My HDD failed (or is it the enclosure)

My mac can no longer mounts my external drive. I noticed this because of errors that the drive is read-only from Time Machine. The drive spins up as it normally has (though it seems loud, but that's how it's always sounded). How do I tell for sure that the drive is dead, and that it's not the external enclosure?

swobo04 wrote:
I've already tried using disk utility to repair the drive and it said it couldn't be repaired. Now the drive doesn't even show up in disk utility.
Then either the drive (most likely) or enclosure is toast.
Any other suggestions? Also, are there any 3rd party utilities that are free?
None that are any good. Repairing a corrupted file system is a very complex task. But if DU can't even see it, Disk Warrior (many say the "gold standard") almost certainly can't see it either.
What make is it, and how old? Some are warranted for 5 years.

Similar Messages

I upgraded my iBook G4 from 384MBytes to 640Mbytes and upgraded from Tiger to Leopard. After a few weeks the HDD failed. New Leopard install reports: "insufficient memory". I need Tiger install disks so I can install

I upgraded my iBook G4 from 384MBytes to 640Mbytes and upgraded from Tiger to Leopard.
After a few weeks the HDD failed. I bought a new disk, installed it and trued to install Leopard, but the install fails reporting "insufficient memory".
I assume the installation requires more memory than the OS actually needs to be able to run.
I need Tiger install CD/DVD so I can install Tiger first and then upgrade to Leopard.

Call Apple Customer Support 1-800-767-2775, provide the Serial Number and specifications of the Mac, and for a reasonable fee, they will supply a replacement set of system discs (if available).
The discs will be for the original version of the OS that was pre-installed when the Mac was manufactured.
You need much more RAM than that.
Leopard system requirements:
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP517

I am unable to install the complete MediaSmart Suite I once had before HDD fail.

My HDD failed a while ago, so i replaced it and installed all the required driver ect. needed for my notebook. Recently i wanted to install the mediasmart package i once had when I purchased the laptop. Upon doing so, I am unable to get it to install properly, as in such things like pandora wont work. I dont have all the options I once had when i purched the laptop like the DVD burner and such. I downloaded all the drivers for these programs, but only am able to install one thing and if i try to install another program, it uninstalls the one already on my pc.
Is there a suite or all in one package i can install all of the programs in one go or something.
If all else fails, i would just like to have the pandora program to work and thats it as i have other music programs on my pc.
thanks in advance.
HP DV7 2043cl
Windows 7 x64 Home Prem

Take a look at this document, which explains the proper methods to upgrade from Vista to Windows 7, and perhaps something that may help you straighten up your system.
Please let me know if it helps. Good luck!
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Why won't the SATA HDD fit into a hard drive enclosure?

So, I need to send my early 2011 MacBook Pro 13" to be repaired due to a power malfunction; the computer won't even recognize that the battery is there. Since Apple has no way of guarenteeing that they won't wipe my hard drive, I purchased a Sabrent 2.5" Hard Drive Enclosure so I can manually take out my hard drive and back it up on another computer (my Apple Care representative told me that this will not void the warranty). When I took my hard drive out, however, it wouldn't fit into the enclosure because there are pegs on the side of the drive that prevent it from properly sliding into the enclosure.
I'm thinking about just plugging in the bottom part (the USB connection to the computer) to the hard drive without putting it into the actual enclosure. The enclosure is just a tin case that will house the hard drive, so I can't see why just plugging the USB connection into the drive wouldn't work. But, I'm no computer expert so I'm not sure if this will fly. Will this pose any sort of risk to the hard drive? Does the hard drive absolutely need to be housed in the tin enclosure? Or can I just transfer all my data with the hard drive outside of the enclosure without any problems?
I'm pretty desparate, so any input would help. Thanks!

Those pegs are actually mounting screws & come off. You need a Torx T6 to remove them.

HDD Failed; How to recover? Free options?

