Dropped a running hard drive: Wiping data on it?

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C

C++ Newbie

Whilst using a USB2.0 <-> IDE/SATA bridge on a powered-up hard drive,
it fell off the table while files were being copied into it. Windows
then started complaining immediately about failed delayed writes.

Trying to power it on now just results in it powering up temporarily.
One can hear/feel the drive motor revving up and down, and then giving
up. After 3 seconds the drive is dead.

Is there any way to wipe out the data on the drive prior to returning
it under warranty?

Apart from the obvious, should internal drives never be moved or
nudged whilst being operated as pseudo-external drives through a USB/
SATA bridge? Do they have less in-built tolerance to knocks than
external ones?

Thanks.
 
Whilst using a USB2.0 <-> IDE/SATA bridge on a powered-up hard drive,
it fell off the table while files were being copied into it. Windows
then started complaining immediately about failed delayed writes.

Trying to power it on now just results in it powering up temporarily.
One can hear/feel the drive motor revving up and down, and then giving
up. After 3 seconds the drive is dead.

Is there any way to wipe out the data on the drive prior to returning
it under warranty?

Apart from the obvious, should internal drives never be moved or
nudged whilst being operated as pseudo-external drives through a USB/
SATA bridge? Do they have less in-built tolerance to knocks than
external ones?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

IF you are not able to mount the drive now then, short of having the
drive professionally opened and accessed to clear the data there is
nothing much you can do. What probably happened when the drive fell is
that the read head smacked onto one or more of the platters and gouged
out a nice little chunk. The tolerances as very small inside a drive,
I have heard it compared to a Boeing 747 flying at 1000kph 5cm off the
ground.

So, there is a chance someone might be able to access the data, but
only if they go to a specialist who will open the drives and
physically extract the information of the platters. Good luck with the
warranty claim!

HTH
 
C++ Newbie said:
Whilst using a USB2.0 <-> IDE/SATA bridge on a powered-up hard drive,
it fell off the table while files were being copied into it. Windows
then started complaining immediately about failed delayed writes.

Trying to power it on now just results in it powering up temporarily.
One can hear/feel the drive motor revving up and down, and then giving
up. After 3 seconds the drive is dead.

Is there any way to wipe out the data on the drive prior to returning
it under warranty?
Click to expand...

I don't think that being dropped onto a floor is covered in the warranty.
If you are that paranoid about the data, take the drive apart and expose the
platters to a magnetic field or a hammer, then dispose of the pieces
accordingly.

Jon
 
Whilst using a USB2.0 <-> IDE/SATA bridge on a powered-up hard drive, it
fell off the table while files were being copied into it. Windows then
started complaining immediately about failed delayed writes.

Trying to power it on now just results in it powering up temporarily.
One can hear/feel the drive motor revving up and down, and then giving
up. After 3 seconds the drive is dead.

Is there any way to wipe out the data on the drive prior to returning it
under warranty?

Apart from the obvious, should internal drives never be moved or nudged
whilst being operated as pseudo-external drives through a USB/ SATA
bridge? Do they have less in-built tolerance to knocks than external
ones?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I'm doubtful there's anything about the booting up the drive. If it's
under a recent warranty return it to the manufacturer. Just tell them
you were transferring files and it stopped working, but if they press you
for a fuller explanation tell the truth.

It is a problem, moving unanchored HD while connected but sometimes a
manufacturer will be gracious and honor the warranty.
 
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