Please suggest replacement HDDs for my Dell Laptop

icebergx

Hi all,
The HDD on my Dell Vostro died a few days ago and I seriously need a replacement ASAP. I=the HDD was a Toshiba MK1646GSX:
http://www.toshibastorage.com/main.aspx?Path=StorageSolutions/2.5-inchHardDiskDrives/MK1646GSX

1) Can anyone recommend a replacement that's not a Toshiba HDD (I've heard they're pretty unreliable)
2) Do all 2.5in HDD have the same interface across the board?
3) My original HDD has some inportant info on it. It spins up but is not recognised by my bios. Is there any cheap way to fix/get the data of the HDD?

Thanks.

posted_2

Can't be that old, have you asked Dell to replace it?

If it's not recognised by the bios, there isn't a cheap way unfortunately

icebergx

Just outside the 1 yr warrenty that I had.
This particular model has a history of this happening.

posted_2

Doesn't matter, ring them up, quote sale of goods act 1979 as amended (search the site for soga)

icebergx

Is it difficult to learnhow to extract the data/fix the HDD yourself?
How much do you think we're talking for a 160GB HDD?

Thanks for your help.

posted_2

If it's not recognised by the bios, (assuming bios settings haven't been altered), and doesn't work in another machine, I'd hazard a guess at £500 upwards.

nrg13

To answer your questions:
1. http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=263072&CatId=2269

2. No. Some are 'SATA' some are 'PATA' - the model you linked to is a 'SATA' type - the same as the one I've linked to at misco.co.uk.

3. It depends - when you say it's not recognised by the BIOS, what's the exact message?

LAST DITCH - Only if the data isn't that important to warrant forensic data recovery (the £500+ previously mentioned)

There's always the 'freezer' method - I've not had much joy with it, but some have.

Often the issue with hard drives is that there is a mechanical fault. Cooling or heating the drive itself can allow operation for a short time (i.e. enough time to extract the data)

At your own risk!
Place the hard drive (when removed from the computer) into a freezer bag (squeeze out the air) and then put that bag into another bag. The idea is to protect the drive from moisture.

Chill the drive in the freezer overnight, and then remove from the bag(s). Reconnect, and try to boot up again. Copy the data off ASAP if it works!

MikeyMacbeth

If you have another PC you could look on google for an external usb hdd adapter - you need to know what size and type eg PATA or SATA, 2.5" etc - this is relating to the problem of getting data off the drive rather than fixing the original problem...

In any case these are incredibly useful things to have lying around even if it turns out that your drive is broken irredeemably.. after trying the last resort suggestions posted previously. Shouldn't cost more than about 20 - 25 quid at the very most, and may well have come down since then.

Can't remember now exactly what they're called - will try and dig mine out tomorrow and see if it gives me any clues. (half the problem with tech queries is knowing the terminology)

What you are basically looking for is a caddy that will hold and power your laptop drive (you'll have do take it out of your laptop yourself and this may invalidate any warranty - have that argument with Dell 1st before doing this!) and connect to a different pc via usb so you can extract the data from it (assuming the drive itself isn't fubar'd) - this assumes the that the drive itself isn't broke...

Forensic data recovery costs a fortune as previously indicated and doesn't always give you what you need, or sometimes even work (you may have to pay up front on the off chance) - if that data's worth more than £500 then go for it, if not ....

In terms of replacement I'm not current on HDD's , but should be cheap enough - check scan.co. uk or dabs - or buy off ebay , you may end up with a government database with which you can sell your story to the press for thousands ... Now that's Money Saving!

One thing that's always worth asking (and don't be embarrassed if the cat did it - mine have done two, one by water , one by playing tiddlywinks with) - did you drop the laptop & since then it hasn't worked?- shock damage can easily do for a hard drive....