External HDD Failure.....please help!

[wise monkey]

Hi

I purchased a Packard Bell external 250gb HDD less than a week ago. On Saturday evening the drive overheated and stopped connecting to my pc. I unplugged it and could barely even touch it - it was THAT hot!!

Anyway, I tried re-connecting it a couple of hours later once it had cooled down but still not working. I've tried it again just now and I'm still having the same problem, but i've noticed a weird buzzing noise that its making.

I've got every file I've ever had on there and cannot afford to lose them. Does anyone know how I can recover the data without voiding the warranty as its only a week old and cost me over 100 pounds.

I've seen online sites that offer data recovery, but according to their quotes its going to cost me 250 pound. If anyone could give me any help/advice on how to recover the files I'd be very VERY greatfuk

Thanks, WM :o)

[fo3nix]

First of all, external hard drives are great as a backup solution, but since you have an internal drive too, it's always best to keep your most important personal files on both. But it's a bit late for that now anyway...

Leave it for a while, then try and connect it again. Wait for windows to mount it, then see if it appears in my computer. If it does, then go and get everything you possible can from it while you can. Just copy the stuff across to your internal hard drive.

If it still won't connect, then you'll most likely have to send it somewhere like you suggest in your question, and they will have to void the warranty most likely by opening the unit up.

[vehelpfulguy]

As a general rule NEVER keep important files just on a hard disk.

A hard disk is a mechanical device with moving parts. These parts can go wrong at any time and you may lose everything.

I back up all my important files to CD or DVD. To be extra careful I always back them up to two CDs or 2 DVDs.

I know this may be a bit late for you but it is an important thing to remember for the future.

[Whickerman]

Depending on what's on there, you may have a case for action against the vendor which would include teh cost of data recovery. However, you should contact your local trading standards first.