> In article <
LvKw0...@freebie.onetel.net.uk>,
> Windmill <spam-n...@Onetel.net.uk.invalid> wrote:
>
>>Thank you for that. I had already backed up the drive (though I wish I
>>had also backed up all the partition tables, or done an image backup of
>>the entire drive) so I have the data.
>>If I can't find an explanation of the flash code, I'll try the rapping
>>technique.
>
> An approach I find more effective in dealing with "stiction" problems
> in older hard drives (and somewhat gentler on the drive):
>
> - Set it down gently, flat, on a smooth table-top.
>
> - Grasp it on both longer sides (i.e. across its short axis) with
> one hand.
>
> - Rotate it sharply, without lifting it from the table, by "snapping"
> your wrist.
>
> Often, the inertia of the platters will "break free" whatever is stuck
> (head-to-platter or shaft-to-bearings).
>
> I agree with others, though... a drive which has stictioned itself
> once is probably not to be trusted. If you get get it to spin up,
> make another set of backups immediately. If you want to keep using
> it, leave it spinning... it may stick again if it's powered down for
> some time.
'help'.