How to recover contents from a crashed hard drive?

	How to recover contents from a crashed hard drive? While I was working, suddenly the screen went blue and the the computer restarted and then the screen came up with the message " FAIL TO READ DISK". when I went into the bios utility, the hard disk was not shown. while I was working, suddenly the screen went blue and the the computer restarted and then the screen came up with the message " FAIL TO READ DISK". when I went into the bios utility, the hard disk was not shown. this is an IBM laptop Asked By: samuraijackabhi - 8/30/2007

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
The first step is to determine if it really is hard drive failure you are experiencing. Did you install any new hardware since your last successful boot-up? If so, unplug those devices and try to re-boot. No go? OK, if you're running Windows, try to start up in Safe Mode. Reboot your PC, and hit the F8 key when the computer is starting up. Choose the option to go into Safe Mode. If you can get to the Windows' login-screen, you are probably having a software problem, not hard drive failure. You can do a re-install of Windows to get to your files (see Recovery Console) or you can use Windows' System Restore feature to get your PC up and running again. In some cases a damaged master boot record or partition table can render a disk unbootable, but all the data is still intact. See Fix MBR for some help with that relatively simple repair job. In one case, my hard drive got totally mucked up, and neither the FIXMBR nor FIXBOOT commands could restore the drive to working order. But I found a wonderful program called TESTDISK that was able to analyze the disk and recreate both the partition table and the boot record. I was certain that all the data was lost, but TESTDISK did the job for me. Check Under The Hood What if you can't get into Safe Mode? There are still a couple of options available. Unplug everything (the power plug and ALL the cables) from the computer. Now pop open your computer's system unit and try to reseat the hard drive. It might look scary at first, but there's nothing inside a computer that will bite you. Take a look at the pictures in my article Add a Second Hard Drive to familiarize yourself with the components you'll be looking for -- the hard drive, the motherboard connectors (IDE or SATA) and the cables that connect the hard drive to the motherboard. Unplug and reseat the all the cables that plug into the hard drive, then follow the cable to the motherboard and reseat that end as well. It's possible that the cable was just loose, and your drive will work fine after this simple procedure. You can also try swapping the IDE or SATA slot that the drive plugs into. Look for connectors on the motherboard labelled IDE1 and IDE2, or SATA0 and SATA1. Move the cable from one plug to the other, restart the system and hope for the best. If all the above options fail you can assume your computer wasn't lying, the hard drive is faulty. There are methods available to try and get your data back. Hard Drive Data Recovery The practice of retrieving data from damaged or inoperable disk drives is known as data recovery. Data recovery experts have a thriving business. Just like a car, a computer can break down and parts wear out. Hard drives are no exception. Because of this potential for failure, backing up crucial data to an external source other than your hard drive is essential. (For backup help, see Backup Up Your Files.) For now, let's assume you have hard drive failure with no backups of your files, and focus on what you can do to recover your data. There are programs available online that can be downloaded to aid in data recovery. One program is Inspector File Recovery, which will help to recover Windows files. The program is free, however you do need to have a secondary hard drive installed with a Windows OS on it. Installation is user-friendly, and after install the program will prompt you through several data reconstruction options. Another program is TOKIWA's Data Recovery. With Tokiwa's program, you do not need the secondary hard drive; you can download the program to a USB drive or a floppy disk and run it on the PC that the unreadable drive is attached to. ProSoft's website offers Data Rescue II, an application available for download for free trial to recover Mac files. RTT's website has a free program called R-Linux, that will recover Linux and some versions of UNIX files. There are also a range of web-based data recovery sites that you can access (from a working, Internet-connected PC, that is). These are remote data recovery sites. OnTrack is one site that provides this service. They offer remote web-based recovery that will scan your failing drive and try to recover lost data. Another data recovery company is Web Recover, which will attempt to recover your data through a web browser. Data Recovery Services Bear in mind, whether you use the downloadable recovery programs, or the web-based ones, there are no guarantees that your data can be reclaimed. The above programs and services will be able to recover your data, provided your hard drive problem is not a purely mechanical one. Often, drive failure error messages stem from a bad sector or failing partition on the drive. If data recovery programs aren't working for you, and in addition, you are hearing any strange noises coming from the drive (see Hard Drive Makes a Clicking Sound), or if BIOS cannot recognize the drive, then you are looking at mechanical disk drive failure. If it's imperative that you retrieve data from a drive that is physically damaged, there is still hope. OnTrack and other data recovery companies give you the option of sending the damaged drive to their engineers who will evaluate your hard disk, extract a file listing from it, and will retrieve any data possible. This type of service ain't cheap, though. The standard evaluation cost is US$100. Afterwards, the actual data recovery fee can run anywhere from $500 to $2500 depending on the amount of data and labor involved. Just remember, a "hard drive failure" error message does not necessarily mean all is lost. You have a range of tips, tools and techniques that may bring the drive back to life, or at least help you recover some of your important data. Answered By: DanielTWD - 9/6/2007