Hi all -- I have never in 20 years had a HDD fail, but there is always a first time, and that first time for me was with my Toshiba Portege Z835-330 Ultrabook. Failed after 6 months. Rather than shipping in the whole computer for ~$40, I just bought a bigger HDD off of crucial.com. Problem is, I never made system recovery software.
Doing my research, I found the Toshiba recovery FAQ: http://bit.ly/ZrsXml. My HDD is toast, so the only option that looks like it applies to me is to buy new recovery software. (What a pain! And why isn't this downloadable for free upon typing in one's serial number! <end rant>)
So my questions are:
1) Is there any free option I am overlooking? E.g by using my Windows product key from the sticker on the back?
2) If there is no free option available to me, is the best path to order the DVD? Or is there some way to download the software and save on a USB? Would be awesome if I could do this today, while it is top of mind.
Many thanks!
--First time Toshiba purchaser

(ETA: This won't work for a dead SSD, but might for a conventional dead HDD, so I'll post it anyhow.)
Somebody on another forum was able to recover a dead Windows 7 HD's (conventional platter HD) files as follows:
Use a Linux PC, or a laptop or PC that can run Linux from a Linux live cd.   They used Linux Mint Debian but some other variety may work equally well.
Hook up the dead HD with a SATA to USB cable or an enclosure or whatever's on hand.
Use the Linux PC to read and copy files off of the dead HD to a DVD or USB flash drive or to the hard drive for later transfer to other media.   If you could read and copy that recovery partition (or is it two hidden partitions on a Toshiba?), then maybe it can be set up on a new HD?   (I haven't done it. I only read it, on the Internet.   lolz)
alternate:
You can get the Windows 7 SP1 operating system ISO file from Digital River free download (Google for it.) Burn to DVD, install, and then add all of the Toshiba stuff from Downloads at Toshiba.   Activation requires the key code from the sticker on the laptop. If you can't read it or don't have that, then you're outta luck.    You still won't have all of the MS Office & whatever apps came "factory," but at least you can run the laptop until you get a recovery disk set or USB drive.   Disk set is only $30 shipped.

Lenovo T410s recovery windows 7 failed to start after the system instalation.

I've got a problem with the laptop Lenovo T410s. I've put the new HDD on it (tried even the same with a different HDD too), and started to instal WIN 7 64-bit from the recovery disks. I used to do it many times so far with different Lenovo laptops without any problems. But this time, a while before the end of the instalation (when processing the sdrivebackup.wim) it stops and comes with a statement: " the recovery process has been finished, please ...." (but I see that the progres bar is far awayfrom 100%) , and finishes the instalation, reboot the computer and it comes the screen with the statement from the Windows Boot Manager:
"Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem (...)
File: \Windows\system32\winload.exe
Status: 0xc000000f
Info: The selected entrycould not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt"
I read a lot about the ways to solve similar problems, but they don't work on my case. The strange thing is, that I can instal WIN 8 or WIN7 from regular Windows instalation disks (not from Lenovo recovery, but from normal universal Windows instalation disks).
As I told before, I tried it in 2 different HDD disks with the same effect. It looks that the recovery instalation stops before the end without instaling some files which are missing later during starting the system.
Anybody can help me with that problem?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

It doesn't quite sound like it based on your reported error messages, but are you trying to do recovery to an advanced format HDD? (one with 4k-byte sectors)
I ran into that issue on a T400. The recovery media would run to completion then error out - with a somewhat different message IIRC.
There weren't appropriate drivers for an AF drive, and I couldn't find a solution. There's no way (that I know of) to inject drivers into recovery media the way one can with install media.
If this is an AF drive issue the only way to get around it may be to install to a non-AF drive (usually a small-ish one) and then clone to your new drive.
I may be totally off in left field here - just tossing it out as a possibility.
Z.
The large print: please read the Community Participation Rules before posting. Include as much information as possible: model, machine type, operating system, and a descriptive subject line. Do not include personal information: serial number, telephone number, email address, etc. The fine print: I do not work for, nor do I speak for Lenovo. Unsolicited private messages will be ignored. ... GeezBlog
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I think my HDD is dead - stuck at the grey screen, with the apple logo ..

