Slightly different "dead hard drive" thread

I had my music folder in a secondary hard drive and on my iPod. My iTunes was installed on the primary hard drive. I lost my iPod (fell out of my pocket in a taxi, which drove off as I was trying to grab it) and then the secondary hard drive died. I now have a full installation of iTunes with all the playlists, songs, rankings, etc listed that I used to have, but iTunes' playlists all point to files that aren't there.
I had thought that since I had two copies of the files, I was OK for backup purposes (iPod Agent, etc), but I now have a copy of iTunes that lists over 700 purchased songs, and iTunes can't find any of them (since the hard drive is gone), and I can't restore them from my iPod (because that iPod quickly became a present to some cabbie's teenage daughter--hope she likes ska :-\ ). I've tried the basic home techniques to save the drive (including putting it in the freezer), but have had no success. Are my only options 1) repurchase of lost songs, and 2) professional data restoration?
If I have to repurchase the songs, is there any easier way than going through my old "purchased" playlist song by song? I don't really want to spend $700, but I really don't want to spend it one dollar at a time for my whole weekend...
And yes, I've since bought an big ol' external backup drive to prevent this happening in the future.
XP & Ubuntu Windows XP

Also:
If I'm not going to be tied to the .m4p's iPod exclusivity, is there any reason for me to pay for another iPod?

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Extended Hardware Test - can this miss a dead hard drive?

Hello,
I am having all kinds of problems with my computer since installing a recommended update last week. I cannot fully restart it, cannot make repairs with disk utility, and cannot reinstall OS X to the harddrive volume because it doesn't list any available volumes. My hardware profile, as listed in the Hardware Test utitily, is as follows:
Product: MacBook
Mac Model: MacBook 2, 1
CPU type: Intel Core 2 Duo
Number of cores: 2
CPU Speed: 2 GHz
L2 CPU Cache (shared): 4mb
Boot Rom version: MB21.882.00A5.B07.0706270922
System Serial #: xxxxxxxxxxx
SMC version: 1.1780
Memory:
Overview: 1024 MB
(details about RAM)
I ran the hardware test, choosing to perform extended testing (took ~40 minutes), and the result was "No trouble found." I noticed there is no mention of hard drive space - should there be? This information doesn't show up anywhere in the disc utility diagnostics/profile - leading me to the thing the harddrive is busted - but the hardware test found no problems. Is it possible for the hard drive to be busted but the hardware test to not recognize this? Any suggestions? [I posted a more detailed, general inquiry over here: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7873412&tstart=0 without much luck.]
Thank you!

Ok so I haven't received any helpful information on the question of whether or not Apple Hardware Test can fail to recognize a dead hard drive... can anyone recommend a replacement hard drive? I believe I need a 2.5" internal SATA, can anyone confirm this for me? Thank you!!!

I imported pics to catalogs on different external hard drives. Later renamed external HDs. I want to combine catalogs and have my source (NEF) files all together on one drive. Can I merge cats and will new path to source files be correct if when inporti

I imported different trips to different catalogs on different external hard drives. Later renamed external HDs. I want to combine catalogs and have my source (NEF) files all together on one drive. I’m not really sure how to get those source files back and get rid of the extra long path to where the source files are now located. If I re-link files to their current catalog (many different paths to files in same catalog) can I merge (import catalogs) into one master catalog? Will the new (Master catalog) have the correct link to the source file? If not, how or can this be done?
I have tried to explain my situation as clearly as I can. Do you understand my situation?
This maybe something you don’t have time to help me with. If not can you suggest somewhere I can get an answer? I really need help. PLEEEZZZ HELP ME.
Bruce Schuerman
Norman, OK
405_514-4875 (call collect)
[email protected]

