Most modern hard drives have delicate moving parts inside. When a drive is dropped, even from a low height, the sudden impact can damage key components. One of the most common issues is a misaligned or broken read write head—the part responsible for reading data from the spinning disks (platters).
In some cases, the platters themselves may become scratched. Other times, the damage causes bad sectors that prevent the drive from loading properly. The result can be a drive that clicks, spins up without mounting, or is not recognized by your computer at all.
Not all dropped drives show the same signs of failure. Some common symptoms include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using the drive immediately. Continuing to power on or scan a damaged drive can make recovering data much harder—or even impossible.
When dealing with data from a dropped hard drive, the most important thing to do is avoid DIY fixes or recovery software. These tools are not designed for mechanically damaged drives and can make the problem worse.
Here’s what you should do:
We strongly advise against continuing to power the drive on, especially if you hear clicking or unusual noises. These sounds often indicate that the read write head is damaged or misaligned.
At Five Star Data Recovery, we use advanced cleanroom equipment and tools designed specifically for recovering data from physically damaged hard drives.
We inspect the hard drive to assess internal damage, look for platter scratches, and determine whether components like the actuator arm or head stack are affected.
If necessary, our engineers open the drive in a certified cleanroom and replace or reposition the read write head to stabilize the disk.
Once the drive is stable, we create a sector-by-sector image of the entire disk. This preserves the state of the drive and allows us to work off a clone.
We scan the image for recoverable files, even if some sectors are damaged or corrupted. Our software is capable of pulling files out from drives with thousands of bad sectors.
We provide you with a file list of all recoverable data and deliver the recovered content on a new drive.
We’ve recovered lost data from thousands of drives—many of them dropped, water-damaged, or completely unresponsive. Our experience with dropped hard drive recovery helps ensure your best chance at a full recovery.
While accidents happen, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of dropping your drive again:
If your drive is already damaged, remember: trying to fix it on your own can lead to permanent data loss.
If you’re facing data loss due to a dropped drive, don’t wait. The sooner you contact a professional, the better your chances of recovering data successfully.
Call Five Star Data Recovery or start a case online today. Whether your drive is clicking, spinning but not showing up, or completely dead—we’re here to help you recover data from dropped external hard drive systems quickly and safely.
At Five Star Data Recovery, we recover data from all major brands and formats of external and internal hard drives, including:
Each of these models has different mechanical structures. Some may be more resistant to impact than others, but none are immune to failure when dropped. If your external or internal hard drive was dropped and is now acting up, we have the tools and experience to help.
When a hard drive experiences sudden impact, several internal components may be affected:
Understanding which part is damaged is key to recovering data from a dropped external hard drive safely.
We understand that some projects, especially those related to business, legal, or creative work, can’t wait days or weeks. That’s why we offer two levels of expedited service:
Expedited Service
We place your case at the top of our recovery queue during regular business hours. Fee: $200 per drive.
Expedited Plus Service
We work on your case 24/7, even on nights, weekends, and holidays. Fee: $500 per drive.
These services are optional and are added to our standard recovery rate. Please note: all expedited fees are non-refundable and must be paid upfront.
Although our lab is based in Los Angeles, we help customers across the United States. With free round-trip shipping, we make it easy to send us your dropped hard drive no matter where you live.
Simply create a recovery ticket on our website, and we’ll send you a prepaid shipping label. Once your device arrives, we’ll run diagnostics and contact you with a detailed recovery plan.
Our expert engineers use advanced technology to recover your data quickly and securely. We specialize in complex cases with high success rates, offering tailored solutions for both businesses and individuals. Fill out the form to start a seamless recovery process.
Contact our specialists today for a quick, hassle-free recovery. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and ensure your data is securely restored. Your peace of mind is our priority.
“I accidentally knocked my external hard drive off my desk while it was plugged in. It started making clicking noises and wouldn’t show up on my computer. I brought it to Five Star Data Recovery, and they explained the clean room process clearly. Within a few days, I had all of my family photos and videos back.
Rachel R.
Reno, NV
“I was devastated after my portable drive fell off the nightstand and wouldn’t mount on my Mac. I found Five Star Data Recovery through a friend and I’m so glad I did. They replaced the damaged heads in a clean room and got all my documents back. Transparent, fast, and worth every penny!”
Emily L
Burbank, CA
“My hard drive took a bad fall, and every other place I called gave me vague answers. Five Star was different—they were upfront about the process and pricing. They even showed me a full list of the recovered files before I paid. Top-tier service all the way.”
Linda G
New York, NY
Data loss is stressful — but working with us doesn’t have to be. Watch how our team handles each recovery with care, professionalism, and precision. From diagnostics to delivery, we offer flat-rate pricing, honest communication, and proven results — all from our secure Glendale lab.
If your hard drive has been dropped, power it off immediately and avoid trying to turn it back on. Running a damaged drive can worsen internal damage, especially if the read/write heads are misaligned. Call us right away at Five Star Data Recovery so we can guide you through the safest next steps and help prevent permanent data loss.
Yes. A clicking sound usually indicates internal damage to the read/write heads or actuator arm, which often occurs when a drive is dropped. Most of the time, we can recover the data using clean room tools and donor parts. The main deciding factor in whether the data is recoverable is the condition of the platters—which depends on how many times the drive was powered on after the drop. The fewer attempts made to power it on, the higher the chances of a successful recovery.
No. Using DIY data recovery software on a physically damaged drive can lead to further data loss or permanent damage. If your drive has been dropped and is showing signs of failure (clicking, not spinning, or not recognized), it’s best to consult a professional recovery service.
We offer flat-rate pricing for dropped hard drive recovery, with rates depending on the type and extent of physical damage. There are no hidden fees, and diagnostics are always free. You only pay if we successfully recover your data.
Yes. Drives that were dropped while powered on are more likely to suffer internal damage, such as head crashes or platter contact—but recovery is often still possible. At Five Star Data Recovery, the process does not begin with imaging for mechanically damaged drives. Instead, we start with a clean room inspection to assess internal damage. If the read/write heads are physically damaged, they must be replaced using compatible donor parts before we can safely proceed. Once the new heads are installed, we begin carefully imaging or cloning the drive sector by sector to recover your data safely and effectively.
Most recoveries take 3–5 business days, depending on the severity of the damage. We also offer Expedited and Expedited Plus services for urgent situations, giving your case immediate priority—even after hours or on weekends.
Yes. Once we complete the recovery process, we’ll provide you with a detailed file list showing exactly what was recovered. At that point, you can choose whether or not to move forward with the recovery. If you decide not to proceed, you pay nothing. However, once you approve the recovery and we deliver the data, payment is required in full.
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Saturday: 10am to 2pm
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