Question Damaged HDD Concern

[MajorPager]

I've got a quick question, not really sure how it happened but, one of my old HDD's has a cut on the side of half of the top drive cover. Can I just cover it up with some electrical tape and call it good? It still works and reads/writes correctly, although it's most likely dying at this point and it's only 7GBs of storage.

 

[Lafong]

Got a picture?

Do you have ANY reason to think it isn't just fine right now without "repair"?

It could drop dead in the next 10 minutes with or without that cut.

I'd likely continue using it as is barring more info from you.

 

[MajorPager]

 

[MajorPager]

Do you have ANY reason to think it isn't just fine right now without "repair"?

It's not that I do think that it isn't fine, I just have never had this occur before.

 

[USAFRet]

You do have a known good backup of the data on this, right?

No matter what the condition, it could die within the next 0.25 sec.

But if that is an actual opening to the inside, that is a pathway for dust.
A single spec of dust could kill it.

 

[MajorPager]

You do have a known good backup of the data on this, right?

I do not need one as it is an empty drive.

But if that is an actual opening to the inside, that is a pathway for dust.
A single spec of dust could kill it.

Dually noted, I already patched the hole with a bit of electrical tape.

 

[DSzymborski]

Honestly, if you're not using it for anything, I'd be merciful and send it out for recycling. That drive has hard a rough life.

 

[USAFRet]

and it's only 7GBs of storage.

A 7GB drive?
That is ~20 years old.

As above, time for retirement, tape or no tape.