Anything I can do to get files off an apparently failed HD?

[Steven1621]

So I'm fairly sure the HD on my PB is finished. I've already replaced it, and as I am a compuslive backup person, I didn't lose anything.

With that said, there a few files I would like to get of the drive that weren't backed up.

The drive works enough for it to be detected when connnect with an external enclosure, but it won't mount. Is there anything I can do to somehow access the drive? Any program that will do the trick?

 

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says...a topic that has been covered many times.

If it is detected but won't mount, it may not be totally toasted...its directory structure may just be corrupted. Diskwarrior (search the forum or go the alsoft's website for details) may revive it and allow you to get what you want off the drive.

If it really is toast and any utility won't bring it back, then you are looking at sending it to someplace like Drivesavers (again, search is your friend) and they will remove the platters from the drive and recover whatever is possible - no guarantees of course - and this procedure is *not* cheap so it had better be pretty important and valuable data before you even think about it....oh yeah!

 

[mklos]

Ok, this may sound entirely absurd, and stupid, but it works sometimes. Take the hard drive and put it in static bag and then stick it in the freezer for the entire day to let it get good and cold. Then take it out while you're preparing to put the HD in either the PB, or an enclosure so it can get warmed up a little bit and you may or may not be able to get your data off. I've done this a couple of times, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. As long as its in the static bag with the end taped shut, it shouldn't build up frost inside the HD. Just make sure you let it warm up a little before trying to use it or else it may warm up too quickly and build up condensation which isn't good. Thats why you need to let it warm up a little first.

 

[Steven1621]

Ok, this may sound entirely absurd, and stupid, but it works sometimes. Take the hard drive and put it in static bag and then stick it in the freezer for the entire day to let it get good and cold. Then take it out while you're preparing to put the HD in either the PB, or an enclosure so it can get warmed up a little bit and you may or may not be able to get your data off. I've done this a couple of times, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. As long as its in the static bag with the end taped shut, it shouldn't build up frost inside the HD. Just make sure you let it warm up a little before trying to use it or else it may warm up too quickly and build up condensation which isn't good. Thats why you need to let it warm up a little first.

i've heard of this trick, and i intend on using it as a last resort. we'll see if it works...

 

[FFTT]

Data Rescue II 1.0 works like a charm.

Version Tracker or MacUpdate

Saved my 43GB's of data from a volume that would not mount.

Disk Warrior 3.0.3 bogged down the system for 2 full days with no
clear results.