Help me recover my children pics on my (dying) external HDD!

[the8thstar]

Electronic crackling/rattling or mechanical rattling?

If it sounds like it might be mechanical, then consider taking the case apart and looking for the loose screw or whatever. Probably won't help to take the actual drive mechanism apart, they're sealed now and opening them won't really help.

I can't do that unfortunately, as I don't own the required screwdriver to open the case (it needs some minute hexagonal-shaped head I think).

[the8thstar]

I waited for a week to give SpinRite a try. The external HDD started 'normally' so it turned out I didn't need SpinRite. I was able to access my family pics and transferred them promptly onto my internal HDD and then the drive failed again. But at least now our memories have been rescued.

I'll give it another try the day I buy a bigger internal HDD to rescue the videos that are still on the external HDD.

[1clue]

Good! This really is the best way, and if you try long enough sooner or later it will probably come up again. The third-party rescue companies are if you've tried and lost all hope.

Good luck and have fun.

[Rasa1111]

Good news!
Glad to hear you got your photos back!

[the8thstar]

Good news!
Glad to hear you got your photos back!

And thanks for your help Rasa!

[Rasa1111]

And thanks for your help Rasa!

No problem my friend. <3