But the recovery partition still works?
dd the whole device to an image.
Seems to. I could access the files in the recovery partition from Linux. The other partition showed the size and space used but couldn't shoe any contents.
Worth a try making an image. I'll try and find a HDD large enough when I get home and see if it will work.
Data could well be in tact just the FAT is damaged (if it still works like that for NTFS).
I think if that's all it was then GetDataBack would have done something. The drive is making funny noises too which definitely isn't a good sign.
Sounds like physical damage to actuator(s) and/or platter(s).
Definitely looks (and sounds) that way. I don't think there's much I can do with it :(
Can you run a mfg diagnostic on it, or get smart info?
Try spinrite at grc.com also available by Jim, I've had some success rescuing disks even encrypted ones.
Looks interesting. Worth a try. Thanks.
It's a Hitachi drive. Not sure if their fitness test program is going to be much help.