Physically damaged HDD

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rick
  • Start date Start date
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Rick

Just received a new 200GB HDD, only problem is some idiot at the
supplier (or maybe his distributor) has obvious dropped the drive!

The corner where the IDE connector is, is bashed in enough not only to
bend the metal casing but crack it slightly! It really looks like it
dropped from about 20ft onto a concrete floor.

Obviously I'm going to return it but as the supplier is now out of stock
for atleast a week. As this damage is preventing a data connector from
being inserted I was wondering if I were to bend the casing back so I
could insert the connector would the drive be likely to work?

I've tried powering up the drive and it make no strange noises, but
thats obviously no gaurantee the mechanism hasnt been damaged.

I just want to try using it in the interim as the drive it replacing is
itself on it last legs.
 
Rick said:
Just received a new 200GB HDD, only problem is some idiot at the
supplier (or maybe his distributor) has obvious dropped the drive!

The corner where the IDE connector is, is bashed in enough not only to
bend the metal casing but crack it slightly! It really looks like it
dropped from about 20ft onto a concrete floor.

Obviously I'm going to return it but as the supplier is now out of stock
for atleast a week. As this damage is preventing a data connector from
being inserted I was wondering if I were to bend the casing back so I
could insert the connector would the drive be likely to work?

I've tried powering up the drive and it make no strange noises, but
thats obviously no gaurantee the mechanism hasnt been damaged.

I just want to try using it in the interim as the drive it replacing is
itself on it last legs.
Click to expand...

Even if it works, are you willing to trust it with your information?
 
Rick said:
Just received a new 200GB HDD, only problem is some idiot at the
supplier (or maybe his distributor) has obvious dropped the drive!

The corner where the IDE connector is, is bashed in enough not only to
bend the metal casing but crack it slightly! It really looks like it
dropped from about 20ft onto a concrete floor.

Obviously I'm going to return it but as the supplier is now out of stock
for atleast a week. As this damage is preventing a data connector from
being inserted I was wondering if I were to bend the casing back so I
could insert the connector would the drive be likely to work?
Click to expand...

It could well do. Particularly if it was dropped on the corner,
and that just forced the head mechanism harder against the
stop its already on, it may not have damaged anything internally.

The main risk is that they wont replace it when it
obviously been molested by you after it was dropped.
I've tried powering up the drive and it make no strange noises, but
thats obviously no gaurantee the mechanism hasnt been damaged.
Click to expand...
I just want to try using it in the interim as
the drive it replacing is itself on it last legs.
Click to expand...

Might be worth it in the circumstances.
 
Previously Rick said:
Just received a new 200GB HDD, only problem is some idiot at the
supplier (or maybe his distributor) has obvious dropped the drive!
Click to expand...
The corner where the IDE connector is, is bashed in enough not only to
bend the metal casing but crack it slightly! It really looks like it
dropped from about 20ft onto a concrete floor.
Click to expand...

Compromising the seal? If to the drive is dead or will fail within
a short time.
Obviously I'm going to return it but as the supplier is now out of stock
for atleast a week. As this damage is preventing a data connector from
being inserted I was wondering if I were to bend the casing back so I
could insert the connector would the drive be likely to work?
Click to expand...

Don't do this. The pins have a tendency to break off and then
the vendor could claim you tampered with the drive and voided the
warranty.
I've tried powering up the drive and it make no strange noises, but
thats obviously no gaurantee the mechanism hasnt been damaged.
I just want to try using it in the interim as the drive it replacing is
itself on it last legs.
Click to expand...

Don't do it. Even though these HDDs are rated at 200G, significant
damage as you describe needs more than that.

Arno
 
Compromising the seal? If to the drive is dead or will fail within
a short time.
Click to expand...

No, it the black coloured metal on the bottom of the drive, the crack
goes no where near the seal (which seems intact).
Don't do this. The pins have a tendency to break off and then
the vendor could claim you tampered with the drive and voided the
warranty.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't have to touch the pins they are intact, although the plastic
round them is cracked in the corner.
Don't do it. Even though these HDDs are rated at 200G, significant
damage as you describe needs more than that.
Click to expand...

Thats why I asked. I dont think I'll risk it as I managed to borrow a
drive off a friend to use to backup my old failing drive until the
supplier pulls their finger out and gets me a replacement.

Thanks for responding anyhow.
 
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