How Many Computers?

[QWERTY Pi]

My two year old HP's hard drive crashed last weekend. I have a good backup system, but it will take most of tomorrow to get back up! I didn't think about it but SSD drives are almost impossible to recover data.

I'm considering going back to pen and paper until all my software needs are cloud based!

HDDs are usually easier to recover. Did you run a chkdsk to mark bad sectors? Assuming you're using Win OS. (Command prompt as admin, then no quotes, " chkdsk /r C: " , replace C: with whichever drive failed). That will mark bad sectors and hopefully keep things spinning. Sorry if that sounds too elementary.

If the HDD isn't spinning then you may have bigger problems. You def. want to check your SATA and Power cables (spending a few bucks for a new cable may be all you need!). If its spinning, try using a bootable RUFUS iso, with an application like EaseUS, System RescueCD. If you're buying a new drive I highly recommend the M.2 SSDs. They make regular SSDs seem 'slow'. As you mentioned, SSDs are more tricky to recover data so always keep an eye on Bad Sectors (replace asap if your SMRT test finds any). Good luck!

 

[Sid Holderly]

If diagnostics get past your expertise look for a repairman that has been in business for a long time or one out of the military. I take mine to a small town store that has serviced computers since the Commador. They can service windows, linux, BSD and some other odd variants. The tools they use to bypass the windows interface to salvage data. They have several appraiser clients and they also serve many small businesses. Recovery has never been over $250 when I thought things were lost. Keeping your data and reports on a different hard drive than the operating system helps.

 

[jay trotta]

As inexpensive as computers are today; $400-$600 range if they last 5 years, why not transfer the data over and go New ?? I know there is always the chance something can go wrong, but you will have all New stock and a 1 year bumper to bumper warranty. Any repair over $100 is worth going new, in my mind.

 

[TonyB]

I have 2 desktops, only use one, the other is a back up. 3 tablets, only use one for data collection and photos in the field. One is a back up, one resides by the toilet. 3 iphones, only use one the other 2 are older back ups.
My best friend owns a greasy taco joint and I donate my older CPU's and retired monitors to him to use in the kitchen. They only last him a couple years due to the level of airborne grease. By then I usually need a new computer or monitor and the oldest ones make their way to him. An of course I get free tacos anytime I want them. Win Win

 

[EddieB]

Although I enjoy tinkering around with computers, I am to the point of letting the professionals handle that.

I went to my computer person, who tested my failed SSD. He replaced with a much better one, installed windows and basic software, drivers, et al. Billed at $230.

I'm am aiming for a more cloud based experience.