i have used this device for more than a year. a week ago i could not read it. i ejected it and inserted it again. message i got was device was not recognised by my PC and then device failed to install properly.

under "devices and printers" it is shown as HD-LBU3 (Buffalo External HDD USB Device - Turbo PC) and the comment is that the hardware is working properly. but under the hardware properties-volume tab however, no info is shown. i also keep hearing a clicking sound from the device. it sounds like it is spinning and stopping.

this is a solution that i found online but i am not sure if this will work for me.

" Open the casing, take out the hard drive. Unscrew and remove the little part that acts as a connecting conduit. There's your problem. Toss it.

Go to a computer parts store and ask for an SATA to USB 2.0 cable. Plug that in to your hard drive where you unplugged the power and connectivity conduits. It should power up and work just fine. You can either move all the information onto another hard drive with a pretty casing or you can leave it the way that it is. It will still work the same, just won't look as nice on your desk. "

if this is the solution where do i go to fix this and who can help me. there is also a mention of a data recovery specialist. is there one in malaysia and how much would it cost. i have about 900GB of data stored.

appreciate any suggestions/help. tq

well obviously did not search hard enough or use wrong search words
anyway tks for info. now just need to find someone to help me open up the damn thing cos am a newbie at hardware stuff. don't want to break it.
hmmm i think i have a nerdy nephew somewhere around to help me with that.

once again thanks a lot guys.

thank you thank you it makes it so easier than having to explain what i want done.