Photos & Pictures Of Failed Hard Disk Drives

Below is a collection of failed HDD hard disk drives that we have seen over the years

I hope you enjoy these pictures and get reminded that unfortunately people had important data that they were hoping to get recovered

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Click on an image for a larger view

Do it yourself hard drive repair & the risks

Please: Evaluate this site Before attempting any form of self data recovery or hard drive repair

What is the problem?

Does the hard drive spin?

If so does it click?

Does the armature kick out?

Do the hard drives heads vibrate to initiate?

Is there an odd smell to the drive?

If it doesn't spin do you here a slight or faint ticking sound?

Does the BIOS see the hard drive?

Does the BIOS see the hard drive as the correct model?

Are there funny characters showing on boot?

Does the operating system blue screen?

Important things you should be aware of before you do anything to a suspected failed hard drive

Static discharge will kill a hard drive when handling... especially the internal components

Dust will destroy your data... DO NOT OPEN! In my experience I see so many hard drives destroyed by helpful neighbors when the problem was not situated internal of the hard drive assembly. Just because it clicks doesn't always represent an internal failure.

Swapping the electronics runs the risk of further damage, especially if the revision number of the PCB is different.

You will have a greater success of data recovery with less risk if the original electronics is repaired.