Maxtor Harddrive Problem

[Jeremy]

I don't know much about read/write problems. I checked the connections and it was working fine a few days ago. This drive happens to be the one where I keep all kinds of different files from years worth of collecting. I *can't* lose the data. I think it may finally be dying. Any temporary ideas before I save up enough money from my soon-to-be job and get a new drive?

[ripken204]

just done use it, unlplug it for now or if u want to burn a crap load of dvds then u can do that, do u have any other hdd's to put the data on?

[Jeremy]

No, I don't have an extra HD. I was considering burning DVDs...

[LiquidSage]

Yes. burn to dvd asap.

Backups don't matter much. It's the backups of the backups that save you.

Your disk is good I bet (unless you hear grinding or clicking)

USB / firewire have notorious problems with delayed writes and improper dismounting of the disk, leaving your data unrecoverable at worst and usually screwed up index tables at the least.

1.Go to device manager --> your disk properties

and set the disk performance to quick removal (at the very least disable write caching)

While you are here go to your usb device and in properties make sure that you uncheck the setting that allows the pc to power down the usb.

2. If it's usb, try to keep just that drive on it's own usb controller / hub. Also, try not to use an existing usb port for power if you do use one.

3. Turn off system restore to that HD. It takes a lot of resources to use.

5. Do a disk check and a full defrag. (Be sure that hibernate/SS/standby and spin down the disk is off)

5.Clean the usbfirewire contacts with some alcohol and try not to touch them w/ your fingers from then on. Make sure the cord plugs in snug and stiff. If it's loose you will have the problems you are experiencing obviously.

Make sure that you are not using a crappy/ cheap cable. It does make a difference