fett on 1/9/2010 at 17:32
I have a Simple Drive XHD that I can't access because of a corrupted file. Can't even get the properties window to open. Is there a way to run the disk check tool from somewhere else? This has happened before with this drive but I could always get to the tools tab in the properties menu.
theBlackman on 1/9/2010 at 17:52
If you have XP try ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS.
fett on 1/9/2010 at 18:14
Ok - got the tools window. Thanks, Dusty.
Problem now is that when I try to run the disc check, the little window just disappears without scanning.
theBlackman on 1/9/2010 at 18:30
If I'm not being insulting. Hit the COMPUTER MANAGEMENT tag. In that should be STORAGE. That should show all the HDD on your system. DISC MANAGEMENT should let you into the HDDs
It should also show HEALTHY or not, the format *NTSF etc. and allow you to dicker with the HDD.
If the HDD shows up RIGHT CLICK on the faulty drive. In the menu that shows up try PROPERTIES and see where you can get from there.
As a desperate last resort, you can try a RESTORE if that HDD has a restore file active.
fett on 1/9/2010 at 18:42
I'm not sure if this is indicative of anything but when I find the drive in the admin window, it shows that there is 100% free space (not true). I can get the property window open to the tools tab, but when I try to disc check, the window just disappears, no error message, crash or anything. I REALLY need to scan it/fix the error rather than reformatting. With it being an external, I've been using it for storage - never figured on a corrupt file blocking me completely out of my files. Also, it doesn't show as any "file system" (FAT/NTFS) - is that normal for an xhd?
edit: sorry, I edited that last post as you were replying.
theBlackman on 1/9/2010 at 19:39
It looks like the HDD is dead as far as recovering any files. You say it shows up but does not react. Try running a BOOT SECTOR VIRUS SCANNER and see if that helps.
The only other option appears to be a reformat. One reason I try to use DVD Data backup when ever I can.
I had a similar problem with a 1 Tbyte internal. I finally had to reformat it and use it as a XHD.
PS: I'm about to go out to do some shopping etc. I'll check back when I get in. Maybe Brian or one of the other techs can come up with some help meanwhile.
Al_B on 1/9/2010 at 20:39
It's possible that it's just a regular SATA drive within the enclosure. If the problem is down to the USB to SATA interface then you may have better luck opening it up and plugging the drive into your computer directly. Of course, that will almost certainly void your warranty and it's something to do carefully.
fett on 1/9/2010 at 22:04
It's a SimpleTech external hard drive. I'm not sure what you mean by "take it out of the case." Warranty is already out so I'll do whatever I have to at this point. Any suggestions?
Al_B on 1/9/2010 at 22:24
Quote Posted by fett
It's a SimpleTech external hard drive. I'm not sure what you mean by "take it out of the case." Warranty is already out so I'll do whatever I have to at this point. Any suggestions?
Sorry - I don't mean out of your computer case. I mean take the hard drive out of the external enclosure that its in.
Although this video starts off looking completely hamfisted it seems to show the technique required if you have the same drive: (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_vjyvK28A) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_vjyvK28A. Basic process seems to be:
* Depress the clips at the top and bottom of the front panel through the slots
* Pop off the front panel
* Take out the two screws revealed by this - allowing the case to be opened
* Remove screws until you're left with a conventional SATA hard drive
The last thing he removes is the USB interface board, which could possibly be where the fault lies.
fett on 1/9/2010 at 23:57
My drive's a little different from that one, but honestly even if I could get it apart, I'm not sure what to do with it at that point? Are you saying that the USB connection could be the problem? Once out of the case, do I just install in my box like another hard drive or something?
