Hard Drive Crash - Data Recovery Recommendations

So I have tried all I could think of (other than actually do the drive head replacement from the clone I bought), and am ready to give up since the wife is requesting my presence with the guests.

I might try that operation next week but after watching some more youtube since I have learned that there are some nuances to handling the heads with caution.

Or give drive savers a call and send it to them; looks like they have free estimates.

Merry Christmas POTN!!!

Good luck. And instead of those 2 8TB drives, I would get 4 4TB, 2 of them in your PC, other two in separate RAID/NAS enclosure or even a USB enclosures and separate from the PC.

I use 4 drives. One C:, one secondary mirrored inside the computer case. Two backups in USB enclosures. I try to keep one off-site, but not working means about the best I can do is put it in my car.

EDIT:
Forgot, I keep a 5th drive (same exact disk as C: ) with the OS installed and ready to go. If my primary fails, I can be up and running (and in need of updates) in about 3 minutes.

For those unsure on how to backup, I recommend Macrium Reflect Free.

http://www.macrium.com​/reflectfree.aspx

A good tutorial is this book. A bit expensive, but very helpful.

https://www.amazon.com …&keywords=Macri​um+Reflect

There is an e-version of the book for 10 bucks less.

I know nothing about it, but someone on another forum was successful using EaseUS data recovery.

txphotographer wrote in post #18223462
I know nothing about it, but someone on another forum was successful using EaseUS data recovery.

EaseUS Data Backup & Recovery has worked for me most times. Version 10 exists indeed even in a free version (some limitations apply). But to recover, the idea is that you took the bother to save the stuff previously on disk or USB drive or on a location on your network. Failing that, once the damage is done the tool will not accomplish the expected miracle.

It's been a while since I reviewed the on-line backup solutions. But when I did a few years ago I decided on Crashplan. The things I liked about it were: unlimited backup storage for a low fixed price, ability to backup to cloud storage, a local drive, and either another remote PC's drive simultaneously, option to have your data shipped back to you on an external HDD in the event of complete system crash, and support for Windows and MacOSX. I've been using it for four years or so and it has worked brilliantly.

The only shortcomings with Crashplan is it will not backup to a NAS appliance and backing up NAS volumes from a Windows PC is not fully supported.

In addition to Crashplan, I have a script setup to automatically copy all my data to a NAS appliance once a week, and also perform a full image via Macrium Free twice a year.

Regarding the stuck heads part of your problem - have you tried putting the drive in the freezer? That sometimes allows "stiction" problems to be overcome.

Yes, I have tried that not once, but twice .. did not work

alphamalex wrote in post #18225186
Yes, I have tried that not once, but twice .. did not work

Ah. Too bad. Well then I'm afraid that any further down the road of DIY greatly decreases the chances for a professional recovery. There are techniques that can be done at home but I can't recommend them - and the tools and materials are hard to come by with a steep learning curve. I'm afraid you are going to have to send it out - but perhaps ask a local computer shop if they have a relationship with someone like Kroll. I know that OnTrack sometimes has $500 coupons or at the very least will waive the diagnostic charge if sent through an authorized partner. Might be worth asking about if there is a shop that you feel you can trust. NOT emphatically NOT anyone like Geek Squad.

FYI

I have many terabytes of disks and data. I use Storagecraft.com to backup my system.

I run a weekly full backup and incrementals twice daily. You can set up backup schedules anyway you like. Even incrementals every couple of minutes if desired.

Also run 2 separate monthly backups to other hard disks. They are remote from the PC. Locals are also rotated offsite. Basically I can recover work out to a half days work and 3 versions back.

The first day I got the software, I tested it. A complete backup and a bare metal recovery. Absolutely solid solution.