Hi all,
I think my Mbp's HDD has partially failed. It is the original 100gig drive , which was 95% full.
It started getting incredibly slow so I decided to reboot it. It has not been possible to boot.
I have managed to connect the internal drive to another mac using FireWire and T on startup.
The drive shows up and the data can be accessed albeit slowly.
I tried to repair the drive in disk utility and it came up with a lot of " invalid node structures" and " invalid record counts".
The disk utility seemed to not complete the process so I had to quit it.
I can't boot from the cd , but I may be doing it wrong.
Can anyone help me with the next thing to try?
Thanks.

Slow access even with Target Disk Mode (TDM) can indicate a failing drive, but it's possible that drive can be rehabilitated by continuing to off-load files and keep trying with Disk Utility. Sometimes, enough DU runs can restore sanity.
I'd check the SMART status first (try: SMART Utility at Apple OSX Downloads ). This can be done from the other Mac while the MBP is in TDM. If the drive passes and you can off-load some of the load, then a directory repair utility like DiskWarrior might be worth a try.
However DiskWarrior is US$100 and you can get a new 500GB SATA 2.5" hard drive for less than that. The advantage to disk Warrior is that it's easier to install in an MBP than a new hard drive.

My Mac HDD failed and I lost all my iTunes purchases... anything I can do?

My two month old Macbook HDD failed and I lost everything (no I hadn't backed up yet)... all my iTunes music purchases went with the HDD... is there any way I can download them again?
Regards
Shane

The policy is normally you can download once and only once and you are supposed to back up your purchases. However Apple has been known to make exceptions if you state your case and have a good reason why you need to redownload. I would hope that because your new MacBook failed that would be a good excuse since it is completely reasonable to expect to have some time to arrange to get an external drive or whatever to backup as you wouldn't be expecting a drive failure on a new Apple machine.
Good luck,
Patrick

HDD Failed, how to copy restore partition to new HDD?

Hallo,
I have a Compaq Mini netbook, with Windows 7 Starter.
The HDD failed and it's not repairable. However, it seems that the recovery partition is OK.
I want to buy a new HDD, install the driver on the netbook and then use the recovery partition/tools in order to install windows 7 on the new PC.
So, the question is simple: How do I copy recovery partition to the new HDD?
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hello s91066.
So your hard drive on your notebook has failed? If this is the case what do you mean by the "recovery partition is ok?" I doubt that this notebook has two hard drives so if you're able to see this partition your hard drive may still be working.
You'll need a set of recovery discs to restore the partitions on the new hard drive. If you're able to boot into Windows, which you probably can't with a dead hard drive, you can follow these steps if you can get into Windows.
If you can not boot into Windows you need a set of discs. You can order these directly from HP. The number for the US/Canada is 1-800-474-6836. If you're in another area you'll need to visit HP Support Worldwide to get your area's contact information.
I hope this is helpful; have a great weekend!
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Click the "Accept as Solution" button if I resolve your issue.

Spinning wait cursor and HDD failing

I got spinning wait cursor sometimes since a month ago. When the first time I check disk utility SMART status was ok. Yesterday SMART status was failing and it said I have hardware problem can't be repaired. Apple charged me 177 plus tax for replace HDD.
My question is what is the cause? Failing HDD causes of spinning ball or spinning ball causes of hdd failing( because I had to hold power button to shutdown when its freezing).
Do I need to ask Genius bar about spinning ball or replace HDD gonna fix that problem?
Any idea to avoid of HDD failing?
Sorry for my bad English. Thank you!!!

