.

Changing the PCB is quite doable, I have done it many times. Drives must match.

[p_l]

Actually, as a first step, you might want to try to hook it up with one of these USB - IDE/SATA cable adapters. Even if it doesn't work, it's a good piece of kit to have around (as Mr. Glib Geek in the video says).

[NaHLiJ]

I have already tried the ide/sata/ cable adapters and also i tried going into the card's own BIOS and had no success. My old computer also wont even boot when my old HDD is connected to it. We do not hear the HDD spinning but maybe because it is very quiet? I dont know. But once i get a chance i will try to run it for about 10mins and see if it gets warm and also try all the other things u guys guys told me. thanks a bunch. Just wondering around how much does it cost to get it professionally done if the motor is not shot?

[piano632]

As with anything involving data recovery, I would recommend MiniTool Power Data Recovery:
http://download.cnet.com/MiniTool-Power-Data-Recovery-Free-Edition/3000-2094_4-10561431.html
(try the "Damaged Partition Recovery" module for this)

I was able to retrieve everything off an old Maxtor drive using this, even though Windows would barely acknowledge the drive existed. But of course, if the motor doesn't work, you're out of luck.

[Nelson37]

Did the old drive work BEFORE you removed it from the old PC, or were there problems then?

It must be determined if the drive is receiving power. With power off, remove it from the PC case and hold it in your hand. Put your ear on the drive and power up, while listening. Also, with power on and the drive in your hand, gently tilt it 10 to 20 degrees in different directions, the gyro effect should be unmistakeable. Similar to holding a bicycle wheel by the axles and spinning it, then applying tilt.

If it has power, software recovery might be possible. There are various free progs, and there is GetDataBack, which I highly recommend.

If there is no power, the PCB swap is a possibility. Also, check the power connector on the drive and see if it is loose. These can be partially dislodged if the power connector is inserted carelessly.

Ontrack Data Recovery used to have rates that Started at $500.00, and went up from there. No guarantees of anything. There are others, but that's the only one I have ever used.