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Thread ID: 107585 2010-02-22 22:32:00 Dead HDD - RIP? Tony (4941) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
860748 2010-02-22 22:32:00 I have a 320gb Seagate HDD that has basically died - it does not get detected, and at boot time you can hear a repeated dull "clunk" (not a tick) presumably as it tries to operate.

Is there any likelihood of this being recoverable without hugely expensive clean-room procedures? Although I have backups of 90% of the contents, there are a few items I would like to get back if possible.
Tony (4941)
860749 2010-02-22 22:57:00 Connect it to another system, and see what happens Speedy Gonzales (78)
860750 2010-02-22 23:14:00 Not very likely. I just took my wifes HDD in to Data Forensics in Auckland CBD, cost $750 + GST to have them recover it. They got ~98% off :) Chilling_Silence (9)
860751 2010-02-22 23:16:00 You can try a linux live CD. Blam (54)
860752 2010-02-22 23:18:00 Connect it to another system, and see what happensDone that - same thing happens. :( Tony (4941)
860753 2010-02-22 23:20:00 Not very likely. I just took my wifes HDD in to Data Forensics in Auckland CBD, cost $750 + GST to have them recover it. They got ~98% off :)Interesting - I was told by another mob $160 for an evaluation + at least $1500 - at which point I decided the costs were too high. Were you given any prior estimates? Tony (4941)
860754 2010-02-22 23:21:00 You can try a linux live CD.How is that going to help if the disk is not even recognized during the boot process? Tony (4941)
860755 2010-02-22 23:23:00 Sorry - I thought you meant it wasn't detected in windows

In that case, you'll probably have to replace the head or bring it in to a professional HD recovery shop..
Blam (54)
860756 2010-02-22 23:29:00 This easeus data recovery program MAY work. But you would have to bring it here. Since its not free Speedy Gonzales (78)
860757 2010-02-22 23:50:00 I have a 320gb Seagate HDD that has basically died - it does not get detected, and at boot time you can hear a repeated dull "clunk" (not a tick) presumably as it tries to operate.

It's broken, no question about it

IF the fault was due to a bad PCB, you could swap that out and get the drive working again, on the condition you find the right board (very hard)

But it's highly unlikely to be easy to fix, a clunking sound means something is broken. Could be faulty heads, or head amplifiers. Or even the System Area could be corrupted somehow.

If you need the data off the drive, you will need to pay a recovery company
Agent_24 (57)
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