Inspiron 8200 Modular HDD drive help (it died on me)

Question

My 8200 Modular HDD died on me a few days ago, I am so mad, since it held all my music, and pics.  Every time I try to boot it, I get a white screen saying that the 2nd Modular drive is not recodnized and to remove it, shut down, and restart.  I also get this noise coming from it, sort of like a clicking noise, which is not normal.  I was wondering if you guys know if this means that the HDD is dead (like a loose spring or something) or is it my 2nd Modular HDD caddy.  I am hoping that it is the 2nd Modular HDD caddy, but I think that the HDD is dead.  Any suggestions? Please, I need your help.   Also, I wanted to test out wether or not it was the HDD or the Modular caddy by switching it to my 2.5 internal caddy, I was wondering if it will boot up or allow me to get in and scoop my data.  Is there a way to do this? I mean, if I remove my primary HDD, my OS will be gone (Win XP Home).  I also have an external USB drive, I was wondering if I can boot up windows this way.  I was also wondring if inserting a potentially damaged HDD into my 2.5 internal caddy will cause any damage.    Mind you, my warranty has expired, so there is no need to worry about that.  Thanks in advance for your help

ejn63 · Answer

You can't boot the drive from the modular bay. Try running the Dell diagnostics on the system with both drives connected.

Man29 · Answer

I can't boot up my computer with the Modular HDD connected to my computer, it gives me that error I described.  The only way I can boot up my computer and try to do that is if I boot up Windows without my Modular HDD connected, then plugging it in once Windows is up.  Even then, I still get an error say something like 'Modular bay drive not recognized'   Any suggestions?

ejn63 · Answer

Purchase a standard USB external case or a notebook to desktop adapter cable and try mounting it to another system.

Man29 · Answer

I got an external HDD case for the regular 3.5 HDD, do you thing that would would with the HDD inside the Modular? (which should be a 2.5).  I don't know if the cables connecting the HDD to the case are different in size.

ejn63 · Answer

They are. You'd need a notebook to desktop adapter.

bacillus · Answer

I would suggest you put the drive in a sealed plastic bag, freeze it for a few hours then quickly reinstall it into you laptop. you may just get enough breating space to copy over some data.

Man29 · Answer

Was that a joke or would that really work? The whole thing about freezing.

bacillus · Answer

I was being deadly serious!This has worked on many a 'dead' hard drive in order to transfer off data. It will only work if the failure is purely mechanical and not due to a blown IC on the circuitboard. Message Edited by bacillus on 06-21-2005 10:35 PM

Bay Wolf · Answer

If you are worried that bacillus is joking with you, rest assured what he is telling you just may work.

Man29 · Answer

ok, so if I try the freezing method, how many times can I do it?, or how many times does it usually works for and for how long?

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