Solved: Broken External Hardrive

Hi,
I'm not really sure of how to describe this but here it goes anyway. I have a Freecom Mobile Drive Classic 2.5 " 160 GB usb 2.0.Its been working great since i got it which was at christmas .Anyway, recently when I've plugged it in using the usb it kept cutting out and making a strange clicking noise and my laptop doesn't always recognise its there . However , yesterday it stopped working completely.NO power going to it at all. I took the wire out and where you plug the usb in to the hardrive has been damaged.Some of the prongs have been bent, but ive straightened them out but i think 2 are missing completely.
My question is can this be fixed- either by the manufactorer or by a computer shop and would this erase what was stored on it .I have music and lots of irreplaceable photos stored on there because ironically i thought that i was being sensible by storing them externally as my laptop had crashed once already and i had lost everything saved on it !
Any advice will be gratefully received
Thanks in advance
EmeraldLily

 

Strange clicking sound - appears to be a hard drive issue - sounds like hard drive is mashed. Based on your experience... are you in US or UK. Determines where you can take unit for repair. If HDD is mashed - move on as the new "home Guard" will make you smile

 

Thanks for your reply.I'm in the UK. I really hope its repairable !

 

Just get a new enclosure http://www.microdirect.co.uk/productlister.aspx?n=2,13,63&n=919
If the drive is clicking that is not a good sign

 

Thanks-the link does work !
Would this mean I wouldn't lose any information ?
Cheers again

 

Getting a new enclosure will fix the broken pins, it does not necessarily mean the drive is ok as you mentioned the drive was clicking.
This normally means the drive is about to die.
All I can suggest is you try it and see how you get on

 

Thanks again .
Could you tell me if this (link below) would be 'compatible'-im not sure whether the dimensions of my hard drive matches this as it appears smaller than the dimensions of the existing casing, but im not sure if this matters or not. The dimensions of mine are, 13.9 x 8.3 x 2 cm.
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(13977)Sumvision-25-Aluminum-Hard-Drive-Enclosure.aspx
Thankk you very very much for all your help.
As soon as one is in stock I plan on buting one to try anyway.
Thanks again.

 

The enclosure you are considering is fine. The issue remains on the pin that is broken. Without hitting the detail - one pin is missing - that's how they are designed anyway. If you are missing a second separate pin - then you're only recourse will be with a local pro!