Computer program for fixing damaged hard drives - tech support wanted

Just for the anecdote, yes, putting a HDD in the freezer (in a plastic ziplock bag) can work in some special cases (when the HDD is overheating too quickly and starts being unresponsive). I had an HDD do that and managed to backup the data.

Now, in case of damaged sectors, not sure it would help!

A great tool to recover files is PhotoRec (and it’s Free Software)

You can also try these free tools:

http://www.pcinspector.de/CloneMaxx/info.htm?language=1

Tap water is actually pretty “clean” once left to air-dry. Ain’t like washing it in seawater or anything…

Even if some got trapped in little nooks’n’crannies, heat from the beastie in operation would help evaporate what’s left.

I never worried about it, not even soaking the yoke (big open coils) from around the CRT’s neck. Washed thoroughly, rinsed thoroughly, then left to air-dry a coupla days before reassembly, there’d be very little water left to cause any mischief.

And even electrolytics were end-sealed with rubber caps, so ain’t like anything would get ruined by water.

I did so many terminals and things, that all worked without any problems after cleaning, so I was confident that it was safe.

Or just take ’em to a bafroom which has one of those Xhilarators or Xhalers or whatever.

You know, the mini jet-turbine aimed down into the garbage-pail right below. :laughing:

But we actually have, like, clean water here.

NYC tap water is better than bottled.

Off topic buuuuttttt…… here in NC we had a family owned pizza place that made NY style pizza. Ridiculously good! However ’“ Turk” swore the ones they sold in NYC were better. Said it was the water that made the difference.

Well, do show her howmuch dust has accumulatedinside the case when you open it. But omit the bath with toothbrush. Some people believe what they see on the Internet.

I know someone in Florida who says the same, and in fact, at least one pizzeria down there actually trucks NYC water down there to make their pizza.

New York water and pizza are both delicious. I give credit to the tiny little helpers.

sp5it didn't give advice that I asked for, as you should know because you read and comprehended the OP.

And I don't have to take his advice, even though you may really really want me to.

Like I said before, there's more than one way to skin a cat, and I don't have to take any specific person's advice.

In other words, it's time to end your crusade for me to take sp5it's advice.

It's getting old, and it's not being helpful.

Plus, just because someone posts something quickly doesn't mean that they are being helpful.

Like the title of this thread states, I'm looking for computer programs that fix damaged hard drives - and that's all.

Well then: bon appetit.
It certainly seems to be nutricious water.
That must be a bummer for the vegans.

You’re welcome. From all the upstate stewards of the watershed.

I got my mom's computer working again.

She did lose some data (partly) because Windows Backup is a piece of junk.

Now all the computers at my house do regular backups with AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus.

I like the way backups are made with that program, and I've been using it on some of our computers for quite a while.

You should know that Aomei is Chinese made, and my antivirus detected it as malware. Switched to Macrium Reflect Free for system backups, and am using ViceVersa for backing up personal files. Macrium Reflect is much more sophisticated than Aoemei.

Take a look at SyncBack from 2BrightSparks.
This is a data backup program, not an image program.
There is a free for home users version.
I have had clients using it for many many years.

I like to do an image, I like Paragon the free version for home users.
Then setup a Syncback schedule to keep the data file backups up to date.
All the Best,
Jeff

I’m also a Macrium Reflect user. I used to use paid Acronis and abandoned it.
FWIW, for ALL of them, whatever you use, it’s a VERY good idea to have a spare drive around and test an image backup once in awhile. You don’t KNOW it works until you do this. I have had failures. That would be adding insult to injury.

I've tried Macrium Reflect (and other system backup software programs) and didn't like it.

I use FreeFileSync for backing up anything that doesn't require an image.

Rather than looking for a program for just backing up data would you consider building a home NAS running unraid ?

I don’t really care who’s advice you take. Not my hard drive, not my problem. Your constant condescending and borderline sarcastic demeanor, heck it’s not even borderline, doesn’t go unnoticed. Not just by me.

I made two comments. One backing up sp5it’s advice and then a reply to you. It would have been only one comment but, well you know, you opened it up for a dialog.

FWIW, your OP entitled, “Computer programs for fixing damaged hard drives- tech support wanted”, should have ended with you calling tech support.

Oh well, the world will still spin, the sun will still come up and a new day will be begin. Good luck to you. Good day.

I want to thank those that were helpful in this thread for your tech support -- you know who you are.

Most people on BLF are indeed helpful, and I have to remember that fact.

In my opinion, this thread has been a great success so far, so thanks for your help.