After the fall, the user reconnected the disk to the computer to check its functionality. It sounds logical, but starting a hard drive after a fall is often the worst thing a user can do for their valuable data. Inside the hard drive, there are usually 1-5 data platters and 2-10 magnetic heads, among other components, but these mentioned are critical. If they function properly, they maintain a precise position relative to each other, and the magnetic heads retract to a safe position away from the data platters when the drive is turned off, and they never touch the data platters. If the hard drive falls, the user cannot even guess what happened inside.

The magnetic heads may become misaligned, bent, twisted, or positioned in highly unusual ways. Sometimes, the problem may also involve the data platters at this point, but not necessarily. If the user did not turn on the disk at this time and instead handed it to a data recovery specialist (complete with a description of the problem), the chances of data recovery are decent. In 99% of cases, however, the user turns on the disk, which can lead to serious or even fatal damage to the data platters and thus the user's data.

This case was no exception. The hard drive arrived in poor condition, and attempting to recover the data required a complete disassembly of the disk, inspection of the data platters, the use of new magnetic heads, and other parts, followed by a combination of interventions into the service data of the disk's electronics and the disk itself.

Medium: Seagate ST1000LM048
Capacity: 1 TB
Problem: Hard drive non-functional after fall, data inaccessible
Solution: Complete analysis of the disk, replacement of magnetic heads, hardware and software interventions
Result: Good, many data recovered, some data however were irretrievably damaged

The outcome of the data recovery from the Seagate disk was quite good compared to initial expectations. Some data was recovered, but it required a lot of human and technological effort. Some data could not be recovered, but the user was satisfied with the result.

If you have experienced a similar problem and your hard drive has fallen to the ground, do not hesitate to contact us to arrange a free diagnosis. With the right steps, you can save many valuable data!