Curse

Dawn Angelheart · Dec 19, 2009, 11:29 AM // 11:29

So my 1tb external hardrive has stopped being detected by my computer, it did fall about maybe two inches to the ground a few days ago, but it has worked since.

when i plug it in, says local disk (:L) in my computer, but has no files inside.

And unknown device, in device manager and when i plug it in.

Does this mean its broken entirely?

Its still under warrenty but i would rather not have to lose everything on it.

Quaker · Dec 19, 2009, 06:17 PM // 18:17

If there is no warranty seal, or you don't care about the warranty, open it up and make sure the connections to the hard drive have not come loose due to the fall. If the connections to the hard drive are ok, it may be that the USB interface circuit board was damaged - check any connections on that too.
If you have the proper connections in your computer - that is if, for example, your computer has SATA connections and the 1TB hard drive is also SATA - you remove the 1TB from the external case and temporarily connect it to your computer to check that it works and to copy data off it.
Also, if you can, check that the power brick for the external drive hasn't failed. The USB interface may work just off the USB plug's power, but the 1TB drive is sure to need external power.