Do I Need A Data Recovery Specialist?

I turned my PC off, went to bed, started it in the morning and it stopped at the BIOS POST screen. It stated there was some sort of S.M.A.R.T error, that data loss was imminent and I should backup my data immediately. The drive no longer would boot into Windows. I plugged the drive into another PC to see if I could access it as storage. The PC started, there was no BIOS POST screen shown, and the monitor was on but displaying a black screen. I turned off the PC, unplugged the drive, turned the PC back on, and the computer POSTs and behaves normally.

No idea what is up with this drive. I don't need much data off of it, maybe 100MB. Do I need to take it to a specialist to do this or is there something else I could try on my own?

 

When you put it in the 2nd computer, did you put it in as a secondary drive? Or did you swap out boot drives. You probably should have put it in as a secondary drive, then copy your data off.

If you can see the folders and files, you don't need a specialist. If you can't, a file recovery program like Recuva may be all you need.

 

I merely plugged it into a SATA port on the computer. At that point the computer contained one M2 drive and the SMART error drive via SATA cable. Since it didn't post I have no idea which drive the computer was trying to boot. There are no pins on it to set slave or master, so *shrug*. I also tried hot plugging it into the PC, but Windows did not show that it was connected. So far, I cannot even access the drive so using software on it seems impossible.

 

There would not be Slave or Master jumpers. That was for the old EIDE (PATA) drives where you could connect 2 drives to the same cable. With SATA, there only is one drive per cable and the boot order is set in the BIOS Setup menu. The default is set at the factory and if more than one drive, it depends on the SATA port you connected each drive too.

If the drive is connected as a secondary and you still cannot see or access it all, then yes, taking it to a recovery service may be your only option. But these can be very expensive (into the $1000s!) so you would need to weigh that with how much you value and want that data back.

Since the 2nd computer was working and then didn't when in installed that drive, that suggests you put it in as the boot drive. I would try a different SATA port and/or look in your BIOS Setup Menu and change the boot order. Alternatively, you can install the drive into an enclosure or docking station and connect it via USB. Then see if you can access the files.

If after swapping things back and forth, suddenly all is working again (as suggested in your first post, if reading it correctly) - it could have simply been a loose cable. But it could also be an omen about impending doom and backing up anything you don't want to lose would be the top priority.

Note this is why it is essential to have multiple backups of all important data.

 

Thank you so much for such a detail response Digerati. I just read about Hot Plugging and it turns out my Motherboard has settings for it. So I thought I would give that a try. While I was down there plugging it in, I could hear a repeating sound that almost sounds like beeping. I assume this indicates a mechanical issue of some sort. I have turned of my drive for the time being. Hot plugging did not cause the drive to show up in Windows. I am thinking it isn't even operational at this point.

I am surprised that data recovery costs so much. I've worked on this PC for the last two years, but I just can't afford that right now. I think I am going to have to just start over and get in the habit of backing up more often. Thank you again. You are very kind. Happy Holidays <3

 

It depends on what is needed. In some cases, if the drive motors still work, they can just plug the drive in and run their software on it and recover whatever data is accessible. That would not cost much.

In other scenarios, they have to disassemble the drive completely, separate the platters, and, using very specialized (read: expensive!) hardware and diagnostic programming, attempt to analyze, recover, then assemble in the right order any recovered data back into usable files. This can be very time consuming and requires extensive training and expertise. This would be very costly.

You are welcome and Happy Holidays to you too.

 

I broke down and contacted a specialist to have my drive looked at. The read-write heads have settled on the platter surface and have become stuck to it. The beeping sound I described is the motor trying to turn, but is being stopped from spinning. This is the most expensive type of hard drive repair because it requires opening the drive. It is also possible the drive will require repair before the data can even be retrieved. He said it would be $500 if the drive didn't require repair and $1,000 if it did. So at this time I am just accepting my losses and learning a hard lesson. In the future I might have the data retrieved but that kind of expenditure is simply beyond my capability at this time.

 

Sorry it was not better (less expensive) news.

Yeah, another part of the problem/expense is disassembly requires it be done in a dust free "clean" environment - almost like a sterilized operating room as even a tiny spec of dust can contaminate the platters.

Another problem is, there is no guarantee the R/W head didn't damage the platters where contact was made - obliterating any data that was in those locations. So even after all the time and effort (and money!), there's still the risk the data has already been irretrievably destroyed.

I just hope the lost files are not too precious. And yeah, hindsight is 20/20. Regular and multiple backups are critical. Preferably with at least one copy kept "off-site" in case your house burns down, is flooded, or blown away by hurricane or tornado - or robbed of everything.

 

Definitely a lesson in being prepared for the future. It is easy to forget just how fragile all that data is. Computers are big and strong and certainly look like they can take a punch. But everything breaks down over time and digital memories lost are irreplaceable. I really appreciate your feedback throughout this process. Having an understanding ear during this process has been comforting and helpful to me. Thank you very much <3

 

You are welcome. And are right - everything will break down - eventually, if not retired and replaced before then.

And backing up our data does not have to be a difficult process. We don't have to run backup programs, create clones or image files. We can just copy and paste our files to another drive (or 2 or 3).