Maxtor 3100 problems
 

My maxtor 3100 external drive has vanished from my computer. It was making a ticking type noise before I unplugged it. I tried to connect it to a laptop with a USB and that computer didnt recognize it either. I need to get the data from it, does anyone know how I can do that without spending a fortune?

if the motor is dead.... it's a done deal.

you'll have to send it out for servicing. I use OnTrack for all my recovery services.

Do you know anything about linux? Sometimes if you are lucky loading a linux Live CD at start up with let you mount the HD and pull some data off.

Download Ubuntu | Ubuntu

Follow the instructions there to make a Live CD (It doesn't change anything on your windows partition) and you might get lucky and be able to access the HD.

No, I don't know anything about linux unfortunately. But I'm willing to try anything at this point. Thanks for the responses!

Chances are good that the controller board in the external is fried, and the drive is fine. Buy another housing, crack the old drive open and stick it in the new drive and see what happens. Best case scenario, you're out $20. Worst case, you can then buy a bare drive to put in your new case.

Would you know where I could find a housing?

newegg.com

Newegg.com - enclosure 3.5

or if you need to do it today, bestbuy or any local computer store.

I'm sorry to be so ignorant about this, but do i have to replace it with any one in particular, like a maxtor housing or will any do?