WD Elements Desktop 3TB Hdd acting weird after a short fall. Need HELP please.

[Jaytriplex]

I have been backing up important data from my laptop for a little while but after i got finished transferring files, i stood up and unfortunately the hdd took a fall from a livingroom table because of an open window. It wasn't that much of a big fall and i can't tell exacly how it happened, but right after that moment my ext. hdd started acting weird. i stuffed the usb cable into my laptop again and the drive started making weird noises,

i've heard a light bleeping noise with a high tone and a louder one right afer with a low tone. 4x times and after that it stops, i also plugged the cable out during these noises, and everytime i plug it out the noises stop immediatly, wich is a good sign according to WD. Normally the lights of the device turns off after disconnecting the usb from my dekstop or laptop.

But after the fall it stays shining light until i pull out the power cable. Windows also still recognizes the device but the hdd doesn't turn up in "my computer" I'm also sure no data transfers where going on during the fall. Please let me know what i can do about this, it contains my lifework and i really can't permit it to wipe the whole disk or format it. I do not need the drive to work properly again, i just need my data. So if there is anyway to retrieve my data i'll gladly take all the steps. Thank you

 

[PizzaTheHutt]

How important is the data on the drive? Is it important enough to justify shelling out for data recovery or are you willing to try a DIY solution that may get the data back - but it's not guaranteed.

 

[USAFRet]

Since this is a 'backup', the data surely still resides on the primary device.
Right?

 

[Jaytriplex]

Thank you very much for the replies PizzaThehutt and USAFRet. Well i was thinking about bringing it to an hdd recovery specialist they (specific company over here) say they solve 95% of the hdd issues, But the way this WD device is built, i kinda doubt it but i'm not an expert. I suppose this could be my first step, i'm not sure what DIY means sorry. But ofcourse i would go for the best option, money involved or not. the data is very important to me personally, so i guess that's reason enough for bringing it to recovery specialists.

And to USAFRet, unfortunately i formatted my dekstop pc wich i got all the data from a few weeks ago. That was the purpose of having my HDD in the first place honestly.

 

[USAFRet]

DIY = do it yourself.

This all depends on exactly what is wrong. Is the actual drive broken, or is the external enclosure broken.

Some external drives can be removed from the enclosure, and connected internally via SATA cable. Others...the drive is encrypted via the PCB in the external case, and will not work without that case (and specific PCB).

 

[Mr5oh]

The WD external drives just have a regular hard drive in them. If you know someone who can recover a hard drive, they can do the external one as well.

Its always best to keep data on at least two different drives, in two different places. I keep data on my PC, and a backup in the safe. Then there is a copy of the backup that I keep at the in-laws. Every so often I switch the safe and in-laws one so I can update it. The goal is to always have more than one hard drive with the data, and one off-site, in case of fire, or other disaster.

 

[Jaytriplex]

DIY = do it yourself.

This all depends on exactly what is wrong. Is the actual drive broken, or is the external enclosure broken.

Some external drives can be removed from the enclosure, and connected internally via SATA cable. Others...the drive is encrypted via the PCB in the external case, and will not work without that case (and specific PCB).

I see, No chance of it being compatible with sata if it comes with an power adapter? Or does it have nothing to do with that? Also the case doesn't come with screws around it or anything like that. To open it up i would have to saw the plastic open or break it open with an hammer, I don't think this would be a good idea, Would you recommend bringing it to an recovery specialist somewhere in a city?

 

[Jaytriplex]

The WD external drives just have a regular hard drive in them. If you know someone who can recover a hard drive, they can do the external one as well.

Its always best to keep data on at least two different drives, in two different places. I keep data on my PC, and a backup in the safe. Then there is a copy of the backup that I keep at the in-laws. Every so often I switch the safe and in-laws one so I can update it. The goal is to always have more than one hard drive with the data, and one off-site, in case of fire, or other disaster.

Very good advice thank you, i agree with you sir. So the WD ones are quite known and not too complicated to recover for an expert as far as you know?

 

[USAFRet]

DIY = do it yourself.

This all depends on exactly what is wrong. Is the actual drive broken, or is the external enclosure broken.

