My 8TB Seagate BarraCuda hard drive was knocked over and fell about four feet. It no longer works or appears to be detected. I bought it for around $82 in 2018 or 2019, but replacing it now would cost roughly $279. I do not need to recover any files because it was only used to store game installations; I would simply like to get the drive working again if possible. Can a drive damaged by a fall be repaired, and would that be practical?
3 Answers
If the computer does not detect it at all, there is unlikely to be a simple fix such as changing the cable or enclosure. Since you do not need the data, do not spend money on professional recovery—the drive should be replaced.
It can sometimes be diagnosed, but proper repair requires opening the drive in a controlled environment and replacing damaged parts. The cost is commonly several times higher than buying another drive, with no guarantee that it will work reliably afterward. Replacing it is the sensible option.
A hard drive that stops working after a fall has probably suffered internal mechanical damage. It might be possible for a specialist to repair or recover it, but that is not usually a practical consumer repair.
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