If you’re worried about an external hard drive malfunctioning, you can simply unplug it from your computer.
PCB - The circuit board (usually on the bottom of your hard drive) controls most of your hard drive’s functions, as well as translating hard drive information into readable information. Circuit boards are typically green. Platters - Thin disks that store data. Platters are responsible for most of the noise you hear when your hard drive starts up. Unless you’re a professional with access to a clean room and the necessary equipment, you won’t be able to fix your hard drive’s platters on your own. Head Assembly - The head assembly is what reads the data off of the platters. Again, you won’t be able to repair the head assembly without professional-grade experience and equipment.
For example: if your hard drive was making a clicking noise, it most likely has a problem with the head assembly. [2] X Research source Unfortunately, most problems that are diagnosable by the sound they cause will need professional care.
Even if you can get a quick fix to work, the effects are usually short-term. Your hard drive will still end up dying. [3] X Research source
Attempting to fix a dead hard drive will only lessen the chances of a professional being able to repair it. Even replacing the PCB board is an advanced exercise that requires knowledge of how to solder circuitry and purchase exact part replacements.
Best Buy - Best Buy’s “Geek Squad” branch handles data recovery. You can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to a little under $1500, depending on the severity of the hard drive’s damage. [6] X Research source Drive Savers - Drive Savers is a 24/7 customer service-based data recovery company with 30 years of experience. In addition to computer hard disk recovery, they can also recover smart phone and camera hard drives.
