Resolved Anyone have a MyPassport external hard drive for their MBs, MBPs, or MBAs?

[a-m-k]

I think it's dead because all it does is runs as normal but make a ticking sound. I haven't backed up in a few months. How can I tell if it's dead (non-functional)?

 

[Jonnod III]

Ticking could be the click of death. If the data is critical, then don’t do anything with the disk other than to try and extract the data.

For a home-made option:

When I had no other option with a clicking drive I extracted it from its case and mounted it on a usb cable caddy. I cooled it down by putting it in a food bag and then placing an ice block from the freezer above and below it. (This method allows me to keep it cool by cycling the ice blocks).

Before I did this I made sure that I had a spare drive(s) to hold the rescued data, and what ever recovery software I was using cued up and ready. Cool it down, see if it mounts, and if it does, start getting the data off, most important data first. Swap the ices blocks for frozen ones as needed.

 

[Isamilis]

Ticking could be the click of death. If the data is critical, then don’t do anything with the disk other than to try and extract the data.

For a home-made option:

When I had no other option with a clicking drive I extracted it from its case and mounted it on a usb cable caddy. I cooled it down by putting it in a food bag and then placing an ice block from the freezer above and below it. (This method allows me to keep it cool by cycling the ice blocks).

Before I did this I made sure that I had a spare drive(s) to hold the rescued data, and what ever recovery software I was using cued up and ready. Cool it down, see if it mounts, and if it does, start getting the data off, most important data first. Swap the ices blocks for frozen ones as needed.

Interesting. Curious whether this always work or at least help reviving some data.

 

[Jonnod III]

Interesting. Curious whether this always work or at least help reviving some data.

I’ve managed to get all the data off one drive, and all the important data off another this way. So not extensive experience, but enough for me!

people do talk about the freezer technique - putting a drive in the freezer, then getting as much data as you can off it before it warms up. I just thought about the best way of not letting it warm up, to develop this method!

 

[Isamilis]

I’ve managed to get all the data off one drive, and all the important data off another this way. So not extensive experience, but enough for me!

people do talk about the freezer technique - putting a drive in the freezer, then getting as much data as you can off it before it warms up. I just thought about the best way of not letting it warm up, to develop this method!

Thank you!

 

[Audit13]

Data retrieval from some USB Passport drives is difficult because:

1) data is encrypted and cannot be used with an different external enclosure; or

2) USB connector is soldered directly to the drive's controller board.

 

[a-m-k]

I have had my current external hard drive for a few years, I ordered a new SSD external hard drive today and it's coming tomorrow.