I imported different trips to different catalogs on different external hard drives. Later renamed external HDs. I want to combine catalogs and have my source (NEF) files all together on one drive. I’m not really sure how to get those source files back and get rid of the extra long path to where the source files are now located. If I re-link files to their current catalog (many different paths to files in same catalog) can I merge (import catalogs) into one master catalog? Will the new (Master catalog) have the correct link to the source file? If not, how or can this be done?
I have tried to explain my situation as clearly as I can. Do you understand my situation?
This maybe something you don’t have time to help me with. If not can you suggest somewhere I can get an answer? I really need help. PLEEEZZZ HELP ME.
Bruce Schuerman
Norman, OK
405_514-4875 (call collect)
[email protected]

I imported different trips to different catalogs on different external hard drives. Later renamed external HDs. I want to combine catalogs and have my source (NEF) files all together on one drive. I'm not really sure how to get those source files back

I imported different trips to different catalogs on different external hard drives. Later renamed external HDs. I want to combine catalogs and have my source (NEF) files all together on one drive. I’m not really sure how to get those source files back and get rid of the extra long path to where the source files are now located. If I re-link files to their current catalog (many different paths to files in same catalog) can I merge (import catalogs) into one master catalog? Will the new (Master catalog) have the correct link to the source file? If not, how or can this be done?
I have tried to explain my situation as clearly as I can. Do you understand my situation?
This maybe something you don’t have time to help me with. If not can you suggest somewhere I can get an answer? I really need help. PLEEEZZZ HELP ME.
Bruce Schuerman
Norman, OK
405_514-4875 (call collect)
[email protected]

Is there any solution (other than buying
I really think 'buying' is the best solution on this one. Ideally, you would have at least five internal hard drives.
System
Projects
Cache/Scratch
Media
Exports
Use externals and network drive only for backup.

Dead hard drive after one 1/2 years

My ibook G4 stopped reading discs about 4 months ago, when the computer was about 9 months old. I was unable to bring in for help until recently, thinking it was not a huge deal. Now the computer at 1 1/2 years old, has a dead hard drive. Because I couldn't back up, I have to get data retrieval and a new hard drive. Because the lame warranty is up, I have to pay $600 dollars to essentially fix a brand new computer. Upset is not the word. It seems quite neglible that a company can make a $2000 item that starts dying essentially after 6 months of use.
The computer was used to write papers and do bookkeeping, this was not an abusive over use.
Any opinions out there? Is this "normal?"
I couldn't bring the computer in, due to a loss in my family, and school, etc...had I known it was much more than a virus, surely I would have! The lesson of a back up is also lost...because I was unable to back up, that is why I brought the computer in.....the day before I went for maintanence, ironically the computer wouldn't start.....

I am sorry to hear that you've had such a bad experience. We all have life situations that make it difficult for us to make things happen sometimes. It's all about your priorities. Obviously the problems on your computer were not important enough at the time to pay attention to. AppleCare was available to you within your first year which would have extended your warranty.
All electronic products generally come with a one year warranty. If your TV goes buggy within it's first year you would probably bring it in for repair. Afterwards it's your responsibility to repair or replace.
Again sorry to hear you've had such a bad experience but I don't know that their's much you can do aside from making sure you let Apple know. It seems to be a common occurance on these boards and if there is a growing trend to failing HD maybe Apple will do something.

Dead Hard Drive on Black MacBook

Can any one give any pointers as to how to replace a dead hard drive in a (approximately) two year old Black MacBook? Service guy trying to charge me £250+ to do it.
Any help would be most appreciated.

It's super easy.
Go here and buy this HHD (I have bought 3 of them for my Mac laptops)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314
Go here for simple instruction on installing it.
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbook13_memhd/
One thing to remember is to re-format the HHD once installed using your install Disk #1. Reformat using GUID. Very simple to do. Can be installed in less than 10 minutes with the right tools (highly recommend buying the from OWC), and another few hours to reinstall everything.
Right tools from here.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/TOOLKIT11/
Message was edited by: D/FW

How do I recover data from my dead hard drive?

How do I recover data from my dead hard drive?