Additional Answers ()

One thing to try my friend before opening the case at all is to see if the hard drive is set to automatic in the bios. You did not mention whether you had tried to use the bios find hard drive function. Answered By: Mawcash - 9/3/2007

First, unplug and replug your hard drive back in (reseat the plugs) see if that works If not, do the same with all your plugs. Swap the power plug to your hard drive with another power plug If all of that fails, take the drive out and try it in another computer If that fails, then take your drive out and use it as a paper weight. The lesson to be learned here is back up your important crap on a regular bases. You can recover what is on the hard drive from places that do it, but it is hideously expensive. Unless you have some stuff that is well worth it, then go back to using it as a paper weight to remind you to back up, back up again, then back up and then back up some more. Peace Jim . Answered By: just plain jim - 8/30/2007

Be sure to touch teh outside of the chassis first to discharge any static electricity you might have in your body, then proceed. A tiny spark from static electricty can cause havoc to your computer. Remover the drive from the chassis and then re-seat the drive and try to boot again. If that fails, purchase another hard drive and install an operating system. Install the problemed drive as a "slave drive." There are special little jumpers on the drive which will tell it to act as a slave so that the machine boots from the new drive. Once the machine boots up, Open My Computer and see if the original drive is available. If so, copy your old data to the new drive quickly - might be your last chance! If that fails, purchase a hard drive enclosure for the old drive. This will alow you to connect it external using firewire to USB. Hook it up to another computer to see if the data s available. Another suggestion is to use a product called Disk Command which, if the hard drive is accessible, will allow you to connect an extrnal drive to your PC and run repair tools or copy of the data to an external drive. Good luck! Answered By: Charlie O - 8/30/2007

Submit your answer or comment to this question

Other Career Questions

	I want to work with computers? I am a college student already in my desired major: Computer Science. The issue is I don't know what I want to do once I finish college. I mean I want to work in Hardware. Is there anything I can do now like volunteer somewhere to get more experience? How much could one be paid if they were to get into a general hardware job. I really want to repair computers but finding a job like that is difficult. Any tips or advice I can get would help. 3 answers - Asked By: Juan - 4/21/2010

	Does Hardware engineering have a relation to computer programing? I am planning on becoming a hardware engineer and I want to be good at it so would a computer science course help me or are they two different & unrelated fields? I want to be able to make a computer by myself. Are the guys who made apple computers engineers or programmers or both? 1 answer - Asked By: - 12/2/2010

	What hardware will work with latest Ubuntu? I am planning to build a new linux PC, what hardware will work with the latest ditro of Ubuntu? Is there a list somewhere I can look at? I am tired of linux telling me it will not support parts of my hardware. 3 answers - Asked By: Linux Gryl - 1/3/2010


Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo! Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Popular Questions

	Is this normal for an interviewer to do this? So today I went in for an interview and I was going in for the 2nd interview by the head chief executive. now this is where it got weird, so she asked me about my previous jobs and said how much she liked that product over that product. then she started talking about her daughter? an her divorce ...then how she didn't finish college because she was making more money doing what she did for this company ... then she talked about how her teenage daughter is a handful... I just played it cool thinking she was using some sort of psychology thing to trick me into saying something stupid. the interview ended and she seemed happy an I was escorted to the door... now I'm freaking confused? is this normal behavior for an executive? like it felt like she was going to burst into tears at one point and tell me her life problems... is this normal? was she trying to see how I react or something? 6 answers - Asked By: Clone - 11/7/2012

