9 month old LaCie Hard drive given up?

Kavanne

It won't spin up when turned on.

The blue light comes on but it justs spins slowly, and there is a clicking sound... is there any way I can at least retrieve my data?!

It's similar to this: http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TR565ZM/A?mco=MTIxODk3Mw but I think that's an updated case or something.

isofa

If it's clicking it suggest the drive mechanism is broken or definitely on the way out.

Are you running on Mac OS X or Windows?

It should at least have 1 year warranty, so you'll be able to get a replacement/refund, but that won't help you with your data.

There are tools on both operating systems to recover data, but the drive has to be at least spinning and accessible in some way, even if parts are damaged.

For Windows I'd initially suggest the free Recuva for the initial scan.

But for Mac OS X or Windows an excellent more advanced tool is TestDisk, again free - this is very powerful so be careful with it.

If the data is very important and it's your only backup, but the drive isn't accessible at all, even with data recovery tools, then the next step is a professional company, such as OnTrack - but this will be expensive!

Kavanne

Mac OS X.... How can I use testdisk when my computer won't even recognise the drive? (Ie: it won't appear in the finder when switched on)

I don't think I can use a pro as the content on the drive isn't wholly legitimate......

spiro

If you google data recovery there are loads of firms that can recovery it but its not cheap and you MUST NOT keep trying to use the drive because each time you do it does more damage and makes it harder to get the data back.

isofa

Kavanne wrote: »

Mac OS X.... How can I use testdisk when my computer won't even recognise the drive? (Ie: it won't appear in the finder when switched on)

I don't think I can use a pro as the content on the drive isn't wholly legitimate......

Testdisk can access drives that don't appear to mount in Windows or Mac OS X.

However if that can't access it, then it's safe to assume, unless you send it to an expert company (as I previously mentioned), you are very unlikely to retrieve anything off it.

Read the guide on the Testdisk website...

Kavanne

My computer friend has advised me not to switch it on again until he's back after xmas.... So thanks for all the help, we'll see what he says!