Is my external HD dead?

[boltyboy]

I managed to knock over my external hard drive and it fell about 9 inches. Not good but it didn't seem to be that hard a bang

When I plug it into the USB port and switch it on, the computer makes the "bong" sound, but it doesn't display the drive letter, and when I look at the device manager it gives the "Device not ready (code 10)" error message. For what it's worth the sound the external HD makes is completely normal--no hideous disk scratching sounds.

I've tried "Getdataback" but it cant see the drive. Neither can "Recover my files"...both referenced in this forum.

Is there anything else anyone can think of? And if I have to take it to a recovery service, any idea how much it will cost to remove the data (about 100G, mostly MPG. MP3 files)

Thanks for any advice

 

[rvnguy]

boltyboy,

Can only suggest that you try to connect this drive directly to the IDE chain for any attempt at recovery.

For now scrap the USB interface. See if it is recognized in BIOS after connected to start.

As for recovery service costs. These services are mostly for enterprise data that for whatever reason is non replaceable. You will find it cheaper to replace the MP3's than to recover them. Recovery if there is an actual 100G of files will be in the $300 to ??? range with a base cost even if there is minimal recovery.

A good point for backing up. To CD/DVD or just purchase an additional 100+gb drive at about $80+ to backup to. With drive prices what they are this is cheap insurance when the alternatives are evaluated.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all