	What do you say when they ask what you want to be paid? ? Wen you apply at a job and they ask how mch you want as a salary what do you say? 2 answers - Asked By: Colette - 11/24/2011

	How do I get a job with Dodgy work history and no experience? Basically- no degree, although I have tried completing one in the past and stopped because of physical and mental health issues which were overwhelming to deal with along with going to classes full time. I'm not stupid and I am quite articulate. I am 23 and have only worked for about two years retail in high school and stopped working to go to university. I worked a few months in 2010 retail after I dropped out but it was only a seasonal position, and the only reason why I have not been able to constantly work is because of mental health issues. I had also tried going back to community college during my free time since i left university in 2008/9 and I had panic attacks while in community college, which made my anxiety worse from then on. Well recently I met a good doctor and he prescribed me some meds that are stabilizing my moods and I feel the best I've felt in years, and I'm ready to work. Thing is, I don't know how to get a job now since I've spent literally years being depressed and anxious doing nothing. I don't really have anything to put on my resume, and I never finished my AA degree either. All I've done is cashiering and although I do the job well and I get promoted easily when I do these jobs because I'm a hard worker and I try to go above and beyond what they ask of me,which is the attitude I have no matter what kind of work I'm doing as long as I'm getting paid. But I hate cashiering because it's too easy and I want a job that is more interesting. Any suggestions for me on how to get a job that is NOT Retail with the type of background I have right now? I also realize I have to go to college to get certain types of jobs, I am talking about what I can do right here right now. 1 answer - Asked By: Alex Prieto - 10/14/2012

	Why honesty, hard work and dedication have no place at work? Recently I have overlooked for a project at work and I am unable to accept it why? I am hard working, dedicated, maintain a very professional decorum, very cordial with my colleagues and bosses, give respect to one and all. Still people who take the p***, argue with managers, gossip mongers have been selected for some very responsible positions at work. I seriously can't get my head around it why, why unprofessional people who have no work ethics being selected over me, whereas I have a track record of excellent performance and never shy away from any work my manager ask me to do? I am at my lowest point and not getting hold of my manager to ask the question why not me, why them who can't even bother? I am feeling like a complete loser, giving years to this place, building my performance, trust and this is how I get rewarded. Why my life is so shit, anything I wish for turns to dust? 1 answer - Asked By: network7 - 11/6/2012

	I have applied for over 100 jobs I have gotten no calls for a job interview, what can i do? As stated in my question I've applied for multiple jobs and gotten no job interview, you name a place I've applied there. I've said i will work ridiculous hours from like 12am to 5am and nothing. I've said I am willing to work weekends public holidays everything and I have gotten nothing back I am so desperate for money it's not funny. 9 answers - Asked By: Jamie - 1/9/2012

	What to wear to a job interview VS a career fair? So I have a nice white button up shirt, business skirt and pants, and a suit jacket. I'm applying for a software development job and I'm very short and can look young so I'm trying to look adult, yet professional. I'm also attractive so I'm trying not to look too sexy. For the career fair I'm thinking of wearing just my nice shirt and a skirt with low heels. My reasoning being it's approachable and attractive without going overboard since the career fair hosts are mostly younger male recent grads. I want to be remembered but not intimidating. For my interviews I was thinking pants, suit jacket (power suit). My reasoning being it'll be older execs and HR people (mostly women) so less sexy with the pants but more powerful with the suit jacket. What do you think?! 2 answers - Asked By: Beast - 9/23/2012

