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Data recovery from dead laptop hard drive

  • 29-03-2011 8:57am
    #1
    Interceptor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭


    I've had a search around but I can't find anyone local that I recognise as reputable and I need to try and recover data from a dead drive. Anyone use a local company they'd recommend?

    The laptop is probably ok but the HDD isn't spinning up and it won't boot.

    Thanks!

    'cptr


Comments

  • #2
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    What make of drive is it , ata or sata ?? Does it make any noise at all ??


  • #3
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    These are older threads with some info and offers of help.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=67395096
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62199035
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=65038783

    Galway -> Computers The guys there can help troubleshoot and also point out shops.


  • #4
    Encoder1970
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭Encoder1970


    What model laptop is it ?
    Laptech is recommended in this thread from Laptops forum http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055766307


  • #5
    Interceptor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    What make of drive is it , ata or sata ?? Does it make any noise at all ??

    Its a Hitachi 120Gb SATA. It clicks a half dozen times when it is trying to boot up but it isn't spinning up or booting.
    Encoder1970 wrote: »
    What model laptop is it ?
    Laptech is recommended in this thread from Laptops forum http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055766307

    Its an ACER Inspire 5160 and I've spoken with several data recovery companies and the conclusion is that the drive is b0rked and needs stripping down and re-housing in a new chassis.

    It seems that these guys - http://www.datarecovery.ie/ and a €400 bill for recovering the data is my only option.

    Thanks for the replies - seems like this machine passed a point of no return and the data could have been taken off before it died but now its going to cost €€€

    'cptr


  • #6
    brianwalshcork
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 611 ✭✭✭brianwalshcork


    I've used those http://www.datarecovery.ie/ people , twice... :-( .... pricey but effective.


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  • #7
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Can you mount it with a PC and run checkdisk from that PC?

    Some more info here http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/101-249256


  • #8
    cookie1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭cookie1977


    I've not used them but my sister in law was impressed with their skills at recovery and price:
    http://www.a1computers.ie/

    http://www.a1computers.ie/services_data_recovery.html


  • #9
    Malice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,065 ✭✭✭✭Malice


    Assuming you've got a second PC you can plug it into I've a USB Docking Station you can borrow. Of course if you're sure the drive is knackered then it might not be any help.


  • #10
    Interceptor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,180 ✭✭✭Interceptor


    Malice wrote: »
    Assuming you've got a second PC you can plug it into I've a USB Docking Station you can borrow. Of course if you're sure the drive is knackered then it might not be any help.

    Thanks for the offer - its a laptop drive and I've tried four other laptops and can't find one it fits (typical!). I'm pretty sure its FUBAR though....

    'cptr


  • #11
    Malice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,065 ✭✭✭✭Malice


    Interceptor wrote: »
    Thanks for the offer - its a laptop drive and I've tried four other laptops and can't find one it fits (typical!). I'm pretty sure its FUBAR though....

    'cptr
    I know it's a laptop drive, I had to buy the docking station myself to get data off my laptop's drive when it decided to stop booting recently. To be clear I'm talking about this sort of thing.


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  • #12
    spider guardian
    Closed Accounts Posts: 884 ✭✭✭spider guardian


    You shouldn't pin your hopes on a new USB enclosure, the fact that you hear clicking means that the internal drive mechanism is goosed, you will to use a data-recovery specialist


  • #13
    bonzodog2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,285 ✭✭✭bonzodog2


    You might try sourcing a PCB from an identical drive and swapping boards before you pay out big bucks. Identical not just as in model number, but also country of origin an manufacture date, to maximise the likelihood of the firmware on the disk matching the chip on the board.


  • #14
    Alfreado
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 208 ✭✭Alfreado


    Interceptor wrote: »
    I need to try and recover data from a dead drive.

    Hey,

    I do minor data recovery from crashed laptops/desktops. I've only done a small amount of work for people in my local area but haven't had a failure yet. In most cases I recover the data, format the drive and put the data back onto it but I doesn't sound like I could do that with yours if its not functioning properly. If its clicking I might not be able to get anything off it at all

    Im based in Wexford, if you like you can post it down to me and I'll run a few scans to see if my software can pick up anything? No fix no fee basis of course. If you want me to recover what I find €20 will cover the recovery, burning the data to disks and formatting your drive (if you want)


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