Seagate Barracuda XT (3TB) external drive not detectable by Windows 7

[t53864]

I have a 3TB external USB drive suddenly not detectable by Windows 7.

Model:
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Seagate Barracuda XT 3TB - the drive inside has model # ST33000651AS

Symptom:
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- drive not detected by Windows 7
- heard the drive spinning up and some clicking noise for about 5-10 sec; then, it goes silent.

What I have done:
-----------------------
- took the drive out and connect directly to pc via sata cable => same problem
- look at BIOS and see that the drive is reported as "ST_M13FQBL" and msg "SMART Capable and Status BAD".
- tried using "Parted Magic" linux; Under "File Manager", it is reported as "sda 4G"; clicking on it to mount returns an error "udevil: error 64: unable to determine device fstyle - specify with -t".


I got some files that haven't been backed up!!!
Wondering if anyone can help out.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Boogieman_WD]

Hey t53864. It does sound like the drive is not in a good shape. Try accessing it via Linux Live USB/CD to see if you are able to get to your files. If that doesn't work, you could try some of the data recovery options from this thread here: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-1644496/lost-data-recovery.html. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that they'll be able to recognize the drive. Your most reliable option remains a professional solution such as a data recovery company.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

 

[t53864]

Thanks for the reply.

I did try the "Parted Magic" linux livecd (loaded to a usb thumb drive) and that is not able to mount the drive!

Is there other liveCD I should try?

I will take a look at the thread. Thank you.

 

[tachybana]

Sounds like you ran into the same issue i did. Seagate Barracuda 1TB hard drive. 18 months into ownership and 932GB unused. I have to find a company for the data recovery (in-lab). Fees start around $600 (just to attempt to salvage the data).

checkt his article also http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/175089-who-makes-the-most-reliable-hard-drives

I think i am going to try an online data solution (carbonite, etc etc) for the time being (but the cons of this is the 4GB per file max, which sucks for my kids soccer videos)

Best Luck.

 

[t53864]

Sounds like you ran into the same issue i did. Seagate Barracuda 1TB hard drive. 18 months into ownership and 932GB unused. I have to find a company for the data recovery (in-lab). Fees start around $600 (just to attempt to salvage the data).

checkt his article also http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/175089-who-makes-the-most-reliable-hard-drives

I think i am going to try an online data solution (carbonite, etc etc) for the time being (but the cons of this is the 4GB per file max, which sucks for my kids soccer videos)

Best Luck.

Hi, Were you able to recover all files? or any files? was there any damage to the platter in your case?

 

[tachybana]

As i mentioned i would have to reach out to a company with a lab to see if they can attempt a recover at the files. What i am making certain is that they have some sort of warranty that they will tempt to retrieve the data at all cost (instead of the charging $600 and tossing the HDD on in the trashcan and say nothing could be done).

Certainly is a crappy drive, since my system has always been intact and pristine. I even have drives that are 8+ yrs old maxed and are running with no issues. Never seen a drive ever give out 18 months into ownership with minimal usage. I believe this is the last time seagate gets my money.