dying WD hdd -need some advice.

[asypeer]

Hi Guys,
this is my 1st post, I hope I'll provide enough information and maybe I'll get some ideas
the victim: External HDD WD320BMVS, was bought in the states 4.5 years ago.
I used it rarely for backups and transferring large files between computers.
I *think* I dropped it with its protective case a few weeks ago on the floor, nothing serious.
I also used it with my mac and I had to use a special software (tuxera) so I'll be able to write to it (it was with Windows file system)

anyways, yesterday when I connected it to my mac, I started to hear the clicking noises, I knew that cant be good so I connected it to my windows desktop and started copying whatever was possible, got many CRC error warnings, so I used "roadkill.net" software which ignores those errors and copies whenever it can find. so I was able to save some files.
I also ran chkdsk which discovered some bad sectors on the disc.
I thought that creating an image of the drive using "ontrack easy recovery"would be a good idea so when it estimated the time need for the image as 8-9 hours, I just left it overnight.
came back this morning, the image file was 0 bytes and the disc does this (i took this video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np-Ke-Jmx-o

I tried to freeze it for a few hours - didnt help, now the desktop wont recognize it at all, at noon I was able to see the driver in "my computer" but not anymore.
I also trying a few cables - no good.
connected it as a slave to my desktop - the bios refused to allow it..

I found a matching pcb on ebay (60 USD with 30 days return policy), should be here in a week or but I have a feeling that's not the problem. this is why I need your kind help - what should I do..?
the files on the disc are not that important, so I would invest 1000$ to recover them, but it will be nice to get them back.

thanks,
Assaf

[ShaneWard]

since you put the drive in the freezer, the drive is completely dead, water condensation on the platters and heads completely buggered. The drive is a prime candidate for metal recycling...

Good job you don't need the drive, just learn from mistakes, don't drop hard drives and certainly don't freeze them.

P.S did you drop the drive when it was on and running?

[ShaneWard]

Also, here is a youtub vid of what happens when a drive is put in the freezer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3iBSqVe1Jg

[asypeer]

Hi, just to be clear - i put the disk in a zip locked bag when I put it in the freezer...
. I know the water and moisture issues electronics can face..
And the disk was not running when I dropped it

Assaf

[ShaneWard]

zip locked bag does not make a difference in the freezer. Not sure why the drive was damaged when it was dropped, but anything could have happened.

Shane

P.S, Also, another good vid that shows what happens when a drive is placed in a freezer. albeit, this was was not placed in a Zip bag.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad1uVAB5bNA

[asypeer]

Yap, just saw the entire video.
Im fuxxxx probably.
Guess the pcb I've ordered is useless

[Keatah]

I wonder what people think a zip-loc baggie does? Do they think it dries out the air ALREADY in the disk housing. It does not. And that air is enough to get condensation going. Do they think it prevents "outside" air from getting in the disk? What about the humid air already *IN* the disk? Ready to form a good layer of frost..

To freeze a disk you need a non-condensing 5% or less humidity environment. Something regular house air and zip-loc baggie cannot provide.

There are ways to chill a disk, frost-free, but you don't have the equipment to do it.

[jerovsek]

Hello asypeer,

if you need data, visit pro or send your drive to pro.
Ask for price and explain, what you already done.
The drive is not always piece of metal, if you put it into freezer
Don't DIY