so...dropped my hard drive last night

[fastbilly1]

Though, again, very rarely actually works. I think the only time I've seen where it could have helped the drive worked at room temperature anyway, and failed as it heated up. So the user was able to get their data off of it...5 minutes of copying at a time.

Bingo, important files first, and as fast as possible. Then again for everytime it has worked for me there are half a dozen times it did not.

[Anapan]

The best utility I've found for damaged platter-based hard-drives is R-Studio. It's worked where other simpler applications failed.
If the data's *really* important, those recovery services have a hefty pricetag, but I've talked to people who used them in the past and it sounds like they do have a higher success rate than the freezer trick and consumer software.

[alexis524]

thanks for all the replies. Everything but the pictures I can do without. I'm hoping to save what I can tonight if possible. I only mentioned the freezer trick since it did work for me last time one of my drives just failed. If I can salvage anything else, great, if not, it's no worry. I'll post back later tonight with my results...

[Hatta]

Sealed with a filtered breathing hole to allow for pressure equalization is standard AFAIK.

The filter just keeps out dust. An H2O molecule is roughly the same size as the O2 and N2 molecules that comprise most of our atmosphere, so expect humidity to be the same inside and outside the drive.

[isiolia]

Sealed with a filtered breathing hole to allow for pressure equalization is standard AFAIK.

The filter just keeps out dust. An H2O molecule is roughly the same size as the O2 and N2 molecules that comprise most of our atmosphere, so expect humidity to be the same inside and outside the drive.

At least with ones I've seen, the filter used includes dehydration such as silica gel. So what gets into the platter area should be fairly dry.

[alexis524]

good news. So far, I've managed to transfer off at least 2/3 of the photos. After 20 hours in the freezer, I managed to get at least 2 hours out of it until it started to lock up on me. Now mind you, i've keep it running in the freezer with the door closed on top of ice to keep it as cold as can be to prevent expansion. I hope to pull off the rest tonight after I grab a spare flash drive at work.

[ZenErik]

Now what if you leave it in the freezer and get the data while it is in there. Curious. I've never tried this method.

Would seemingly be pretty easy to run a cable in there though you may not be able to close the door completely.

[alexis524]

zen,

that's exactly what i've been doing, with good results so far! I've been able to close the freezer door since the power and USB cables are pretty thin to begin with. I'd say give it a go, but hope you never have to