External Hard drive disappears

[Ranger850]

Down the rabbit hole I go. Thanks @fastpakr, I"ll take it from here. You've been helpful in getting me started. I will post any positive results i find.

 

[97RangerXLT]

If you replace the drive board it has to be the same model AND same version or you will brick the drive beyond recovery.

Before you go that route, try running it in a freezer and copying the data until it heats up and goes out. The freezer might give some time to get the important files

AJ

 

[John97]

If you replace the drive board it has to be the same model AND same version or you will brick the drive beyond recovery.

Before you go that route, try running it in a freezer and copying the data until it heats up and goes out. The freezer might give some time to get the important files

AJ

This.

I once got a new controller by finding another of the same exact identical drive used on ebay and taking a chance the controller was good. It was, and I was able to get the data off the drive.

 

[Ranger850]

I'm now looking for a different HD of the same brand and size to swap boards and such. Thanks for all the help. It WILL get done.

 

[fastpakr]

You'll need to be very specific. More than just brand and size. Can you take close pictures of the front and back of the drive?

 

[Ranger850]

You'll need to be very specific. More than just brand and size. Can you take close pictures of the front and back of the drive?

I've already ran a few barcodes and QR codes to get some info. WOW

 

[Ranger850]

I also gotta find a Torx bit small enough for these tiny ass screws.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Harbor freight for the micro Toronto.

I got a small craftsman precision set back in the 90s, but I don't think they are made any more. HF has them for sure tho

AJ

 

[Roert42]

McMasterCarr also has Tiny Torx wrenches.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Radio shack or computer store should have the screwdriver set you need.

 

[Ranger850]

My buddy in Kennesaw has a "device" that can open failing Hard drives and move the files. From what I've told him, he thinks he can salvage my files. Going up there tonight for his son's birthday tomorrow, so hopefully this will work. I'll report back after the weekend.

 

[Ranger850]

SUCCESS!!!
We didn't have to use the USB/Hard drive reader. We were able to hook it up to his Computer using "Windows". It took about 4 hours to move all the files over. "Windows" was able to locate the "bad files" and we deleted them. Two ".MOV" files were the culprits. His computer shut down twice in the process. Once for each bad file, I presume? He's going to try to re-format the HD to see if it's any good, but it's old and almost obsolete at this point. Happy to say I got to keep all my old "Home Movies".