Buffalo 1TB died

manbearpig · 29 Dec 2010 at 23:42

I ordered my hard drive from the rainforest place on 5th Jan 2009, it came with a 2 year warranty that will expire in a weeks time, I cant find anywhere on Buffalo's website that I can file for an RMA or get in contact with them and the rainforest said to contact Buffalo.

What can I do? and also is there anyway I can try and get the data from the hard drive?

Thanks.

Justintime · 29 Dec 2010 at 23:57

0845 3511005 - 09:00 - 19:00 As read from:

http://www.buffalo-technology.com/contact/

Recovering the data will depend on if its just the USB/firewire/whatever circuit interface that failed or the actual hard disk. If its the circuit, you can try replacing it to get the device functioning again, or remove the hdd and connect it directly to your pc inside. If its the hdd, then recovery might be possible if its the electronics, and you'd need an exact pcb etc.. daunting to say the least. If the mechanicals are gone, you're basically SOL unless a data recovery centre can help, which will likely cost a lot. Obviously all of the above will probably invalidate any warranties.

manbearpig · 30 Dec 2010 at 00:17

Ok thanks, I thought they would have some kind of online form to fill in for an RMA like I have done in the past for western digital, guess I will have to phone tomorrow.

I was copying some stuff from the hard drive earlier and then it started acting very slowly and it said in my computer that I needed to format it to use it, I unplugged it for half and hour and when I plugged it back in it made some odd noises and turned itself off, so I think its the actual drive thats gone.

Justintime · 30 Dec 2010 at 00:19

Does not sound good.. however.. if it turned itself off, this might be a controller circuit problem and not hdd as i've seen a few malfunctioning ones and the device usually remained on even if the hdd was borked.

manbearpig · 30 Dec 2010 at 17:34

It finally let me format it, after an error came up every time I tried. I have been able to copy a file to it and it worked, but when I tried to copy a folder to it it just stopped part way through and started making a loud noise. I have clicked cancel but it just says "canceling..." I have had to restart my computer. It is now just making a loud clicking noise, is there any software I should try and test on this before I call Buffalo?

Edit: I plugged it back in and now it wont show up in my computer or disc management, I guess I wil call them.

Thanks.

jamesfreddie · 16 Jan 2011 at 16:13

Have you sent it yet?

manbearpig · 4 Feb 2011 at 19:36

Sorry I didnt see this, yes I posted it on the 17th Jan, I haven't got an email confirming they have got it yet although I did have to post it to Holland so it could take a while.