The Freezer Trick

**Darkstar** · February 25th, 2003, 12:37 PM

Today I successfully reclaimed data from a dead HDD that I left in the freezer overnight. I think this is the third time I've tried this and the first time it worked. It died a painful death after it warmed up a bit, but alas, the data is safe. I always thought this was an old wives tale.

**King Grover** · February 25th, 2003, 01:28 PM

cool.

**Diver01** · February 25th, 2003, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by King Grover
cool.

Literally!!! Ill have to remember that trick!!!

**CeeBee** · February 26th, 2003, 08:26 AM

I have recovered data from "dead" hdd's by keeping them on a side while having a big fan blowing air on them... I guess it's almost the same, but without condensation.

**geoscomp** · February 26th, 2003, 09:39 AM

Hey Diver..we could probably just leave 'em in the car overnight..22 below last night up here in the north.

**NetScum** · February 26th, 2003, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by Darkstar
Today I successfully reclaimed data from a dead HDD that I left in the freezer overnight. I think this is the third time I've tried this and the first time it worked. It died a painful death after it warmed up a bit, but alas, the data is safe. I always thought this was an old wives tale.

I have a friend with a HDD that fried but I still think powers up... should we try this freezer trick?

**ironwill99** · February 26th, 2003, 05:08 PM

Sometimes heating them up works too. it just depends. all you are doing by changing the temp is adjusting the head alignment. also you can try to bend them. that can cure a clicking drive also

**FatalException0E** · February 26th, 2003, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by ironwill99
Sometimes heating them up works too. it just depends. all you are doing by changing the temp is adjusting the head alignment. also you can try to bend them. that can cure a clicking drive also

It can also create an interesting series of buzzing and grinding noises

**Ya_know** · February 26th, 2003, 11:37 PM

Just remember not to use a microwave to heat these things up.

**Guts3d** · February 27th, 2003, 05:58 AM

I have had about 60% luck with the freezer trick working, you just gotta be quick to get the data you need before the room temperature nails it!

**gazzak** · February 28th, 2003, 08:10 AM

Why not get a long ide cable, and a long power lead and just run it from the fridge?

**Ya_know** · February 28th, 2003, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by gazzak
Why not get a long ide cable, and a long power lead and just run it from the fridge?

Naa, it is better just to dremel out a few holes in a cooler, run the cables, then seal the openings. That way you can use shorter cable.

**NetScum** · February 28th, 2003, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by Ya_know
Naa, it is better just to dremel out a few holes in a cooler, run the cables, then seal the openings. That way you can use shorter cable.

What size dremel did you use?