Hi

Just looking for some guidance or advice. My Toshiba external hard drive was dropped last weekend and has stopped working. Just makes clicking sounds whenever its connected now.
I've done a bit of research, but it seems there's loads of companies offering data recovery services. My problem is which one to choose? I've never had this happen before, so hoping to get some advice or recommendations from anybody who has. Also what should I expect to pay etc.

Many Thanks

Johno

For UK you can choose pcimage user on this forum.....

Rgds

_________________
www.datasave.ro

I second pcimage. If you want a second choice, databusters.

_________________
Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

Thanks for the advice/replies guys.

However, jumping the gun maybe, I'd sent it off before I'd checked back on here. I sent it to a company in Wales, Datatrack Labs Ltd.

Fingers crossed.

Regards

johno

Hi Guys

I've had a report and a price back, just need to know if this sounds fair.

The report indicates faults with the spindle motor, head failure and minor media surface damage. The price, if recovery is successful, is £399.99 plus VAT.

Any help/advice is much appreciated.

Johno

That sounds sketchy, as that price seems low for those issues. That doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a good deal.

I've seen companies give back generic responses for failures though for several reasons.

If the motor doesn't spin, and if the "clicking sounds" are actually the result of stiction, then see this video:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/cvo59 ... k_head.zip

Note that the demonstrator would normally be using gloves and would be performing the task in a cleanroom.

Scott Moulton has numerous video demonstrations on Youtube:
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22scott ... outube.com

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.

To be honest that sounds about right for UK pricing, if I'm reading between the lines correctly with the diagnosis.

I suspect the heads are mashed into the ramp or damaged and stuck to platter surface, causing the spindle not being able to spin and so need replacing. Media issues are also inevitable in a case like this hence the "mild media surface damage". Of course this is purely speculative.

Our price for this type of recovery would be £395+vat, so they're about right IMHO.

_________________
PC Image Data Recovery
http://www.pcimage.co.uk

New!! HDD-PCB.COM for all your PCB and donor HDD requirements!

if its just clicking after being dropped, heads have had it, stop powering it as you'll make things worse, agree with the above post @ about £400 from a reputable company for a headstack replacement.

Hi All

Just thought I'd update on this as I've been really busy lately and had forgotten to post the outcome. Big thanks for the advice on here, especially pcimage, you put my mind at rest regarding the price

At the start I was very sceptical and scared as I'd never had this happen before, but had read some of the horror stories on the web.

I have to say now that it was a totally painless experience, and to be fair the service provided by Datatrack Labs in Wales was brilliant, I worried myself for no reason.
I had a new portable recovered data drive back from them 10 days after receiving my report, and everything was recovered perfectly (big sigh of relief). Cost me the £399.99 plus VAT as quoted but I'd say now that It was a fair price and I was perfectly happy with it considering the quality of the service and the outcome. Have to say the staff were very polite too during telephone conversation.

All in all, I'm a very happy customer.

Thanks All, once again.

Johno

Are you going to make backups now?

_________________
On a clear disk you can seek forever.

Sadly enough, many clients don't. We frequently get clients returning a year later with the drive on which the data was recovered looking for another recovery and are surprised that we won't do it for free.

_________________
Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

Yep!

Been there, seen it, got the T shirt!!

_________________
PC Image Data Recovery
http://www.pcimage.co.uk

New!! HDD-PCB.COM for all your PCB and donor HDD requirements!

I tell customers that their User doesn't have a Computer Problem, their Computer has a User Problem.