Data Recovery from a Dead Hard Disk

[ncarandang]

Is there any utility or data recovery company that can recover data from a dead hard disk?

I heard from friends that Gonz (martin) can do this? Sir Gonz, need your help!

[Henjie]

If your hard drive's just comatose, try using DiskWarrior to revive it. Another option is TechTool Pro 4 although DiskWarrior's better.

If your hard drive's really dead, try DriveSavers. Supposed to be the best in the business.


~Henjie

[marvinp]

You can also tryData Rescue X to recover data from crashed hard disks. ;-)

[ncarandang]

what if the drive won't mount? so it's toast and should be buried already?

[Henjie]

Originally posted by ncarandang
what if the drive won't mount? so it's toast and should be buried already?

Apps like DiskWarrior and Data Rescue X can still repair the drive and recover some/most/all of the files in it even if the drive's not mounting. A drive not mounting can mean two things: it's dead, or the drive directory is damaged (DiskWarrior is the best tool for optimizing/repairing drive directories). If it's just the latter, the drive might not be physically damaged at all and you can continue using it after repairing the drive directory.

If you managed to revive the drive using any of the apps recommended above, make sure to back up all the important files ASAP. Then check the drive's S.M.A.R.T. status (using Disk Utility) and see if it's reporting any physical damage. If it is, just buy a new drive unless you're willing to risk your data by continually using a dying drive. :-)

If the S.M.A.R.T. status came out as "verified", then all is well with the drive. If you wanna be doubly sure that the drive directory's okay, reformat the drive and start out clean (after backing up all your files, of course). ;-)


~Henjie

[Edited on 6-23-2004 by Henjie]

[ncarandang]

thanks henj. i owe you one.