Hard drive problems - need advice - quick

Hello folks. My accounting PC's hard drive is developing errors. It is a WD 20GB. I have no recent backups. I can still access most data, except the accounting files (Quickbooks pro 2008). When I try to copy these files, I get a "the drive cannot find the sector requested" error box.

I REALLY need this file!

What should I try next? I don't want to mess the file up even worse if I attempt to repair the drive. But, if that is all I can do....

I'll pay for a program if it will recover it (or freeware, shareware, etc....)

Any suggestions? chkdsk? WDs dlgdiag?

Very anxious.

While I am not an expert, imaging the disk then trying to access/copy the disk using Unstoppable Copier or the like might provide some data back.

Disconnect the drive and leave it out (of the computer).

Get yourself an IDE to USB converter (most are under $20 at Newegg). (Even if this doesn't work it's always a handy tool).

When you receive this - if the drive has been of and out of the PC for a few days, try to recover the file(s).

If that doesn't work - put the HDD in an airtight baggie (ziploc etc.) and stick it in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes.

Take it out, hook it up with the IDE-USB converter (and any power supply that came with it) and copy the files over.

This is a good way to get files form an overheated / damaged drive.

If you are honestly telling me in this day and age that you are doing accounting, and what appears to be critical accounting on a 20 gigabyte hardrive.
I would have to say if you loose it all it would be very understandable.
I cannot believe such data critical operations are left to a 20 gig drive.
That has to be what 8 years old at least or more and you have no backup.
Good grief man. That is ridiculous
Seagate and other harddrive recovery places offer complete harddrive recovery, no matter how bad the drive is for say a starting fee of 2000.00 to 3000.00 dollars.
If what CCT has told you doesn't work that's what your facing.

Ferrit: Yes, I was using a 20gb drive for accounting. That is all it was used for and has not had any problems until now. There was no need to upgrade. In fact, the computer is a Dell Dimension 4400, which is what, maybe 6 to 8 years old now? Doesn't matter to me.

It doesn't take this:

GigabyteMA790FX
AMD Phenom 9850
Vista Ultimate 64
Highpoint Rocket Raid Sata
Seagate Sata II 500GIGX2 striped
Adata DDR2 800 4X2 GIG
Sapphire 3870 512 mg
Hauppage 1600
LG 20X sata DVDRW
Antec 650m Modular

To manage my business affairs. Although it looks like a nice system. (I wouldn't be caught with a Vista system though)

But your right - having no recent backups was a bad thing. Fortunately, Vivard on the UBCD ran for about 8 hours - saved all but 4 sectors of data. Awesome little app.

Live and learn. You and I both know that drives can fail anytime. I needed some input as to what I should try first - drive copy or repair/move. I did not want to lose possibly any more data by not going with the right choice first.

Thanks for your input.

Glad ya got it back.
Well I do all of it on that computer.
TV watching and recording
DVD's
Accounting +Business management.
Gaming+Video editing+Audio Editing
It backs up to a home server every few days and its ghosted each week
To an external hard dive.
Glad you got your data

Something spinning at 7200 rpm every minute it is powered on. After 3 years, replace it. After 8 years, and it fails, you are suprised? And no backups??

Turn on your car. Try and get the engine to 7200 rpms. See how long it lasts.......

Well, now you have been one of the many who have learned their lesson on backups. Make many. Make them often. Make off site backups.