Case description:

A customer contacted us to diagnose for her Western Digital device, it is an enclosure with a Western Digital 3.5” – 320GB hard disk inside. She accidentally dropped the Western Digital drive on the floor and the enclosure was cracked. She tried to connect it to her computer, but it was undetectable. The light is still blinking, but inaccessible. She noticed that there is a clicking noise generated from her drive. She tried to power off and on, connect it to another computer, but it has still remained the same. She has a lot of photos and videos on the drive and work files that she needs.

Action (Solution):

Singapore EHDR’s data recovery specialist proceeds with the diagnostic and found that read/write head of the drive were faulty and unable to access the data sectors. Clicking sound confirmed. It happened due to the r/w head failure. As r/w heads are very fragile, the external force affected the internal read/write heads while the drive dropped. Data recovery is still possible for the device since the condition of the platters is in good condition. After the confirmation, we proceed with the recovery and the data recovery were successful.

The Outcome

We transfer all the recovered data onto a new backup hard disk. Subsequently, we arrange with our client for data checking. According to her, most of the data successfully recovered and she accepted all recovered data.

Suggestion

If you have a faulty hard disk with clicking noise, it will be better to disconnect the drive as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If this situation is not handled properly and user kept connecting it to a PC, the platter condition might become worse, or scratches might be found on the platter’s surface. Chances of recovery will become lower if damage found on the platter’s surface. Put it aside and contact a professional data recovery centre if needed.

EHDR, We Leave No Data Behind!

More Success Stories>>>>>>