External Hard Drive Stopped Working

H

hickey34

Registered User
Messages
17
I have an Iomega 160GB External HD. I have all my music, photos etc stored on this. It has been workin perfectly until recently, when suddenly, for some reason, it wont work.
When I connect it via the usb, it turns on, but when I try to acces it via my computer, it says the disc is inaccessible due to an I/O error.
The drive was not dropped or anything like that. I have tried some data recovery software but they have had the same issue of not being able to access it. I have tried to scan it for viruses with the same outcome.
Could anyone suggest anything?
Or if it is damaged, is there some way to get the information from that onto a new drive?
Thanks.
 
First try the basics:
  • Remove all other USB devices from the system (KISS principle)
  • Retry the USB hard drive on different USB ports of the computer (in case it's a problem with one)
  • If you have one try the disk in an externally powered hub to ensure it's getting enough power
  • Try the disk in another computer

Failing all the above you have more serious issues. Could be the USB controller or maybe (worse still) failure of the disk itself. Data recovery is potentially possible by replacing parts in the disk depending on what exactly has failed and how; it's specialised work but it can be done - could cost €600-€1000 ex VAT depending on the failures and availability of components (worst case scenario).
 
Hi there,
open the cage, unscrew the hard drive and either mount it in a different cage (with different cable) or mount it directly on a laptop (or desktop with converter). If it works the problem is in the cage (or cables), if it doesnt Im afraid you're out of luck.
However, if the hard drive wasnt dropped, chances are the platters are still ok, and your data is still safe. If the data is valuable to you, you could get a second hand hard drive, strip the control electronics and replace (even temporarily) the electronics on your old drive. Sounds complicated but its not really. At least you should be able to recover your data.
Hope this helps,
N
 


Try a different USB cable (the single most common source of failure for USB devices is cheap cables / connectors)
 
I have tried a different USB cable, Ive tried different ports, Ive tried it on a different computer, Ive even put it in the fridge overnight and tried it to see if the change in temperature may have moved and metal connections.
How difficult is it to remove the disk and put it in another case? If the disk is fine will this definitely work? Does it have to be the same case as the one its in at the moment?
 
I doubt if the problem is with the enclosure. Is there an in-line transformer / power supply on the electricity connection, if so this is another suspect?

I suspect the drive mechanism is shot.
 
the very same happened to my own omega - same message etc - I had dropped mine.
A friend of mine took it away and fragmented the drive via linux - its been workin fine since.
I dont know if this makes sence but maybe one of the techies out there an advise.
 
hickey34 said:
How difficult is it to remove the disk and put it in another case?
Click to expand...

Not difficult, assuming you're handy with a screwdriver.

hickey34 said:
If the disk is fine will this definitely work?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I wouldn't bet the house on the problem being with the enclosure and not the disk.

hickey34 said:
Does it have to be the same case as the one its in at the moment?
Click to expand...

Not the very same, but the disk inside is either SATA or IDE - the new enclosure you try will have support the same connection.
 
I have somewhat resolved my problem. The disk is accessible on an Apple Mac. I will be able to recover all my files, but can anyone suggest a reason as to why windows cant access the drive since the Mac can? And if so, is there something I can do to make windows access it without reformatting the drive?
 
hickey34 said:
... The disk is accessible on an Apple Mac. I will be able to recover all my files, ...
Click to expand...
Excellent news, but not at all surprising.
hickey34 said:
... but can anyone suggest a reason as to why windows cant access the drive since the Mac can? ...
Click to expand...
The usual reason is that low-level driver software (printers, scanners, external drives, graphic tablets, mice, key-boards, trackballs, etc) is already installed on a Mac as part of the operating system, unlike windoze where every new device seems to require driver software from the internet, the original windoze CD or a CD supplied by the device manufacturer.
hickey34 said:
... is there something I can do to make windows access it without reformatting the drive?
Click to expand...
You might try running Disk Utility in First Aid mode and click the "Verify Disk" button on the bottom R/H side of the window, but as Mac OS can already read the drive I doubt it'll find anything.

If Disk Utility finds and reports a problem, follow the instructions.

I believe the problems you've experienced with the drive are due to Windoze itself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register