Some external drives can be removed from the enclosure, and connected internally via SATA cable. Others...the drive is encrypted via the PCB in the external case, and will not work without that case (and specific PCB).

I see, No chance of it being compatible with sata if it comes with an power adapter? Or does it have nothing to do with that? Also the case doesn't come with screws around it or anything like that. To open it up i would have to saw the plastic open or break it open with an hammer, I don't think this would be a good idea, Would you recommend bringing it to an recovery specialist somewhere in a city?

The case was put together...it can be opened. I have never seen a case that could not be opened, screws or no screws.
You may not be able to use the case after, but it WILL open.

There is a seam around the edge. A suitably small screwdriver will get in that seam and start the opening process.

Inside is probably a regular SATA 3.5" drive. Whether it works without the case and PCB is one thing.
Whether it works at all after dropping is a whole other thing.

How much $$ is that data worth to you?

 

[Jaytriplex]

DIY = do it yourself.

This all depends on exactly what is wrong. Is the actual drive broken, or is the external enclosure broken.

Some external drives can be removed from the enclosure, and connected internally via SATA cable. Others...the drive is encrypted via the PCB in the external case, and will not work without that case (and specific PCB).

I see, No chance of it being compatible with sata if it comes with an power adapter? Or does it have nothing to do with that? Also the case doesn't come with screws around it or anything like that. To open it up i would have to saw the plastic open or break it open with an hammer, I don't think this would be a good idea, Would you recommend bringing it to an recovery specialist somewhere in a city?

The case was put together...it can be opened. I have never seen a case that could not be opened, screws or no screws.
You may not be able to use the case after, but it WILL open.

There is a seam around the edge. A suitably small screwdriver will get in that seam and start the opening process.

Inside is probably a regular SATA 3.5" drive. Whether it works without the case and PCB is one thing.
Whether it works at all after dropping is a whole other thing.

How much $$ is that data worth to you?

I see, thank you for clearing up all that. I would give out 700 dollars or a grand if that would be necessary to get it back, Its worth alot to me so i would even spend more. as long as it wouldn't cost me a million, cause i wouldnt be able to pay that ofcourse haha..

 

[USAFRet]

I see, thank you for clearing up all that. I would give out 700 dollars or a grand if that would be necessary to get it back, Its worth alot to me so i would even spend more. as long as it wouldn't cost me a million, cause i wouldnt be able to pay that ofcourse haha..

$50, or $5000...there is no guarantee.

 

[Jaytriplex]

I see, thank you for clearing up all that. I would give out 700 dollars or a grand if that would be necessary to get it back, Its worth alot to me so i would even spend more. as long as it wouldn't cost me a million, cause i wouldnt be able to pay that ofcourse haha..

$50, or $5000...there is no guarantee.

5 grand would require me to save up for a little while, and i have to say that number made me think but i would probably do it yes. with the risks combined. edit: could it really be that expensive? I got to say i'm not sure if i would do it if it would cost up to 5 grand.

 

[USAFRet]

For personal data that is worth $5,000 to recover from a dropped drive....there REALLY needs to be more than one copy existing.

But the more you mess with that drive, the less likely it is to recover anything.

 

[USAFRet]

The only way to know 'how much', is to contact one of more data recovery companies.
I can't recommend any one in particular, because I've never had to use one.

 

[Jaytriplex]

For personal data that is worth $5,000 to recover from a dropped drive....there REALLY needs to be more than one copy existing.

But the more you mess with that drive, the less likely it is to recover anything.

Alright, i guess i should just take my chances and go see someone who is specialized in this recovery stuff? It's probably my only chance. And you are absolutely right about having multiple copies but in this case i lost the only one. I will try to recover it at an expert, I will update this thread this week on if it worked or if its lost for good..

Thank you very much for your time USAFret. It's greatly appreciated. And if anyone has a solution or anything usefull for me, please don't hestitate to share

 

[Jaytriplex]

The only way to know 'how much', is to contact one of more data recovery companies.
I can't recommend any one in particular, because I've never had to use one.

I will take a look, i will update this thread as soon as i get some info