The failing hard drive caused the 'spinning cursor' (beachballing).
You should have no problems with a new HD.
Clinton

GX620 HDD failed, where to find machine image as download?

My neighbor's hard drive failed (or it's the controller, but the HDD just clicks and the BIOS won't see it and I get a PXE-E61: Media test failure) and they did not make backups of the machine images from the image partition (at least, Google leads me to believe that's where it's at).
Where/how can I download the image for them so I don't have to go through the grind of reinstalling EVERYTHING for them? It's Christmas, someone take pity on the nice guy!
Thanks in advance,
Eric

Thanks, dude, I'm with you.
For my own machines, they get wiped and reinstalled. I've upgraded many Vista machines to XP after fighting with Vista all the way through SP1. Someone remind me why I waited so long again? I'd upgrade my wife's too if I had a license of XP Tablet laying around.
http://dotnet.org.za/codingsanity/archive/2007/12/14/review-windows-xp.aspx
However, this is my neighbors' machine, they're far from power users, and predominately surf the web and run MS Office apps, so the default image should be fine and will save me chasing down any drivers (google seems to indicate some of the drivers are elusive - we'll see). Not sure I want to invest 3-5 hours customizing it for them, as much as I love them.
They didn't get any discs, just the machine, the backpack, etc.
I'll have to borrow a buddy's MSDN to get the OEM version of Vista and use the SerNo on the bottom of the machine since all my other machines came with images and not the real dealio. I have tons of original XP, NT, 95, etc. disks in the library, but no Vista.
No response from support yet. Never heard of MSI before my neighbors asked me to look at it last night, we'll see where we end up. Looks like a decent machine, found it interesting the BIOS' minimum overclocking was 15%. LOL

Dv6 HDD failed short test, was able to factory restored to create USB MR but not working

HP Pavilion dv6-6c35dx (Refurbished)
Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Error: The system recovery discs do not support this computer.
You are not able to restore this system with these discs.
I have not upgraded any hard ware on the laptop,
One day my laptop did not started and only showed a black screen, after doing all tests from the HP Advance System Diagnostics. it showed that the HDD fail the Short DST (wich indicated that the HDD wasnt good anymore or it was about to die, wich I hoped it was this last explanation as I never created a revovery disc for this laptop.
"Hard Disk Test
Testing Drive: 1
HD SMART Check: Passed
HD Short DST: Failed
Failure ID: 60F0XF-0006MM-PXGK01-60V703
Product ID: A6Y53UAR#ABA
Hard Disk 1"
I did a factory restored to see if it can revived it and it worked so I was able to create a USB Recovery Media successfully.
Ordered a replacement HDD (actually the Seagate Hybrid 750 GB 7500 rpm SSD/HDD Momentus XT)
Once got the new HDD I installed it, booted the laptop from the USB Stick containing the Recovery Media, but got the error: "The system recovery discs do not support this computer.
You are not able to restore this system with these discs."
when visiting the HP support site, It tells me the following
"This error can occur due to the following conditions:
Using the wrong recovery discs, such as those that were created or ordered for another computer." (not my case)
"The configuration data on the motherboard or hard drive was not correctly configured at the factory when the computer was manufactured." (might be but will explain what I think about this one)
"The motherboard on your computer was replaced with a motherboard that is not the same replacement part. If so, you must install a new operating system or replace the motherboard with an original type." (same as 2nd explanation)
The first explanation is not my case because I did created the recovery media from the same laptop "Computer"
The 2nd and 3rd Might explained why I cannot use the USB Recovery Media, but I shouldnt had the same issue when doing the Factory Restore from the factory or refurbisher installed HDD? since it basically install all drives and software nedded for the laptop to work? ( I consider myself as an average computer user, not ignorant but and expert )

