Am I breaking these laptop hard drives?

[FremontPC]

Question regarding fabs... after my data recovery if I have all files intact can I use fabs to transfer the data back onto the drive after I have formatted it and get it mounting in windows again?

Yes, Fabs can transfer the user data for you, along with other parts of the profile that you specify.

 

[Altster]

I don't trust any of those external units - I'm sure there are many that are very good and reliable. I prefer to do a direct connection to my desktop test / lab computer.

 

[Markverhyden]

What the others said. Ditch those USB2SATA adapters. The only time I use one is when I'm onsite and have my laptop. Even then, if it's critical data, I'll not use it. Either boot from a *nix disk or take it with me to direct connect to a DTY at home.

 

[Techtree]

After using TestDisk I've rebuilt the partition table and the drive is mounting properly as "Acer" but the drive is not being recognized as a bootable device on the Acer. Oh well, one step closer.

 

[coffee]

What do you think of this one? It's a lot less expensive:
https://www.amazon.ca/Inateck-Exter...keywords=StarTech-eSATA-Drive-Docking-Station

Fine for cloning or working with a drive. But I prefer the 4 drive model so I can work with multiple drives. I think the main thing to take away from this is to use a SATA port setup instead of USB.

I had to add a SATA card to my computer because I didnt have a external port in it. Make sure you have a free bus available before purchasing either.

 

[Colin]

I use one of these:
https://www.amazon.ca/Mediasonic-Ba...1-fkmr0&keywords=Mediasonic+HFD1-SU3S2+ProBox

nice but does not have built in HDD clone function. Also like it because it has a physical Power on\off button for each drive. Also had to install a ESata card in the desktop but the card was cheap ~$20

 

[buzzcut]

fwiw, I use 2 of these http://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Singl...qid=1463761165&ref_=sr_1_fkmr0_3&sr=8-3-fkmr0 connected via Sata in a box that boots to Parted Magic.
Good for cloning, copying, recovery, wiping, etc quicker without tying up another machine.

thanks I've just ordered myself one.

 

[Techtree]

I have tested the adapter with a known good working drive and on another windows machine (I never tried Linux) and the same thing happened. The drive was recognized but Windows wanted me to format the drive before it could read it.

I now have a toaster and am excited to test it out. I think I'm done with the adapter.