My 80 GB SimpleTech Farina Portable HD apparently got jostled in my carry-on bag on a recent airplane flight and now computer will not recognize. The red light is on continuously, the blue light is flashing, and the PC beeps when it detects the USB external device, but the drive doesn't show up in Windows Explorer. Have tried with several different cables and three different PC's, with same results. If I tilt the drive back and forth, I can hear the internals move around a little. The USB connection at the drive also seems a little loose
I've got my entire MP3 collection on there, as well as photos, some business files, etc. I sure would like to recover, but all the data recovery places on the internet want $500+. Would appreciate any help/suggestions. I just bought a new 320 GB portable Maxtor HD (for the same price I originally paid for the 80 GB SimpleTech), so I'm not so concerned with losing the drive, just the data on it. I've learned my lesson and also bought a case for my new one!
I've tried to get help from the SimpleTech website on this, but they have not responded. I think the drive's about 1-1/2 to 2 years old, but I can't find a receipt, so doubt SimpleTech would repair/replace anyway.
It sounds like a problem with the board inside the case,- the actual hard drive is probably OK. Opening the case will void any warranty but there may not be much left anyway. There should be 4 screws in the bottom of the drive,- front 2 may be hidden under a sticker. Try installing the drive in your new case or an empty drive bay inside your computer. I have had external hard drive cases fail before and the actual hard drive was ok.
You should not damage the hard drive by popping open the case,- the sensitice areas ate at the back (where teh connections are and sometimes small pressure equalization holes (often covered with rubber or plastic stickers) on the top of the drive. Many drives also have a circuit board on the bottom. As long as you are careful prying open the case you shold be able to get the drive out without damage. but the tabs on the case may get broken in the process. If it does not work anyway then you have nothing to lose. The only problem will be if the drive is a different type than your other portable case or your computer's motherboard will accept. If you get this far and get stuck ther are lots of computer shops or others with the ability to can transfer your files to your other portable drive for a reasonable cost, perhaps $20-$30.
Hope this helps.
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Thanks for the suggestions, but my drive case doesn't have any screws (or stickers hiding them), just a small seam on each end and red plastic panels on each side. Guess I could try popping it open at the seams with a small screwdriver, but I'm worried about damaging the hard disk itself.
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