Internal Components of a Hard Drive

Disk Case - The rectangular shaped disk case holds all of the components of a hard
disk drive.  The case is secured by screws and should not be opened outside of a
dust-free environment.

Disk Platter - The platter shaped like a record with a magnetic surface.  Its job is to
store the data contained on the hard disk drive.  There can be one or multiple platters
depending on the disk capacity.  A spindle holds the platters together and the motor
rotates them at a certain speed.

Spindle - The spindle holds the platters together and the motor rotates the platters
at their designated speed, which is measured in RPM.

Actuator - This is designed to move the read/write arm to the correct position on the
platter to read the data.

Read/Write Arm - The read/write arm contains many "heads" on the end of the arm
which are designed to float above the platter and read data from the platter.
 

The many internal components of a hard disk drive are fragile must be treated with
care.  A hard disk should only be opened in a dust-free environment called a
"clean room".   Most professional data recovery companies have a clean room
in which they temporarily repair a damaged hard drive to recover the data.  The
disk platters can be permanently damaged by dust, dirt, and fingerprints, which
can make the data unrecoverable.  The heads on the read/write arm are not easy to
manipulate.  One incorrect move can render them worthless.  It is important that
you do not try to open the hard drive yourself, as this can cost you your data.

Recommended Data Recovery Companies:

Data Recovery Service by ReWave Hard Drive Recovery