External hard drive failure questions

by angelah100 Jun 13, 2007 10:17PM PDT

Hello,

I have a Dell XPS, WinXP SP2, 2GB RAM, and use a few external HD for storage and backup.

My LaCie 1.2TB external hard drive failed a few days ago. First indication was the backup software had an error msg that the drive was inaccessible. I can see the drive, but when I try to open it, I get a msg that it needs to be formatted. According to LaCie, this means that the contents are corrupted but most likely doesn't mean a hardware failure.

1st question: LaCie recommends software from Prosoft to recover data and they offer a discount. I can't find any reviews or anyone that has even tried it. I found a review of OnTrack EasyRecovery but this software is much more expensive ($199 vs $75). On this forum, one of the experts has repeatedly recommended GETDATABACK and Zero Assumption. These are less expensive (~$80). I don't mind paying a bit more if the more expensive software is more thorough. Does anyone have any experience with these software packages? Most of what is on the HD are backups, but I also have some digital video that I couldn't store elsewhere and would like to retrieve so that I don't have to get them off the original miniDV tapes again.

2nd question: What causes this kind of file corruption? I was using GenieSoft for backup but otherwise rarely accessing the drive. I usually leave it on. Is that a mistake?

3rd question: I'm going to purchase additional storage for additional backup capacity. I know all HD's can fail, but will I get better life from an internal HD mounted in an external enclosure versus a packaged external HD like the one I have?

Thanks -

Discussion is locked

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Why I note those.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 13, 2007 10:35PM PDT

You can download both and in their demo form you can test and see if you want to buy it. Some have insisted I tell them that it works before trying the demo. For those I have to sign off.

"2nd question: What causes this kind of file corruption? "

Simple things like using firewire on a PC, FAT32 volumes, overheating drive, drive failures, etc.

"3rd question: I'm going to purchase additional storage for additional backup capacity. I know all HD's can fail, but will I get better life from an internal HD mounted in an external enclosure versus a packaged external HD like the one I have?"

I can't help those that think firewire on PC... But hard disks do fail even when treated well so the lesson is about backup. Where is the backup?

I own a few externals. All except a few are off the shelf hard disks in big spacious cool 5 1/4 inch cases. They just sit and spin. Since these are connected to a PC I use USB 2.0. I also have them in NTFS format.

Bob

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Both programs show files to recover

by angelah100 Jun 14, 2007 12:17AM PDT

Thank you, Bob, for your quick reply!

I've run 2 software packages in "test", and they both show my video files as recoverable. I wasn't sure, however, if both would actually recover the files equally (could one recover the files but the files wouldn't work properly?).

I wasn't aware that using firewire to connect the HDs could lead to problems. I won't do that again. All my HDs are NTFS.

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Glad the demos show. How about this FREEBIE?

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 14, 2007 12:30AM PDT

Look up PC FILE INSPECTOR. If those demos worked, this freebie might.

As to whether the file works or not, we don't know until it's recovered.

As to Firewire, please keep that for your Mac connections. There are some that will take me to task over use on the PC but those should take it up with Richmond, WA (some company there). Linux seems fine with this so it's gotta be something about a window.

Best of luck,

Bob

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PC File Inspector

by angelah100 Jun 14, 2007 6:35AM PDT

Have used PC File Inspector in the past but it didn't work for me this time. Well, it found files but none of them would open!

Thanks for your help, Bob.

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Backup to external drive problem

by Naturalee1 Jun 15, 2007 7:51AM PDT

OK, I just got my external hard drive Maxtor 3200. Hooked up easily and download of my entire hard drive was done relatively easily in 1 1/2 hrs. But now I can't access the new external hard drive: I get a message that reads: "REMOVABLE STORAGE NOT RUNNING. The backup utility cannot connect to the removable storage service. This service is required for use of tape drives and other backup devices. Please exit and start the Removable Storage service using the Sytem Service function of the Management Console." What ...?????????
Help, please.

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What "BACKUP" program was used?

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 15, 2007 9:20AM PDT

Try the backup again but just copy the files next time i.e. no program involved.

Bob

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Bob - Thank you!

by Naturalee1 Jun 16, 2007 8:56AM PDT

That was easy! Thanks, Bob for your answer.

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Glad it helped. Here's a favorite of mine.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 16, 2007 9:13AM PDT

Look up SYNCBACK. It's capable of keeping my files in sync from main to other places including USB drives. Also I don't need Syncback to get at , use or restore my files.

Bob

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SAMSUNG USB EXTERNAL HDD

by zabat0rn Sep 18, 2007 11:39PM PDT

Hi!

My USB External HDD used to work just fine. However, after about 7 months of usage, my computer suddenly isn't able to read it anymore. I can see the disk when I click on the "Safely Remove Hardware" button but the drive doesn't show on Windows Explorer (and Explorer usually hangs).

I brought the drive back to the supplier and they replaced it as it was still under warranty. The replacement drive was OK for a few weeks but now, I am getting exactly the same problem as before. Can someone help me on what could be causing this? I just use my USB HDD as a back-up and never bring it outside our home. I just usually leave it on top of my printer with practically nothing else beside it (altough I also sometimes put my mobile phone and MP3 player on top of the same printer but these shouldn't cause any problems right?)

Please help... Thanks!

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Since you posted under this discussuon...

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 19, 2007 12:03AM PDT

I take it that you could use the above items or maybe not? If the above doesn't apply to you then you need to create your own new discussion.

Bob

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