how to recover data off bad corrupt hard drive ??

[jasonfodor]

my hard drive is bad and I need to replace it...which I can do myself.

My question is how do I recover the data off my bad/corrupt hard drive

 

[The_Prophecy]

That depends...

Is the drive detectable by the BIOS? Can you see it anywhere within Windows? Is there any odd noises coming from the drive?

We need more info as to the nature of the failure before anyone can really say for sure.

 

[photonboy]

http://www.easeus.com/

I had to use the PAID version, but I tried many programs and only the EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro worked, but I think the free version will at least tell you if it's possible (probably a limit on number of files or space recoverable).

Here's what I did.

1. Hookup only two drives (defective one and one to copy data to).
I prefer to UNHOOK all other drives (both cables at rear of drive).

2. Boot to the EASEUS disc (you'd create that first).
You may also run from Windows if that's an option in which case leave all drives attached.

3. Scan defective drive (many hours. My 2TB took 12 hours or so)

4. Select anything found and COPY to another drive.

*So basically, your drive must be functional enough to still work but it's dying or you accidentally formatted it and need to recover the data. This data is then found as individual files since there's no proper index. You then copy to another drive.

Once completed (if possible) RMA the drive if still under Warranty and consider a redundant backup solution in the future (RAID1 or software like Syncbackse Free to auto backup a folder to another drive.)

 

[jasonfodor]

We should back up a few steps lol.

Lights on keyboard light but nothing loads on screen (black screen). Took it to computer shop, said hard drives bad and needs replacement. Quoted me $350 for HD and $100 for data recovery (only one shop in town so he rips off).

I can buy HD for $50 and install myself, I've done it with another laptop of mines.

Not sure how to about the data recovery...do I go into BIOS?

 

[The_Prophecy]

We should back up a few steps lol.

Lights on keyboard light but nothing loads on screen (black screen). Took it to computer shop, said hard drives bad and needs replacement. Quoted me $350 for HD and $100 for data recovery (only one shop in town so he rips off).

I can buy HD for $50 and install myself, I've done it with another laptop of mines.

Not sure how to about the data recovery...do I go into BIOS?

The BIOS is not used in any way during the actual data recovery process. All we need it for right now is to determine if the system can detect the drive.

See my post above. We still need more info as to the exact nature of the drive failure. If the drive powers on and the the BIOS can see it, but Windows cannot, data recovery is still very likely with the software mentioned above (of which I am also a big fan).

If however the drive is not detected by the BIOS, you are probably going to need to contact someone more professional than the only guy in town that does data recovery, unless he happens to have a positive pressure clean room available to him.

 

[photonboy]

We should back up a few steps lol.

Lights on keyboard light but nothing loads on screen (black screen). Took it to computer shop, said hard drives bad and needs replacement. Quoted me $350 for HD and $100 for data recovery (only one shop in town so he rips off).

I can buy HD for $50 and install myself, I've done it with another laptop of mines.

Not sure how to about the data recovery...do I go into BIOS?

I gave you the basic steps above. Is there something particular you have a question with?

Basically the steps are:
1. Run the RECOVERY program (Windows or on a bootable disc)
2. FILES FOUND (many hours)
3. COPY to new drive.

 

[Irvine]

http://www.easeus.com/

I had to use the PAID version, but I tried many programs and only the EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro worked, but I think the free version will at least tell you if it's possible (probably a limit on number of files or space recoverable).

Here's what I did.

1. Hookup only two drives (defective one and one to copy data to).
I prefer to UNHOOK all other drives (both cables at rear of drive).

2. Boot to the EASEUS disc (you'd create that first).
You may also run from Windows if that's an option in which case leave all drives attached.

3. Scan defective drive (many hours. My 2TB took 12 hours or so)

4. Select anything found and COPY to another drive.

*So basically, your drive must be functional enough to still work but it's dying or you accidentally formatted it and need to recover the data. This data is then found as individual files since there's no proper index. You then copy to another drive.

Once completed (if possible) RMA the drive if still under Warranty and consider a redundant backup solution in the future (RAID1 or software like Syncbackse Free to auto backup a folder to another drive.)

The free version of easeus data recoveryhttp://www.easeus.com/datarecoverywizard/free-data-recovery-software.htm is the same as the pro version. The only difference is the 2gb limit.

 

[The_Prophecy]

Guys, before you start suggesting any data recovery software to use, we need to figure out from the OP what exactly is happening with the drive. Attempting recovery now without fully understanding the nature of the failure may reduce the chances of recovery.