24 October 2010
You might feel that all of your valuable data has been lost forever if you have a critical hard drive failure. But you may be able to get your data back by sending your faulty hard drive to a professional data recovery service. This will require that you remove the hard drive from your computer so that it can be shipped to them. This sounds like a daunting task, but you can easily remove a hard drive by using the proper tools and by following a few precautions.
Tools to remove a hard drive can be purchased from a local electronics or computer store.
Tools You Will Need
You will need some tools to remove the hard drive. These may include the following, depending on your computer model: a nut driver/socket set to remove the case screws; a nut driver/socket set or Phillips head screw driver to remove the screws that secure the drive to its bracket; and a grounding strap to keep static electricity from damaging your hard drive any further. All of these can be purchased at a local electronics or computer store. The store personnel can assist you in getting the correct tools.
Opening the Computer
After you have gathered your tools, the next step will be to remove the case of the computer to expose the internal components. Unplug the machine and remove all cables to the external components, such as the monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Disconnect any printers or other peripherals that are attached. Place the computer on a solid work space, like a table or workbench. Remove the screws securing the outer covers on the computer and remove the covers to expose the internal components. Consult your computer’s documentation for assistance.
Removing the Faulty Hard Drive
Attach the grounding strap around your wrist and secure the spring clip to the metal frame of the computer. You should also touch the metal housing of the power supply to drain off any static electricity. Locate your faulty hard drive. It will be a rectangular metal and plastic box with two connections attached to it. One will be the data cable, attached to the back; the other will be a power connector, usually with red, yellow, and black wires attached. While other components may look similar, it should be noted that the hard drive will not have an opening to the outside of the computer. CD drives and other components will have outer doors or slots. Again, consult your computer’s documentation for the exact location, but it should be easy to find.
Remove both cables by pulling on them gently but firmly. You may have to rock them back and forth a bit to get them started. Take note of their orientation for reinstallation of your new drive. You are now ready to remove the faulty hard drive. If the bracket is removable, you can remove its screws and remove it from the frame, then remove the drive from the bracket. If not, then remove the screws securing the hard drive to the bracket, usually two on each side, and carefully slide the drive from the mounting bracket and remove it from the computer.
Now your drive is removed and ready to be sent to us here at Kingdom Data Recovery to have your files, digital photos and important data recovered from it.
