Freeze Hard Drive To Recover Data
Is Freeze Hard Drive To Recover Data a myth or does it really work?
As strange as it may sound it does in fact work in some data recovery situations. Keep in mind if there is a physical defect with the drive it is most likely not going to help by freezing the drive but if it is an analog card problem where the chipset is unstable or in some situations where the read head it not reading track 0 of the drive and crashing out it can make all the difference.
Be sure if anyone is to attempt this that you understand that freezers are wet environments. Be sure to place the drive in a static bag and place that inside something to prevent direct moisture from entering the drive. Also be sure you do not intend on leaving this in the freezer for a ridiculous amount of time. 30 minutes to an hour should do it if it is going to work.
Yes yes it works! It has worked for me! But, like Bwren said, use an air tight bag or you may end up hurting your drive. Any moisture at all and you make ruin your drive completely. If you aren't sure, then leave it set out to dry for a couple days before plugging it in.