	Rate my resume please? I'm really having a hard time finding a job. I'm not sure why employers aren't contacting me :( I have about 4 years in expereince ( about 1 year of management) Well, here it is Jon smith Erlanger KY, USA Cell: +1-859-111-1111 E-mail:abc.def@outlook.com OBJECTIVE Obtain a position as a project manager/coordinator allowing me to utilize my administrative, organizational and problem-solving skills with a growing organization to mutually enhance growth of professional development and success. WORK EXPERIENCE ATS Jun 2012 – Apr 2013 Project Manager I: Managed projects development and staff in different divisions to achieve projects goals through practices of planning, executing and analyzing project-related tasks. Duties, responsibilities and contributions to assigned projects include the following: • Prepare and create project scopes, SWOT analysis reports and statements of work as assigned. • Visit anticipated project sites and create assessments for necessary work. • Analyze given scopes to assist engineers into reaching projects’ objectives. • Examine and manage available resources relating to materials and manpower. • Coordinate staff and arrange regular meetings. • Inspect daily operations and quality of products used on premise. • Implement solutions to resolve complex jobs relating to the project. • Manage and ensure that operations are executed in accordance to project scope and SOW. • Review and submit documents for projects deliverables/submittals and create schedules for subcontractors. • Document all events occurred during project life cycle and submit reports to senior management. Assigned Projects: 1- Conference Rooms IT/Multimedia Project Duration: Jun 2012 – Dec 2012 2- Military Base Renovation Project Duration: Aug 2012 – Aug 2013 AT&T / U-verse Division Oct 2011 – Feb 2012 Command Center Agent II: Applied knowledge to solve common and complex related issues to consumer’s services and devices. The position allowed for individual work at minimum supervision and within teams when necessary. Duties of the position included: •Provide phone/virtual support to internal and external customers. •Audit reports submitted by technicians and follow up with customers. •Implement and updated solutions within workflow system (WFE system). •Interact with IT department personnel to resolve common issues. •Provide assistance to first level support agents. •Maintain database and accounts for customers. Cleve’s Connections May 2009 – Nov 2010 IT Specialist: Provided hands-on and virtual administration for all IT related topics and managed sales for all devices and services. This included consulting, providing solutions, and improving efficiency for small businesses in design and security areas. Tasks performed while working included: • Resolve & close all open cases submitted by staff or customers. • Setup and manage user accounts through Active Directory. • Monitor network activities and logs and report system bugs, downtimes or crashes. • On-site maintenance and installation of network equipment and computer hardware/software. • Perform system setup operations and data backups as requested. • Create case analysis and audit reports given by technicians. • On-call support 24/7. EDUCATION • Devry University, Cincinnati OH Bachelor in Management Graduation: 2012 • Cincinnati State, Cincinnati OH Associate in Network Administration Graduation: Transfer 2010 To Andy: What does my Devry have to do with anything? for profit school? I'm not sure what college you graduated from, but in the real world experience weights more than a piece of paper stating you've completed few written assignments and imaginary projects. SMH! 3 answers - Asked By: Zaid I - 5/8/2013

	What career or jobs can i get after graduating Information Technology? I am currently a 1st year irregular college student taking I.T. I transferred schools and my majors never got credited. But it's okay because i am slowly getting the logics in programming in Java. This next semester i am taking a System Analysis and Design(SADSIGN) and i am getting nervous because even though i am pretty good at logics, i am not that good at coding. But since it is a case study, we will be on group, we will be four i think. Project manager, Analyst, Documentation, and the programmer. I am asking what jobs i can get after graduating I.T. because what if i graduated I.T. and still not that good at coding, i am hoping that there will be a jobs that will require less programming. Like Database manager or in Multimedia or in charge of Network. So is there jobs that doesn't require hardcore programming skills? 2 answers - Asked By: Jay p*e - 5/6/2013

	What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and an ARNP? Is there any difference between a "nurse practitioner" and an "advanced registered nurse practitioner"? 1 answer - Asked By: lucysmom - 3/27/2006

	What jobs can you get from going to an engineering school? The question explains it, i am thinking of going to an engineering high school but of course it will focus on other stuff too but still. What kind of jobs can you get because i dont want to be a mechanic(no offence to any) but please help me! 2 answers - Asked By: hungergameslover - 5/13/2013