Is it dead or corrupt? There are recovery programs out there, however if your HD is head, paying pros to do data recovery is VERY costly. Some have removed the platters and installed them in likewise drives that dont have head crashes, but torque tolerances are tight, and doing it right is a bit advanced and tricky for most. Ive done HD disk swaps 4 times and had success 3 of the 4 times. It requires cannibalizing another working HD. In the future remember the golden rule, 2 copies is 1, and one is NONE.
Its likely you could find a local computer repair station that can do it for you cheaply. HD dont really "die", they have fried SATA bus, or crashed HEADS........the platters DO demagnatize over long time due to heat and degauss of the data (poor storage, etc).........but in specific, a HARD DRIVE DOESNT DIE ,.........only the flying head mechanisms that read and write the data, and SATA / bus that feeds the data DIES,.......but the data (unless corrupt or magnetically corrupted) is THERE

Can't install OS X after replacing dead hard drive

Hello-
Today I replaced the dead hard drive (Genius bar-confirmed) on my MacBook.
The replacement itself was uneventful.
When I tried to load OS X, I reached the page that asks me which language I want, but that was as far as I could go. I received a warning: "ALERT--this software can't be installed on this computer". I backed out and went into Disk Utility, and YES--it recognized the new hard drive (although there was a line somewhere about "unformatted"). The new drive is a SATA 2.5" Fujitsu 7200 rpm drive. The Genius Bar guy said to definitely get a SATA 2.5".
Any suggestions, please?
Much appreciated.
THANK YOU.

Well. I've checked out all the Fujitsu drive reports here and see no problems...
http://forums.xlr8yourmac.com/drivedb/action.lasso?-search
On the off chance, have you tried a PRAM Reset or whatever passes for a PMU Reset these days?

Can I use imac 2007 which have dead hard drive as a Mac mini display

Can I use imac 2007 which have dead hard drive as a Mac mini display

If just the hard drive is defective you could mke a bootable USB thumb drive or bootable Firewire HD. Not sure of the connecting cables for the monitor functions. This could provide the functions though.
http://www.screenrecycler.com/ScreenRecycler.html

T43 - Recovery from dead hard drive

I have a T43 (2686-DJU) with hard drive failure (noticed for the first time with an error message on start-up saying "media test failure, check cable ... operating system not found". After discussion with the Lenovo support folks they confirmed the hard drive needed replacement, and I have ordered a new one (part 13N6917) - I am wondering how I go about getting the new one up and running as well as rescue and recovery since I was not smart enough to make a rescue CD. Should I order one? Is there some way to pull recovery info off of my mostly dead hard drive?
I apoligize for what I presume are pretty basic questions - maybe someone can just point me to a resource that I have simply not found yet.
Many thanks.
mjeastman

My hard drive failed completely and the Apple Store offered to "try" to recover it for $2000+. I went to a company called ProSoft http://www.prosofteng.com/ and they were very helpful. They sold me some software for around $100 to recover all of the data. It took over a week for the software to run correctly, but I got EVERYTHING back and ProSoft was so helpful with all of my questions.
Good Luck

HT1386 My hard drive died and I need to resync my iPad. Will just following the initial instructions resync my iPad and restore all my information or do I need to try to recover the iPad file from the dead hard drive?

My hard drive died and I need to resync my Ipad. Will following the initial instructions for syncing work or do I need to restore my original files from the dead hard drive.

If the hard drive that crashed is the one that stored the itunes library, be sure to restore the library from Time Machine (mac) or whatever backup you use on windows. That will get back your music. I suspect that the replacement drive has an empty itunes library and thus, perhaps, the itunes match used that to sync to its servers.
Try posting in the iTunes Match forum, you'll probably find more knowledgeable folks there.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/itunes/itunes_match

Replaced dead hard drive reinstalled my mac 08 software will not restart for update

replaced dead hard drive reinstalled my mac 08 software will not restart for update

idk im not a computer tech im running on 08 software mac osx 10.5.2 ok now i replaced my hard drive ok now im trying to up date it goes to the agreement I agree and it tells me it has to shut down to download but instead of restarting it goes to download and and download stops half way can u help
what my prob is

How do recover license of CS6 suite from dead hard drive??

