Data recovery for Maxtor M3 Portable inaccessible data in Luxembourg
The problem
A 1 TB Maxtor M3 Portable external hard drive (Seagate ST1000LM035-1RK172) had inaccessible data, even though the enclosure appeared to be in perfect condition. The customer, based in Luxembourg, could hear the drive running but was no longer able to open his files. Another lab had already attempted data recovery, without success. The data at stake was limited but precious: family photos that existed only on this drive, with no backup.
Our intervention
The diagnosis ruled out a simple logic issue and revealed a weak read head as well as a locked ROM module, which was preventing the disk from functioning. The ROM was first unlocked on a PC-3000 workstation to restore access. A head map was then created in Data Extractor, followed by a map of the data sectors that were actually occupied. Only the data useful to the customer—the family photos—were imaged in read-only mode, taking care to protect the fragile read head to maximize readability.
Result
99% of the requested data was recovered, including all of the family photos in question. The files were sent back to Luxembourg by mail.
Frequently asked question
Maxtor M3 Portable inaccessible data: can the data be recovered?
The diagnosis ruled out a simple logic issue and revealed a weak read head as well as a locked ROM module, which was preventing the disk from functioning. The ROM was first unlocked on a PC-3000 workstation to restore access. A head map was then created in Data Extractor, followed by a map of the data sectors that were actually occupied. Only the data useful to the customer—the family photos—were imaged in read-only mode, taking care to protect the fragile read head to maximize readability. 99% of the requested data was recovered, including all of the family photos in question. The files were sent back to Luxembourg by mail.
Related service: hard drive data recovery