	Which of these careers would I not have a problem getting a job in? Account Executive Hospitality Manager Sales Representative Editorial Assistant Advertising Manager Hotel Manager Personnel Specialist Writer/Author Association Administrator Presenter Special Events Coordinator Political Aide Promotions Manager Speech Writer Consumer Affairs Specialist Sportscaster Public Information Officer Communications Director Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer Technical Writer Telemarketing Specialist Customer Service Rep. Fund Raiser Training & Development Specialist Events Planner Flight Attendant Youth Worker Media Manager Recruiter Market Research Analyst Community Action Director Recreation/Attractions Manager Restaurant Manager Campaign Manager Development Director Script Writer Photojournalist Advertising Copywriter Museum Director Greeting Card Writer Production Assistant Actor, Mime Narrator Stage Manager Director Impersonator Make-up Artist Stunt Coordinator Booking Agent Talent Scout Drama Coach Stand-in Playwright Stage Manager Movie Theater Manager 2 answers - Asked By: Jolynn - 4/28/2013

	How can l find a job in the pharmacitical field as a sales and marketing manager,in south africa? L want to study medicine and work as a doctor but l am limited due to luck of required monyes. however l swtched on to anther career but still within my career interests as a care giver, but this is somthing to do with sales and marketing in the pharmcitical industry. 2 answers - Asked By: tonnydanabwembya - 12/24/2005

	What's the difference between computer science and computer engineering majors? Can someone tell me te difference between computer science and a computer engineering major. Is it the same? 2 answers - Asked By: Rosalva - 5/6/2013

	I'm an exellent welder/fabricator,does anyone out in Las vegas land have a job for me? 3 answers - Asked By: hubbard_billy - 2/24/2006

	I want to become an Escrow Officer, does anyone know how to go about it? What kind of training will I need? I know that Escrow is within Title industry in Texas. What would be the best way to get my foot in the door. I am assuming I will have to start as an Escrow assistant and work my way up, but I would really like to find out more about this career path. How does an officer usually get licensed? Are there classes we need to take and exam to take? Any response is appreciated. 2 answers - Asked By: schang25 - 2/10/2006

	Web designer looking to jump into web producing at large agency. would love your advice!? I've always freelanced as a web designer and might have an opportunity to work at a large ad agency. sorta nervous about the culture and role, so I was wondering if I could solicit feedback about the type of strengths I might need to develop, ie., strong project management (learn to use basecamp!), etc. I've held jobs on the client side as a web marketing manager and before that freelanced -- but on the very small scale. anyone with similiar experiences or feedback I'd love to hear from you! 2 answers - Asked By: webguy - 2/11/2006

	How much do you tip an electrican? I have to get an electrican to fix an overloaded circuit and possible short. so do you tip and if so, how much? 4 answers - Asked By: speedlvr_8 - 12/29/2005

	Best nhl job? What do you guys think is the best NHL job? Zamboni driver penalty box door opener ref equip. manager commentator one of those people that move the nets for the zamboni camerman 10 answers - Asked By: jeff_njdevils - 3/20/2006

	Are there any career in computers that doesn't involve code scripting? 1 answer - Asked By: Big D - 5/3/2013

	How could I better prepare myself for a second interview? My second interview is on Monday and I want to be prepared. It's for an assistant controller position. I've already met with the controller and the hr manager. Monday I will be meeting with the president of the company. How could I prepare myself for Monday's interview? Thanks! Any comments would be great! 3 answers - Asked By: Virginia - 6/6/2009

Monster Communities

Teaching Community: Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro: Create and connect.
Excelle: Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link: Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships: Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org: Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com: Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid: Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs: Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You

If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate

Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions

Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary

Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Attracting Candidates

Facebook for Employers: Make Friends, Not Fans

Recruiting? Go where the talent is. See why recruiters have befriended social networks.

Employee Sourcing

Employment Index

November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

Interviewing Candidates

Improving Interview Skills: Learn from the Experts

What’s the key to a great interview? According to experts: Practice, practice, practice.

Workforce Planning

Enhance your Small Business Marketing Strategy with Social Media

Social media. It’s everywhere. But how can it help you? Learn how to utilize social media even monetize it.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees: Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard: What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers: Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers: Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service: Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services: Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network: Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks: Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page: Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings: Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search: Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center: Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post: Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter: Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers: Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR: Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service: Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers: Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us: Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Are You An Employer?