Dear Gang
Does anyone know how do recover license (aka deactivate) of CS6 suite from dead hard drive??

You'll have to contact web chat to get it deactivated. Link at the bottom of this page:
Adobe ID, sign in, and account help

Dead hard drive or software problem

Hello Everyone!!
I recently picked used 600 Mhz iMac
It came with 10.3 installed, wanted to install 10.2.8 and the computer crashed when I started off the 9.1 install CD
After the crash, the computer would not start up off the hard drive, and I've tried several different installation CD's (including a 10.3 installer) and the hard drive does not even show up in the Disc Utility.
My first thought maybe my hard drive is dead, but the more I think about it the more I think that it must be some sort of software problem (i.e. data corruption on the drive or something). I mean, I don't believe it's even possible that a computer crash could kill a hard drive!
But from there, I'm lost!
I've reset the PRAM, and that didn't work. The only other thing I can think of is something like Norton Utilities.
Does anybody have any suggestions?
Best Regards,
Bryan

Bryan,Welcome to Discussions.
If the hard disk isn't showing in Disk Utility I would suspect the drive is dead or not connected properly - given it's age probably the former - although if's the machines been movede around a bit you could crack the case and check all the connections. Whilst I agree that a crash shouldn't kill a hard disk - a hard disk dying would cause a crash.
I, any many other's here, would counsel against using Norton on an OS X machine - Norton doesn't know and understand OS X structures and can cause serious issues.
Probably time for a new HDD.
mrtotes

Growling Powerbook - dead hard drive?

Hope someone can help with this. Basically about six months ago the PB started growling intermittently, and was stopped simply by tilting the PB slightly. Then for ages it didn't do it at all, and put it down to 'one of those things'.
In the last couple of weeks or so it started again, and today pretty much stopped being intermittent and became permanent bar for getting the machine in some ludicrous upside down position, and even then only for seconds - so basically is currently unusable.
When it growls, the beachball spins, and nothing responds.
My best guess is that it's a dead or dying hard drive - it's about 3.5 yrs old, and has been used exhaustively on a daily basis - so I can accept that it's wear and tear.
Fortunately I've been making regular back ups suspecting that this day was on it's way.
I guess I'm just trying to suss out now if it is most likely to be the hard drive, rather than, say, the board?
It's an 80GB HD, with 1GB RAM, and around 20gigs free.
Any pointers on this appreciated.

You may be able to find a local computer shop that'd be willing to take a stab at doing the repairs, or you could ask Apple itself for an estimate of what they're likely to charge for that kind of thing.
I would definitely study the instructions carefully before attempting to replace the hard drive in a laptop for yourself. The RAM is designed to be easily accessed/removed/replaced by a user for the powerbook, but the hard drive isn't. That doesn't mean that it's impossible to reach it, just that there's going to be more finesse involved. Find a guide that has pictures, preferably, so you can have a real sense of what you'll be getting into and whether you feel comfortable that you can do it, or if you'd feel safer paying more for someone else to.
I can't say that I've ever replaced the hard drive in my powerbook, but typically hard drives are one of the easiest parts to swap in and out on a computer, because their behavior in relation to the rest of the computer is very well standardized (in contrast to say... graphics cards, which need special drivers and still may not work properly after they've gotten them).
Typically, you can just swap the other hard drive into the system, attach the cords, insert the install CD, and away you go.
What I would suggest first, however, is that you see whether your computer can be coaxed into booting off of a "LiveCD". There are several operating systems (versions of Linux and BSD especially) where you can boot and run the entire system off of the CD or DVD rather than the installed system on the hard drive. (Often this is used to either repair a system or to test for hardware compatibility). At the very least, if the boot process can run from a liveCD all right, that'll be an indication that the other components in your laptop are still working properly.

Slightly different "dead hard drive" thread

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