Expert: Chris Morrison Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: Wrong voltage on external hard disc
Question Heya Chris. I accidently plugged in my 17' laptop AC adapter to my Maxtor external hard disc. Once I did it, I heard a smooth and quick sound like something got burned. No flames though. I went to best buy and they are asking me $300 to recover the data. Considering that I need to buy a new external disc, I will have to spend $500... What do you suggest? What happens if I open it myself? Thank you so much. Ricardo
Answer Well since it sounds like you burned it up. It may be just the case died and not the drive. Besides it won't be covered under warranty anyway.
So in that case pop it open.
Remove the drive - should be just a standard hard drive.
You'll also need to open the computer. Install the hard drive inside and boot up the computer. If the drive is seen - ur in business. If not then we have to consider you may not get the data off.
You can also purchase a new case and install the drive in that. You can also use the case for the new drive.
I don't think you need to spend $500 for a new external. You can pop one together yourself for much, much cheaper.
But first you need to pop out the old drive and we need to find out if it is IDE or SATA.
Ide will have a flat wide ribbon cable that when removed will reveal a bunch of pins.
SATA will have a thin connector (usually red or blue) when removed will reveal a small connector that looks similar to the size of a USB.
Once you get me that info (and the size of the drive) I can point you to the products you'll need.
Putting together your own external is not hard and you'll save a butt load of money.
Remember to get me the size of the drive.
