It is full with pearl jam but now it will not connect to my computer. it turns on, the computer dings that a usb has been conected, then nothing. doesent show up anywhere. then it starts making a wierd sound followed by clicking sounds for about 30 sec. then stops.

has anyone else had this problem...Thanks for listening.
MIkeo

Clicking sound = bad news
Might be broken.

Yeah thats bad news.

1. If your computer savvy at all you can disassemble it and remove the hard drive and try to connect it inside your pc via sata or ide (depending on how old it is). Ive had the same issue once and was able to access it that way.

2. Take it to a computer shop or geek squad and see if they can extract the data.


I personally frown upon external hdd's for permanent storage over having a dedicated drive inside your computer. The slightest bump , drop or topple over can ruin these things. They are great for transferring or temporary back ups but are not dependable in the long run.

I've heard this trick might work, but have never used it. And can't guarantee it won't do further damage.
<P>
Stick hard drive in freezer for 20 minutes or so. Then take out and plug into computer and try to get data off of it before it warms up.

If it works, but then when warms up it starts acting goofy. Put back in freezer and try again.

I've heard that too. It might buy you enough time to get the data transfered to something else.

Also, when you put it in the freezer, make sure it is sealed tight in a ziplock bag. You don't want ANY moisture to get in.

cutup is right. that is the most important part! I knew i was missing something.

i will verify the old freezer trick, it does indeed work

I also heard placing it upsidedown in the freezer helps too.

also make sure to use a very light adhesive to assure that the external codec sealant does not become detached.

Thanks for all of the imput. ill let you know how it goes.