Dropped Hard Drive - Is There a Chance to Recover the Data?

PatrickJChappell

Hey everyone, I ran into a problem with my external hard drive and could use some advice. I accidentally dropped my 1TB Seagate Backup Plus, and since then, it’s no longer detected by the computer. I can hear some unusual noises coming from inside - almost like something’s clinking or rattling.

I opened up the enclosure and found the internal drive is a Seagate ST1000LM035. I tried connecting it directly to my PC, but it’s still not recognized. I also noticed the heads are clicking.

Is dropped hard drive recovery possible for me? Has anyone dealt with something similar?

HopeInSleep

So if the heads are clicking, that’s usually a bad sign - like, not just a “try turning it off and on again” kinda thing. The old “palm rotation trick” (yeah, that one where you spin it like a fidget spinner and pray) probably won’t do much here.

What might help - assuming it’s not totally toast - is popping off the PCB and cleaning the contacts that go to the head stack (aka germblock). Just grab a plain eraser and gently rub the contacts. Sometimes it’s just oxidation messing things up, and that little trick can bring it back to life.

But honestly, from what you’re describing, it sounds like one of the heads is either dead or halfway there. So… yeah. Might be time to start prepping for data recovery options unless you’re feeling brave enough to swap parts (and possibly make it worse)

Nonprofitech

Yeah, the palm rotation trick can work if the heads are just stuck, but if it’s clicking… yikes 😬 that’s usually a bigger problem. Better not mess with it and just take it to the pros. Had the same thing happen to me - drive fell, heads got wrecked. Service center managed to recover everything, but man, the bill was like buying two brand new drives. at least I got the data back tho

KindnessCatalyst

If possible, try connecting the drive using a different adapter or enclosure - this can help rule out any interface-related issues. In some cases, the problem isn’t with the drive itself, but with the controller. However, if the drive continues to click, it’s likely a mechanical fault. One option might be to swap the board with one from an identical model, but this carries some risk and may not resolve the issue.

DanyOrtega89

Just a heads up - once you crack open a hard drive, your chances of getting the data back drop big time. If that seal’s broken, even a tiny speck of dust can mess up the platters for good. It’s super sensitive in there. That’s why a lot of legit data recovery places won’t even touch a drive if it’s already been opened. So honestly, if what’s on there matters, don’t mess with it yourself - let the pros handle it.

PatrickJChappell

Thanks for the suggestions! I tried connecting the drive directly to another computer and also tested it in a different enclosure, but no luck - the drive still clicks and isn’t detected.

I went ahead and tried cleaning the contacts on the PCB with an eraser, as you recommended. There was some visible oxidation, so I gave them a good clean. Unfortunately, even after reconnecting everything, the system still doesn’t see the drive.

At this point, it looks like the mechanical damage is more serious than I hoped. I’m leaning toward sending it to a data recovery service.

0neWire

PatrickJChappell It seems like professional help is the only real option here. Cleaning the pins won’t address the core issue - especially since the drive stopped working after being dropped. While oxidized contacts might have played a role, the fall is the more likely cause of failure. At this point, it’s best not to risk the data any further. I’d strongly recommend taking the drive to a professional.

oleksandr-lukashyn

This discussion confirmed that if a hard drive is clicking and not detected by the system, it’s likely a mechanical failure. Cleaning contacts and trying alternate connections didn’t help, and the issue couldn’t be resolved independently.

⚠️ In these cases, it’s best to leave the drive untouched and take it to a professional. Attempting to open the drive yourself will almost certainly make recovery impossible. If the data is important, don’t risk it — let specialists evaluate the drive and determine the best recovery option.