Hi:
Sometimes the recovery media doesn't work for one reason or another and there is no one size fits all answer.
As i see it you have two options:
1. Order a set of recovery disks from HP.
2. Make your own plain W7 installation media if you can read all 25 characters of the W7 product key on the bottom of your notebook.
Option 2 will normally give you a much peppier PC, free of bloatware, but you will not have any of the programs that came with your PC that you may want.
Or you can use option 2 to get your PC up and running until your set of HP disks arrive.
Here are the instructions to do that if you want.
Download the W7 Home Premium SP1 64 bit iso file from the link below and follow the instructions to use the Microsoft ISO to USB tool.
Make sure you get the whole file to download. Make a note of the advertised size and compare that with the actual file that downloaded. Sometimes it states the download was complete but the whole file isn't there.
Use the Windows 7 USB/DVD installation tool to compile the ISO file you download from Digital River. Link below. You need a 4 GB flash drive to use the USB method of compilation.
http://download.cnet.com/Windows-7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool/3000-18513_4-10972600.html
Use the 25 character product key on the PC to activate the installation.
The key will activate either a 32 or 64 bit installation.
Then go to the PC's support and driver page to install the drivers and available software you need.
Link to the W7 ISO file downloads is below.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/14709-Windows-7-Digital-River-direct-links-Multiple-Languag...

HDD failed ?

Hello,
i have a problem with my MacbookPro 13 (2.4,4gb,250gb hdd).
I had a gig at new years eve and used my MBP for it. When it was over, i disconnected my usb audio interface and my power cable.
Tomorow morning when i woke up, i opened my MBP and got the kernel panic screen. Restarted my mac and i could not boot up into OS X again.
I tried resetting PRAM and NVRAM and nothing happened. Then i tried to repair permissions and repair the disk in Disk Utility and got an error saying it cant Unmount.Tried to boot to Safe mode and got an kernel panic screen. Later i tried to format my disk and got an error saying erase failed.
In Verbose mode i get " disk0s2 : i/o error" and "SATA WARNING : enable drive phy pm failed"
Is my HDD failing and i need to get an new one?
Thanks....

Hi and welcome to the forum!
If you created recovery discs you can use them, if not there also an option to buy them from lenovo.
Hope this helps.
Maliha (I don't work for lenovo)
ThinkPads:- T400[Win 7], T60[Win 7], IBM 240[Win XP]
IdeaPad: U350
Apple:- Macbook Air [Snow Leopard]
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External HDD Fails to be Mounted

What can I do when an external HDD fails to be mounted? It's still spinning.

(My cat just landed on my computer desk) I mean this drive holds my entire 3000-song iTunes and my 2002-2007 iPhoto libraries. I was trying to deal with a difficult system problem and finally had to back up everything and reinstall OS X. Now that this 500GB drive alone has my iTunes and iPhoto libraries I must retrieve the data somehow. Personally invaluable assets. Otherwise I would just wipe the slate clean.

Possible HDD Failing?

hello
recently my powerbook g4 has been just compleatly out of wack. one day out of nowhere the comp froze up and turned off upon restart i got the folder/os face thing flashing icon and it stood that way for a few mins befre i turned it off again. i poped in the orig CD's the comp came with and my hdd was not detected as the usual "Macintosh HD" but as Disk03 or something like that. i tried to repair under DU but it kept giveing same error "reapir failed repoted failure on exit" so what i just did since i have all my stuff already backed up on a ext HDD i just wiped and re-installed OS X once that was done it work perfectly again as a matter of fact even better than before but then only after one day of use it froze again and turned off. pulled up DU again and the HDD was visiblestill but listed as "Unmounted" i tried mounting it again but it would not do anything so once again i wipedand re installed OS X and it work perfect again but it seams that it cant last more tan 1 day before the HDD unmounts itself and i would have to re install OS all over again.this past week i have re installed OSX more that 10 times. any fix for this? would a new HDd solve my problem or is there something else i should be looking at? please hep!

Hi, Osvaldo. Yes, replace the hard drive.

My HDD failed (or is it the enclosure)

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