IT Queries: Computer problems answered

I have big trouble and don’t know what to do. I have a 160 GB Seagate Barracuda drive that is not recognized by my computers. When installed in my computer, I can feel it spinning, but the system does not see it.

I have a ton of stuff on it that I cant use now. I had been using it as a storage drive (Windows is not on it). It worked well for a couple of years then all of a sudden it stopped being recognized.

I use XP home on my units but no matter what I do, I can’t get this drive to be seen. I don’t have the money to send the drive to one of those services that will take the drive appart and recover the data. Basically I’m broke. Can you help me? Is there a program that forces the computer to recognize the drives that are connected to it?

It sounds like the hardware controller for the hard drive has failed and usually this is an expensive fix.  One possible solution could be the Spin Rite program, but from your description it’s unlikely.

Generally it isn’t good idea to attempt data recovery unless you are experienced at this sort of work as you can do more damage to a distressed system.

You may want to give Spin Rite a go but our advice is to talk to your local computer tech to see if they are prepared to have a quick and an inexpensive examination of your drive to see if it can be recovered.

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