2.5" 60GB IDE HDD - opened, moved platters individually...

[neuropathy]

Hi everyone,

I was given an Apple PowerBook G4 laptop (2.5" 60GB IDE HDD) from a relative to try to recover data from it, but the HDD itself had an issue. The drive wouldn't spin - seemed the motor wasn't working properly. It made a bit of noise, like it was trying, but it wouldn't spin. I tried to do a few things that were suggested - bumping HDD, freezing HDD, then opening it and I was told to move the platters individually, which I did. It looks like there are two platters and the top one would've been moved while the other wouldn't. Then I was told that I shouldn't have followed that person's advice... I just had no idea - I only occasionally open a computer and connect it to an IDE USB adapter... I'd never opened a drive before. I used gloves, but I'm not in a perfectly sterile lab either...

Is there any chance of recovering data from this drive or would it be incredibly expensive? The data isn't crucial, just family photos, but someone really wants them... Can anyone suggest a company somewhere in the US, hopefully somewhere closer to the West Coast?

Thank you

[ShaneWard]

With the drive as you described, I don't think it is now possible. There would probably better chance of recovering the images from the camera memory cards you used, Hunt old emails you downloaded from or some copied from friends and family... Recovery from a open drive with platters moved will be extreamly expensive.

[DRUG]

Welcome to DIY gona wrong.

Any pro will charge you even to analyze the case.
It amazes me why would you bump or freeze things...

Good luck and let us know how the case ended.

[SirForensic]

1. You shouldn't open this in a non-cleanroom area.
2. You used a lot of force if you were able to move only one platter...
3. The platters are most likely contaminated now (dust and other pollution)
... There's still a chance to recover the data, but the platters need to be swapped to a donor case, with a functional motor.. If you want to have even a small chance you should send it recovery lab..

..This kind of case will be expensive.

GOOD LUCK!