A couple of weeks ago my harddrive made this screeching noise a few times. Just sbout an hour ago, my computer froze and when I went to restart it, it showed a flashing question mark. I have done hardware test and once it get to the harddriv, it get s an error and stops testing. I have also atarted up from an os X cd and went to disk utility, but it doesnt detect a harddrive. Is there any way to get the serial number for the drive without taking it out? I know it is a pain to take out a iBook hardrive. Also, is there any way to get all my data back? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iBook harddrive crash!!!
- Thread starter thebossisback
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
your HD is probably dead, and so is your data. Mechanical noises can be difficult to diagnose. Why do you need your HD Serial number? I think you can read it in system profiler, but your HD has to be functioning for that to work. So you would have to remove it. Which, in an ibook, is not easy.
I was thinking of calling IBM to get the hardrive replaced since ive only had it for 6 months and I would need the serial number
If you manage to turn it on, you can check the serial number in the Apple System Profiler. Otherwise, you'll have to open you iBook.
You've only had the iBook 6 months, or only the hard drive...? If it's the iBook, it should still be under warranty.
As far as getting your data back, there are data recovery services, but they can be quite expensive.
hmm.. I tried opening it up but one of the the screws on the bottom is stripped. These screws seem to be bad quality. oh well ill guess ill just have to save up and get a new iBook. That will take about 3 years. DAMN!!!!!!!!
If you replaced the iBook hard drive yourself, I don't think Apple care would have helped you. If I remember correctly, it voids the warranty.
The reason why I put in this hardrive is because my previous one also crashed. If i would have had apple care, apple would have replaced my first harddrive crash
I've heard that the average Drive Savers job runs about $1000. Upon hearing that I immediately backed up my home folder to a DVD.
So i just opened up my iBook and took out my harddrive. I called IBM and they said I had to send in my old drive and they woud send me a new one within 14 wrking days!!!!! WOW!!! that is a long time. I guess my iBook will be sittin gon my desk in about 1000 pieces for a while
As I was taking out my harddrive, I decided I would see if i could find the answer as to why my airport wasnt working. Sure enough, I found that the wire was cut right near the hinge. The hinge must have pinched it because the cut looks like it was squeezed until it broke
it depends on the size of the hard drive and stuff...for my PowerBook's hard drive it was around $1200 i think...thank god i didn't have to pay for that.
Man! I wish I could do something on my Mac that was worth $1000 to get back. All my stuff's barely worth $0.69/lb.! 
I know how you feel, hamster. Most of my files are for work on the Internet (oh, and a little Baldur's Gate II). As 'Net-guru Strong Bad says, "The Internet is a place where ABSOLUTELY NOTHING happens. You need to get in on that."
I lost a lot of stuff but not worth $1000 to get back. I had about 200 songs in iTunes. but good thing i didnt pay for them because then i wopuld realy be out a lot of money